UniSC students awarded 2026 New Colombo Plan Scholarships | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

Two University of the Sunshine Coast students have been awarded highly competitive Australian Government New Colombo Plan (NCP) Scholarships, recognising their academic excellence, leadership potential and commitment to strengthening Australia’s engagement with the Indo-Pacific. 

Bachelor of Business student Jack Coombes and Bachelor of Nutrition student Connor Hartigan were both awarded the prestigious scholarships.  

Jack will spend his time in Thailand, completing language training, an internship and a semester studying at Chulalongkorn University – the top-ranked university in the country, according to Times Higher Education 2026 World University Rankings.  

Jack said he’s “genuinely excited about this opportunity" because it "offers the chance to gain meaningful experience while stepping into a new environment that encourages growth and independence.”  

“Being able to challenge myself, develop new skills, and broaden my perspective is something I value highly – and this experience provides that in a unique and practical way,” he said.  

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity and motivated to make the most of it, both personally and professionally."

Connor will study in India at one of the country’s highest-ranked tertiary institutions – Amity University.  

Connor said he was “thrilled and privileged to live in India for nine months”.  

“I'm eager to study in their leading institutions and work on the ground with NGOs in Delhi and Bangalore.  

“I can't wait to immerse myself in India's rich culture and make some friends overseas.” 

The New Colombo Plan Scholarship is one of the Australian Government’s most prestigious undergraduate awards, supporting students to live, study and work in the Indo-Pacific while building long-term people-to-people and economic links. 

More than 20 UniSC students have received New Colombo Plan scholarships since the initiative began in 2014.