UTS is well represented in the first round of the Australian Government's New Colombo Plan mobility and scholarships scheme, securing 25 of the 300 grants awarded nationwide this semester.
Launched by Prime Minister Tony Abbott in Tokyo on Monday 7 April, the program provides scholarships for Australian students to undertake study, internships or work placements in the four pilot locations of Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Japan.
"The scholarships were distributed between 24 Australian universities, so the fact that UTS was able to attract such a high proportion of the funding illustrates the strength of our international engagement," says the manager of UTS's international student mobility programs, Simon Watson.
"UTS has one of the largest student exchange programs of any Australian university, including partnerships with 46 institutions across Asia, so is naturally well placed to be a key participant in the New Colombo Plan," he said.
"The funding offered really supports the University's aim to offer more of our students the opportunity to study overseas – particularly in the Asia-Pacific region – as part of their UTS degree."
The successful UTS students each received $7000 to study in Japan this semester, and were invited to meet the Prime Minister at two events held in Tokyo last week.
"It was an honour," said International Studies and Science (Information Technology) student, Dale Wong. "Without the New Colombo Plan, I would not have had the opportunity to meet the Australian Prime Minister up close – in Japan of all places.
"I greatly appreciate receiving the scholarship as it demonstrates that the Australian Government sees the value of its citizens engaging with our neighbours in Asia."
Fellow scholarship recipient, Ming-Hao Sandy Chen (International Studies and Law) said the award money will make a big difference to her overseas experience.
"The scholarship will be enough to cover my rent for the year, making it easier for me to travel and experience Japan without having to worry about my finances," she said. "For example, I can now join the Aikido club and not worry about how expensive the gear will be."
Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop said, "These students exemplify what the New Colombo Plan is all about – young people travelling to the region not only to study, but to gain industry relevant experience, develop language skills and immerse themselves in another culture."
In 2015, the Government plans to expand the program, investing $100 million over the next five years to assist Australian students to study part of their undergraduate degree in locations across the whole of the Asia-Pacific region.
For more information about New Colombo Plan mobility awards available to UTS students visit: www.ssu.uts.edu.au/globalexchange/colombo.html.
- Twenty-five UTS students have received $7000 to study in Japan this semester in the first round of the Australian Government's New Colombo Plan mobility and scholarships scheme
- "It was an honour," said UTS student Dale Wong, who along with other scholarship recipients, was invited to meet the Prime Minister at two events held in Tokyo last week