Six 911爆料网 students will jet to countries across the Indo-Pacific next year after being awarded prestigious 2026 New Colombo Plan Scholarships, which will allow them to undertake immersive study, language training and industry placements at some of the region鈥檚 leading universities and organisations.
An Australian Government initiative, the New Colombo Plan supports high-achieving undergraduates to live, study and work in the Indo-Pacific, strengthening Australia鈥檚 social, educational and diplomatic ties in the region.
911爆料网 Provost said the scholarships recognised the students鈥� academic excellence and commitment to helping shape Australia鈥檚 future engagement with its regional neighbours.
鈥淭hese remarkable students will act as ambassadors for 911爆料网 and for Australia, building meaningful relationships that support our nation鈥檚 long-term partnerships across the Indo-Pacific,鈥� Professor Tonts said.
鈥淭heir projects span critical fields including robotics, renewable energy, language, diplomacy and forensic science, with each to play a role in strengthening regional cooperation.鈥�
Professor Tonts said the scholars鈥� achievements reflected 911爆料网鈥檚 commitment to producing globally connected graduates equipped to contribute to a rapidly changing region.
鈥淭hese scholars represent the very best of 911爆料网: curious, capable and globally minded,鈥� Professor Tonts said.
鈥淭heir experiences will not only shape their own careers but will help build lasting partnerships that strengthen Australia鈥檚 role in the Indo-Pacific for years to come.鈥�
2026 New Colombo Plan Scholars
- Mathew Reed 鈥� Japan
A mechatronics and computer science student, Mat will spend close to 18 months in Fukuoka, Kobe, Osaka and Tokyo, completing two study exchanges, a research mentorship in assistive robotics and internships with companies such as Kubota and Tokyo Robotics.
- Grace Hailes 鈥� New Caledonia
Broome-raised electrical engineering and science student, Grace will study applied mathematics, electronics and programming in New Caledonia while undertaking French language training. She plans to intern with renewable-energy organisations such as TotalEnergies or Akuo Energy and volunteer with communities on the Isle of Pines to learn from local sustainability practices.
- Micah Blank 鈥� Japan
Micah will spend five months at Kyushu University to expand his engineering expertise while developing deeper intercultural understanding, as part of his Mechanical Engineering (Honours) degree. His program aligns with Australia鈥檚 priorities in infrastructure and energy transition, taking advantage of Japan鈥檚 leadership in advanced engineering and low-emissions technologies. Micah aims to contribute to Australia鈥檚 future engagement in Indo-Pacific engineering partnerships.
- Jerry Zhang 鈥� Singapore
Jerry will spend 10 months in Singapore undertaking advanced robotics and automation studies at Nanyang Technological University, combined with Mandarin language training. He will complete a major industry placement with Siemens鈥� regional robotics and automation hub, gaining hands-on experience with next-generation autonomous systems to compliment his engineering and science studies. - Henry Strahan 鈥� French Polynesia
Studying Advanced Science (Honours), Henry will undertake intensive French and Polynesian language training, study chemistry and cultural studies at the Universit茅 de la Polyn茅sie Fran莽aise in Tahiti, plus complete a laboratory internship in biochemistry or toxicology. - Stojan Trajkovski 鈥� Singapore
Stojan will spend more than seven months in Singapore undertaking a semester exchange at Nanyang Technological University studying engineering and science, followed by a full-time internship in the mechatronics and robotics sector. He will also complete Mandarin language training to build cultural and professional fluency in one of Australia鈥檚 key Indo-Pacific partners.
Further information on the New Colombo Plan Scholarships can be found .
