A record 12 University of Sydney students have been selected as 2026 New Colombo Plan (NCP) Scholars, supporting them to undertake long-term study, language training and professional placements across the Indo-Pacific.
The 2026 cohort spans arts, business, law, science, psychology and computing, with scholars heading to Timor-Leste, Singapore, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Hong Kong, China and Malaysia. Their programs range from intensive language acquisition and cross-cultural communication to research-led psychology and technology-focused study, alongside internships connecting academic learning with real-world experience.
The NCP is an Australian Government initiative administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). The program supports Australian undergraduate students to build Indo-Pacific capability through experiences that combine study, language learning and internships.
Applications for the 2027 NCP Scholarship are expected to open around in mid-2026.
Studying, researching and building connections across the region
Arts student Armelle Harding will study politics at Universidade de Paz (UNPAZ) in in Timor-Leste, while undertaking Tetun language training and engaging with local communities. “To spend time in another country whilst completing your degree is such a blessing”, Armelle said.
In Singapore, Psychology student Ryan Jones plans to build on research opportunities developed at Sydney by pursuing a research internship alongside study at the National University of Singapore. "Singapore as a host location was also appealing to me because it is a great place for me to immerse myself in several different cultures and languages, such as Mandarin, Malay and Tamil, while still being able to communicate in English," said Ryan, who is currently learning Mandarin.
In the Republic of Korea, Science student Maria Jose Patino will focus on developmental neuroscience and psychology, combining study with intensive Korean language training and professional internship experiences. "I aim to gain cross-cultural insights into early intervention and educational support systems that I can apply in my future research and clinical practice in Australia, while fostering lasting bilateral connections," said Maria.
In China, scholars will pursue pathways in business, law and technology, including study at Tsinghua, Peking and Shanghai Jiao Tong universities, alongside Mandarin language training. Bachelor of Laws student Amelie May Roediger will focus on Chinese law and undertake a 6-month internship at a law firm in Beijing, followed by a semester at Shanghai Jiao Tong.
"I am interested in better understanding the Australia-China geopolitical relationship given China is Australia’s largest trading partner and one of the most influential powers in the Indo-Pacific region," said Amelie.
Japan placements include intensive Japanese language study at Kyoto University and Ritsumeikan University, while scholars in Hong Kong will undertake coursework and language training, complemented by internships aligned to commerce and global studies.
Reflecting on her decision to study in Hong Kong, Bachelor of Arts and Advanced Studies student Kristine Zhang encouraged other students to consider applying. "I would tell them to go for it. The world is ever more globalised, and we need more intercultural fluency. The experiences and skills you gain are priceless. You learn so much more about the world and so much more about yourself."
My NCP program includes a semester exchange at Peking University, where I will deepen my understanding of China’s business culture and rapidly evolving market while building long-term friendships and professional networks.
Jo Ee Ng
NCP scholar
2026 University of Sydney New Colombo Plan scholars
Lorenzo Rufino Ong Balinghasay
Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Advanced Studies
Malaysia - University of Malaya
Armelle Harding
Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Advanced Studies
Timor Leste - Universidade de Paz (UNPAZ)
Ryan Matthew Jones
Bachelor of Psychology Honours
Singapore - National University of Singapore (Super Exchange Scholarship)
Jaime Quyen Le
Bachelor of Commerce
Hong Kong - University of Hong Kong (Super Exchange Scholarship)
Jay Lim
Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Advanced Studies
Japan - Kyoto University
Selina Lin
Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Advanced Studies
China - Peking University (Guanghua School of Management)
Jo Ee Ng
Bachelor of Commerce
China - Peking University (Guanghua School of Management)
Maria Jose Patino
Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Advanced Studies
Korea, Republic of - Seoul National University
Amelie May Roediger
Bachelor of Laws
China - Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Melissa Yongyi Su
Bachelor of Advanced Computing and Bachelor of Commerce
China - Tsinghua University
Ella Charlotte Timms
Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Advanced Studies
Japan - Ritsumeikan University
Kristine Zhang
Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Advanced Studies
Hong Kong - University of Hong Kong (Super Exchange Scholarship)