• Charles Sturt University Islamic studies student receives New Colombo Plan scholarship
• Alissa Shaheed-Arif is one of three Charles Sturt recipients in 2025
• The scholarship will allow her to study at a host university in Malaysia

An Islamic studies student from Christmas Island is one of three Charles Sturt University students to receive a New Colombo Plan Scholarship for 2025.

Ms Alissa Shaheed-Arif is studying a Bachelor of Islamic Studies through Charles Sturt University’s United Theological College and is preparing to take her studies to Malaysia with the support of the scholarship.

The New Colombo Plan (NCP) scholarship provides a life-changing opportunity for three of the University’s regional students to study at a university of their choice in the Indo Pacific for up to 19 months.

Ms Shaheed-Arif said she is beyond grateful to receive the opportunity to study abroad.

“As an online student studying from a rural location, it grants me the opportunity to complete a part of my degree face-to-face at my host university, creating life-long friendships,” she said.

“Most importantly, this experience will allow me to inspire the upcoming generation within my community to seek higher education by demonstrating that the pathways and opportunities are limitless, regardless of your living circumstances.”

Ms Shaheed-Arif is one of 219 Australian undergraduate students from 33 universities across Australia who have been offered NCP scholarships for 2025.

Each scholar has the opportunity to live, study and intern in the Indo-Pacific, playing an essential role in building both the knowledge and skills in the region, and deepening Australia’s ties in the region.

In 2014, the NCP began as a pilot supporting 40 scholars and more than 1,300 mobility students to study and undertake work placements across four pilot locations – Indonesia, Singapore, Japan and Hong Kong.

Manager of Charles Sturt Global Engagement Ms Samantha Ambridge said the University has seen 11 students awarded NCP scholarships.

“These scholarships are worth thousands of dollars for each student covering reasonable living and tuition expenses,” Ms Ambridge said.

“Expenses cover tuition fees, language training, travel allowance, establishment costs, scholarship allowances, insurance and more.”

Ms Shaheed-Arif will attend the International Islamic University Malaysia, where she will receive language training, an internship and study focusing on Arabic language.

The New Colombo Plan is an initiative of the Australian Government, which aims to lift knowledge of the Indo-Pacific in Australia by supporting Australian undergraduates to undertake study, language training and internships in the Indo-Pacific.

The 2025 Scholars commenced their program preparations in December 2024 with online pre-departure training. This will continue in February 2025 in Canberra, where they’ll continue with pre-departure briefings in person culminating in an award ceremony to celebrate their achievements.

Charles Sturt University is Australia’s largest regional university with major campuses in Bathurst, Orange, Wagga Wagga, Dubbo, Albury-Wodonga and Port Macquarie. The University has also opened campuses in Sydney and Melbourne.