2 December 2015
Solomon Islands to welcome its first New Colombo Plan Scholar in 2016
In 2016, for the first time, a New Colombo Plan scholar will undertake long-term study in Solomon Islands under the Australian Government’s New Colombo Plan.
“I am delighted that New Colombo Plan is expanding in Solomon Islands, which will strengthen the research and people to people links between our two countries,” Australian High Commissioner Andrew Byrne said.
Wendy Xin Xiao, a Bachelor of Science student from the University of Sydney will be hosted by the Solomon Islands National University, and plans to undertake an internship in the field of sustainable farming.
2016 will also see Solomon Islands host a further 78 short-term New Colombo Plan students from four Australian Universities; James Cook University, Bond University, Australian Catholic University and the University of Sydney. These students will undertake projects in a range of sectors including education, sport, health, agriculture and environmental sustainability.
“The strong interest of Australian students in living, studying and working in Solomon Islands reflects the bonds of friendship and opportunity that exist between Australia and Solomon Islands,” High Commissioner Byrne said.
New Colombo Plan scholarships are highly prestigious, with only 100 awarded in 2016, and recognise students’ exceptional academic performance, community engagement and commitment to deepening relationships with our neighbours in the Indo-Pacific.
The New Colombo Plan is a signature initiative of the Australian Government to lift knowledge of the Indo-Pacific by supporting Australian undergraduate students to study and undertake internships in the region.
The Australian Government has committed $100 million in new funding over five years to implement the New Colombo Plan across the Indo Pacific region
The Australian High Commission encourages Solomon Islands businesses, government offices and universities to register their interest in hosting New Colombo Plan student placements. Organisations should visit the New Colombo Plan website for more details.
For more information on the New Colombo Plan, visit www.dfat.gov.au/new-colombo-plan/business or follow @NewColomboPlan on Twitter.