UQ students to reap New Colombo Plan global rewards

More than 270 University of Queensland students will reap the rewards of more than $1.23 million allocated to UQ in the latest round of Federal Government New Colombo Plan mobility program funding.

UQ Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Peter Høj said the funding would support 274 undergraduate students to travel overseas for short-term study, practicums and internships in 2019.

"The New Colombo program gives us an opportunity to leverage our global partnerships and world-class reputation to provide rewarding experiences for our students and to strengthen relationships and graduate opportunities in the Indo-Pacific,” he said.

He said another 77 students would travel aboard as a result of $319,000 in continued funding for projects announced in 2016 and 2017.

This year’s funding includes a significant increase in student grants for projects in the Pacific, including Papua New Guinea, and extends for the first time to UQ projects in Niue and French Polynesia.

School of Earth and Environmental Sciences senior lecturer Dr Karen McNamara said it presented a tremendous opportunity for UQ to strengthen ties with one Australia’s closest neighbours.

“The New Colombo grant provides much-needed financial support for our environmental management students to undertake industry placement in Niue, a small country in the South Pacific,” she said.

“Our students will work closely with the Niue Ministry of Social Services and Ministry of Natural Resources to undertake research, capacity building and policy making on key sustainable development issues.

“It’s the first New Colombo project in Niue, and a great step towards developing future collaborations and relationships between our two countries.”

Professor Høj said UQ was committed to offering diverse global pathways for students who were increasingly interested in the personal and professional opportunities offered by hands-on international experiences.

“International programs such as this diversify students’ skills and improve employability by providing experience living, studying and undertaking work experience abroad,” he said.

“Importantly, they help shape future leaders with strong networks across the Indo-Pacific – a region with which UQ is closely linked.

“New Colombo opportunities form part of the University’s rich suite of international experiences, encompassing research, international development and academic links.

“From renewable energy technologies and sustainable mining practices to disease control and child psychology, collaboration in the Indo-Pacific is working towards a cleaner and healthier future.”

The New Colombo funding was announced by Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and Minister for Education and Training Simon Birmingham.

A full list ranking participating universities by total funding can be found below. 

Media: Dr Jessica Gallagher, Director, Global Engagement and Entrepeneurship, j.gallagher@uq.edu.au, +61 435 961 173.