Deakin University is celebrating a record year in the New Colombo Plan, with 23 students awarded Australian Government scholarships to study across the Indo-Pacific in 2026.
The successful recipients were announced in Canberra this week by Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong, marking the largest number of Deakin students selected in a single year since the program began.
International studies student Lucy Harrop, who will study at a university in Indonesia, said the scholarship brought months of planning to life. “I was so excited when I found out I’d been successful because I felt like everything that I had written down and planned for months could come to life,” she said. “I’m excited to see how university life compares to Australia, but most importantly, I’m just excited to live the university experience overseas.”
Law and arts student Oscar McNamara said the opportunity would allow him to build language skills and cultural understanding in the region. “I’m looking forward to being able to practise learning some Mandarin, being able to meet people from different countries and really gain a broader understanding of the culture in Southeast Asia,” he said.
The 2026 cohort includes students from a wide range of disciplines, including biomedical science, engineering, law, international studies and environmental science.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Partnerships Dr David Halliwell congratulated the recipients, describing the scholarships as an important investment in Australia’s regional relationships. “The New Colombo Plan empowers our students to be global citizens for life, work and leadership, and we thank the Australian Government for this significant support,” he said.
Each scholarship provides up to $107,000 to support study and living costs overseas, enabling students to immerse themselves in their host countries, undertake intensive language training and complete internships that build professional networks.
Dr Halliwell said recent expansions to the New Colombo Plan, including the introduction of a Semester Program, a stronger focus on Asian languages and an increase in the number of scholarships, would ensure the program continued to strengthen Australia’s engagement with the Indo-Pacific.
“With a new cohort of scholars embarking on this life-changing journey, Deakin is excited about the continued impact of the New Colombo Plan on its students, alumni and the broader Indo-Pacific region,” he said. “The University looks forward to seeing the contributions these students will make both abroad and upon their return to Australia.”
Deakin has been involved in the New Colombo Plan since its launch in 2014, with 90 students awarded scholarships to date. The university said its NCP alumni continue to play an active role in fostering long-term links between Australia and countries across the region.
