Australian High Commission
New Delhi
India, Bhutan

New Colombo Plan 2019 India Scholars Announced

PA/25/18                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                5 December 2018

                                                                                            New Colombo Plan 2019 India Scholars Announced

The Australian Government awarded New Colombo Plan scholarships to six Australian undergraduates to live, study and gain work experience in India in 2019. 

Australia’s High Commissioner to India, Her Excellency Ms Harinder Sidhu, said that the New Colombo Plan was a practical example of Australia’s commitment to learn from its neighbours in the region.

“The New Colombo Plan is a long-term investment in our relationship with India. We are sending some of our most talented young scholars to India, knowing it will help create enduring bonds of friendship and engagement over the decades to come,” said Ms Sidhu.New Colombo Plan 2019 India scholars include:

·         James Rosengren (Bond University Limited)

·         Thomas Crellin (The University of Notre Dame)

·         Reuben Caudell (University of Southern Queensland)

·         Zachary Frazer (The University of Queensland)

·         Ashley Eadon (La Trobe University)

·         Jessa Palencia (Southern Cross University)

New Colombo Plan 2019 India scholars will study a broad range of disciplines including Economics, Social and Behavioural Science, Health and Biomedical Science, International Law, Psychology, General Nursing and Cultural Studies at leading Indian education institutions - the University of Delhi, Panjab University, O.P. Jindal University and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).

Scholars will also gain real-life work experience of Indian workplaces through internships, practicums and mentorships with organisations such as Tata Strategic Management Group, the Supreme Court of India, the United Nations Development Programme, affiliate hospital of AIIMS. 

Private sector engagement is central to the value of the New Colombo Plan. Scholars return to Australia with solid experience and an appreciation of the workplace culture of India, becoming part of a new generation with cross-cultural skills and a deep understanding of the Indo-Pacific.

“The New Colombo Plan is equipping these exceptional young Australians with the skills and experience needed to succeed in a region that is crucial to Australia’s prosperity and security,” Ms Sidhu added.

Additionally, 1,261 Australian students will come to India in 2019 for short term internships, mentorships and training opportunities under the New Colombo Plan Mobility Program.