The School of International Studies is delighted to announce that it has secured over $1 million in New Colombo Plan (NCP) funding, enabling 58 students to embark on transformative semester exchange programs at leading Indo-Pacific universities from 2026 to July 2028.

This achievement is a testament to the dedication and leadership of Dr Alexandra Kurmann and Dr Mei-fen Kuo, whose efforts have strengthened the School's global partnerships and created new opportunities for students to broaden their horizons.

The funding supports four semester-long programs designed to provide students in the Bachelor of International Studies, Bachelor of Security Studies, and Bachelor of Criminology with unparalleled academic, cultural, and linguistic experiences. These programs will take place at some of the region's most prestigious institutions:

Country	University	Funding
Thailand	Mahidol University 20 students	$300,000
Japan	Sophia University 6 students	$90,000
Singapore	Nanyang Technological University 20 students	$300,000
Taiwan	National Taiwan University 12 students	$300,000

In addition to the semester programs, the School of International Studies is proud to celebrate one of its outstanding students, Phoi-Nhi (Cayden) Thai, who is among nine Macquarie University students to receive a prestigious New Colombo Plan Scholarship.

This highly competitive scholarship supports Australian students in undertaking study, language training, and internships across the Indo-Pacific region. Phoi-Nhi, a Bachelor of International Studies student, will use this exceptional opportunity to enhance their skills, build intercultural connections, and contribute to the School's commitment to fostering globally engaged leaders.

As an initiative of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the New Colombo Plan fosters strong relationships between Australia and its Indo-Pacific neighbours by equipping young Australians with the knowledge and experiences needed to become globally engaged leaders.

The School of International Studies takes immense pride in this accomplishment and its students' success. By advancing international opportunities and fostering cross-cultural understanding, the School contributes significantly to Macquarie University's mission to build meaningful global partnerships and prepare students for an interconnected world.