Jakarta, Indonesia: A New Colombo Plan Program

The short-term research and cultural program provide a unique and exciting opportunity to immerse yourself in Indonesia’s capital city, Jakarta, for four weeks from 22 November to 20 December 2025. This program is a New Colombo Plan (NCP) signature Australian government (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade) initiative, to develop students’ understanding of the Indo-Pacific region, cultural competency, diplomacy skills and business acumen in an international context. Indonesia is the largest market in Southeast Asia, poised to be the world’s 4th largest economy in purchasing power parity by 2030 due to its large middle class, young population, strong economic growth and abundant resources. With a Business and Sustainability theme, this highly experiential program in conjunction with Binus University comprises of site visits, seminars and classes in Jakarta to study sustainability challenges and opportunities particularly in the food and beverages, FMCG, beauty, fashion and hospitality industries.  Students craft their own research projects related to the theme and offer innovative solutions for a better future. 

By participating in this program, you will:

• develop your research, resilience, collaborative and communication skills
• receive a total of six credit points towards your degree by successfully completing the Business School elective or selective unit of study, BUSS2340 (Global Immersion) and the in-country component (and assessments)
• receive $4,000 of New Colombo Plan grant, if selected, to assist with program costs.

The program cannot count towards your major, minor or specialisation. As you’ll need to have at least six credit points of elective or selective space available to participate, we recommend planning your degree early to ensure you have the credit points available. For more information on how this unit can contribute towards your degree, check your handbook.

If you're approved to participate in this program, make sure you read the student responsibilities statement to ensure you understand your responsibilities.

A minimum enrolment number is required for the unit to proceed. If minimum numbers are not met the unit may be cancelled.

This program is open to eligible Business School undergraduate students.

Key dates

Program and study requirements

Unit of study

If you’re successful in the application process and offered a place in the program, you’ll be enrolled in the unit of study, Global Immersion, BUSS2340.

To satisfy the requirements for this unit, you’ll need to complete:

• all pre-departure classes in Sydney
• all in-country program
• preparatory coursework in culture and research methodology
• graded assessments focused on developing reflection skills, group work, critical thinking and research methods, report writing and presentations. 

You’re expected to represent the University and New Colombo Plan in a positive manner. Inappropriate behaviour or misrepresentation of the University's name and resources, either professionally or otherwise, may result in immediate termination from the program and refund of the New Colombo Plan grant. 

During the program, you’re not permitted to participate in any deviated activities outside the itinerary, travel interstate on your own, seek placements or work arrangements in Indonesia, and/or stay at a different accommodation other than the designated setting for the cohort.  

There are a maximum of twenty places only. Selection is competitive.

You’ll have access to support from a Unit of Study Coordinator from the Business School while undertaking this program, Dr Jeaney Yip, who is a regular recipient and New Colombo Plan program expert.

Financial information

Fees and costs

Financial assistance

You may be eligible to apply for financial assistance to cover the cost of some of your overseas travel and study expenses.

General bursary

If you think you might experience financial hardship by undertaking this program, you can apply for a general bursary through Sydney Student (go to ‘My finances’, ‘Scholarships, prizes, bursaries and loans’, then ‘Apply for financial support’). These are valued up to $2,000 and can assist with essential living and study expenses.

Your application will be assessed by the Student Life team.

Find out more information about general bursaries.

If you have any questions about financial support, or need help to apply, please reach out to Student Life by submitting a financial support enquiry.

Refunds

If the program is cancelled by the University prior to 3 October 2025 due to unforeseen circumstances, you’ll receive a 100% refund of the program fee.

If you withdraw from the program after paying the deposit or the full program fee, you won’t be entitled to a refund for any of the program fee. You will also be asked to return the $4,000 NCP grant if already disbursed. 

The University will not refund any additional or personal expenses you incur, even if the program is cancelled by us.

The University’s standard policies apply to the refund of the unit of study tuition fee if the unit is cancelled or you withdraw.

Withdrawing from the program

If you need to withdraw from the program, please email business.placements@sydney.edu.au.

Make sure you read our information about refunds.

Media

You are expected to agree to photographs and video taken in connection to the program being used for marketing purposes by the University of Sydney Business School and partner organisations. You may also be invited to participate in the marketing and promotion of the placement program by sharing your experience.

Confidentiality

Student information as required for administering all aspects of the program will be transferred from the University of Sydney Business School to partner and host organisations.

More information

If you have any questions about the program, or wish to discuss special circumstances, you can contact us at business.placements@sydney.edu.au.