Congratulations to the 2024 New Colombo Plan Scholar
Study Overseas congratulates a University of Adelaide undergraduate student who was awarded a 2024 New Colombo Plan Scholarship to undertake an internship in the Indo-Pacific region.
Preshaan Thavarajah (Bachelor of Mathematical & Computer Sciences with a Bachelor of Finance & Banking) intends to study at the National University of Singapore, Singapore.
The New Colombo Plan is a signature initiative of the Australian Government, which aims to lift knowledge of the Indo-Pacific in Australia by supporting Australian undergraduates to study and undertake internships within the region.
Preshaan (far right) with fellow 2024 NCP Scholars. Photo credit: Department of Foreign Affairs and Travel, New Colombo Plan.
Preshaan is excited about the rich opportunities the Scholarship Program offers and had the following to say about the Pre-Departure Training and Awards Ceremony he attended in Canberra, December 2023.
"The [New Colombo Plan] NCP pre-departure training was a whirlwind three days in Canberra, where I was able to meet my fellow New Colombo Plan Scholarship recipients and hear from a range of exceptional speakers who highlighted the truly amazing opportunity a New Colombo Plan Scholarship presents.
The speakers covered a range of topics ranging from safety whilst travelling overseas to First Nations diplomacy. I particularly enjoyed the sessions focussed on strategies to build networks and to source internships whilst overseas.The highlight of the trip would be attending parliament house for the New Colombo Plan awards ceremony on Tuesday evening. It was wonderful to be recognized for our achievements in the parliament house, a place of such significance.
I was also fortunate enough to visit the Singapore High Commission in Canberra. I was able interact with individuals who had spent decades growing up in Singapore, enabling me to learn about various intricacies of the country. One notable one is the use of ‘Singlish’, the dialect of English spoken in Singapore!Preshaan Thavarajah
Ultimately, the NCP pre-departure training was an incredible experience and has filled me with confidence for my adventure in Singapore!"
The New Colombo Plan Scholarship is highly prestigious, and one of the highest-value international study scholarships available to Australian students.
In 2024, the NCP will celebrate its 10th anniversary and the achievements of the 45,00 alumni who have completed scholarships and mobility projects since the program commenced in 2024.
NCP scholarships are open to eligible Australian undergraduates currently studying at Australian universities.
University of Adelaide currently has over 29 partners in the Indo-Pacific region where students can take part in semester- or year-length exchange.