The Australian Government has 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 Harinder Sidhu said that the New Colombo Plan was a practical example of Australia's commitment to learning 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 Sidhu.
Names of the scholars in the list include James Rosengren from Bond University Limited, Thomas Crellin from The University of Notre Dame, Reuben Caudell from the University of Southern Queensland, Zachary Frazer from The University of Queensland, Ashley Eadon from La Trobe University, and Jessa Palencia from Southern Cross University.
According to the New Colombo Plan 2019 India, the 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 educational institutions such as the University of Delhi, Panjab University, OP 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 United Nations Development Programme and the Supreme Court of India.
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Private sector engagement is central to the value of the New Colombo Plan. Scholars would return to Australia with solid experience and an appreciation of the workplace culture of India, thereby 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," 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.