Learning abroad is clearly back on the agenda, headlined by the AUD$27m allocation for the 2024 New Colombo Plan (NCP) mobility grants round.
This is compared to AUD$15m allocated by DFAT in 2023. The allocation went to 35 Australian Universities, enabling 3,561 students to undertake study in 29 Indo-Pacific countries.
NCP mobility transforms people-to-people relationships and the student experience. As a signature DFAT initiative, it enhances Australia’s regional diplomacy, through an uplift in university, business, community and government engagement.
So, what is the key to an inspired grant application?
- Demonstrating the potential for a sustained link between the Australian and host institution and co-design and delivery with; reciprocal student/staff mobility, joint delivery of academic programs, shared research and innovation and alumni and industry engagement.
- Explaining how the country and partner amplify the Australian student’s study and intern experience.
- Providing practical examples of how projects are designed to enable application and support participation for diverse student cohorts.
- Programs that demonstrate alignment with other DFAT programs.
- Showing interdisciplinary student engagement and opportunities for peer-to-peer learning in the group and with locally engaged students.
- Programs that propose longevity, show capacity for growth and can be sustained through complementary funding sources.
With a pending South East Asia Economic Strategy 2040, a suite of impactful Australian FTA’s and links in public diplomacy covering, among others; the arts, science and sport – there is a surge of exciting Australian connectivity across the region.
The New Colombo Plan, a national asset, will nurture more young Australians through this Indo-Pacific experience, adding to the already 70K-strong alumni community.
The NCP grant information can be seen here
DFAT information packages can be seen here
For international office staff: closing date is 31 August
For academics, learning abroad and program leaders: Reach out to your International Liaison Officer through your Global or International Office for information on your institution’s internal processes and application deadline.
