• Three Charles Sturt University students have been selected among 150 scholars to receive 2024 New Colombo Plan (NCP) scholarships to study in the Indo-Pacific region next year
• The NCP enables Charles Sturt domestic students to participate in international study and internship experiences as part of their course
• Two science students and one social work student will study in Japan, Singapore and Palau

Three Charles Sturt University undergraduate students have been awarded scholarships in the 2024 New Colombo Plan Scholarship Program for study in the Indo-Pacific region.

The New Colombo Plan (NCP) was established in 2014 to support students to study and undertake internships in 40 locations across the Indo-Pacific.

The three Charles Sturt students are (pictured left to right) Ms Chelsea Williams, Ms Rose Chamberlain, and Ms Natalie Mullins.

Ms Samantha Ambridge, Manager of Charles Sturt Global Engagement, said the scholarships provide students with support to obtain vital skills and knowledge in their fields.

“The New Colombo Plan provides an excellent opportunity for our Charles Sturt domestic students to participate in an international study and internship experience as part of their course,” she said.

“The New Colombo Plan assists our students and the University to expand and deepen our relationships in the Indo-Pacific region, where we have extensive partnerships for academic collaboration, mobility and research.”

The 2024 Scholarship round awarded 150 undergraduate students with support for up to 19 months of study, internships, mentorships and language training.

2024 saw the introduction of two new Fellow categories: Pacific Fellow, and Climate Change Fellow.

The most popular host nation destinations are Japan, Indonesia, Fiji, Singapore, and the Republic of Korea.

Ten per cent of scholars are First Nations people, and 12 percent are ‘first in family’ to attend university. Twenty-two percent of scholars speak a language other than English at home, 12 per cent have a disability, and 38 per cent of scholars are based in remote or regional Australia.

Ms Chamberlain comes from Tocumwal, NSW, and is studying a Bachelor of Science in the Charles Sturt School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences.

She will study at the Palau Community College on the island nation of Palau in the western Pacific, east of the Philippines and north of Papua New Guinea.

“Being offered the New Colombo Plan scholarship has granted me an incredibly exciting and important opportunity to fulfill a number of my personal goals, not only as a Charles Sturt University student, but also as a woman in science,” Ms Chamberlain said.

“My time in Palau will be exceptionally valuable to my degree as Palau has some of the most diverse ecosystems in Micronesia, both on land and underwater.

“Coming from a non-coastal, regional background with limited opportunities for overseas travel, I am overwhelmingly grateful, and determined to delve into this experience with ambition, appreciation and a passion for biology.”

Ms Chamberlain’s time in Palau will span from late July to mid-December 2024, and her NCP studies will be based at the Palau Community College in Koror from August to late November.

“I intend to complete two internships based on environmental conservation; one during my study, and a secondary one that will be completed in December. I also look forward to meeting with the local Palauans whenever possible and exploring their language and culture, along with the breathtaking natural wonders of the country,” she said.

Ms Williams from Blacktown, NSW, is a First Nations student studying a Bachelor of Social Work in the Charles Sturt School of Social Work and Arts and will study in Japan.

“As an Aboriginal woman studying social work, it is my dedication to empower my community and youth, advocate for social justice and contribute to healing and reconciliation,” Ms Williams said.

“For me, receiving the New Colombo Plan scholarship means validation and opportunities to enhance my impact in the field of social work, which is particularly significant given the historical and ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous populations in many parts of the world.”

Ms Natalie Mullins from Buderim on the Sunshine Coast, QLD, is studying a Bachelor of Science in the Charles Sturt School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences and will do her NCP study in Singapore.

“Being awarded an NCP scholarship is an amazing, life changing opportunity that I am so grateful to have achieved,” Ms Mullins said. “I am currently halfway through my Bachelor of Science, majoring in Earth Science and am hopeful this experience will open more research opportunities abroad for me.

“My program will take place for around 12 months in Singapore where I intend to do a semester of study at the National University of Singapore with a part-time language training course and then a 6-month full-time internship before returning to Australia.

“Upon my return I hope to use my newly established connections for support while undertaking my honours.”

Learn more about Charles Sturt Global overseas study opportunities.