CDU receives New Colombo Plan funding boost

Charles Darwin University has received a major funding increase through the New Colombo Plan (NCP) Mobility Program, which will see more of its students having the opportunity to travel and learn in countries in the Indo-Pacific area.

The Australian Government has announced that funding to CDU for the 2018 NCP will total $356,400, which will support 113 students to participate in 14 mobility projects next year.

Students will have the opportunity to travel to Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Timor-Leste, India, Malaysia, Taiwan and the Philippines to study in areas including Chinese language, education, law, exercise and sports science, humanitarian assistance, midwifery, environment and engineering.

CDU Vice-Chancellor Professor Simon Maddocks said the university had well-established relationships with education providers in the region through university partnerships and research collaborations, and he was delighted to see an increase of 32 per cent in funding on the 2017 round.

“The Mobility Program assists students in developing their skills and understanding of our overseas neighbours, and will continue to strengthen our international ties in the Indo-Pacific,” Professor Maddocks said.

He said the grants allowed students to participate in overseas study programs such as the Humanitarian Design Summit in India, giving them an opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of the role engineering and technology played in creating positive change.

“Participation gives students the opportunity to gain valuable experience and also contribute to real design projects that will have direct benefits to a developing community,” Professor Maddocks said.

“Others, such as the In-Country language and culture programs, combine rigorous coursework with cultural immersion and daily interaction with local language speakers.”

The NCP is an initiative of the Australian Government that aims to enhance knowledge of the Indo-Pacific among young Australians.