Today we announce that applications are now open for study, internships, practicums and research in the Indo-Pacific region as part of the 2018 mobility round of the New Colombo Plan.
A signature initiative launched by the Coalition Government in 2014, the New Colombo Plan is designed to deepen Australia's relationships in the region through expanding university, business and people-to-people links.
The New Colombo Plan mobility grants program will provide around $36 million to support Australian undergraduate students from all disciplines and universities to study and undertake research in the Indo-Pacific region in 2018. Internships are also supported to ensure undergraduates have the skills and work experience to contribute to Australia’s economy.
From 2018 the New Colombo Plan will comprise 40 eligible host locations across the Indo-Pacific with the inclusion of French Polynesia and New Caledonia.
Over its first four years, more than 17,400 students have received mobility grants under the New Colombo Plan for short-term and semester-length study in the region.
Recently released data from the 2016 Graduate Outcomes Survey highlighted the value of international study with students who study overseas being more likely to achieve full-time employment, sooner.
The Survey showed 74 per cent of domestic undergraduates who studied abroad during their degree were in full-time employment four months after completing their degree, compared with 70 per cent of domestic undergraduates who did not study abroad.
Further information is available at www.dfat.gov.au/new-colombo-plan.