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Participants in New Colombo Plan take part in an education project in Vietnam. Photo: Australian Embassy in Vietnam

By welcoming 677 Australian students in 2020, Vietnam continues to prove its position as a top choice destination for Australian undergraduate students participating in the Australian Government’s New Colombo Plan, providing Australian students with the opportunity to gain the cross-cultural awareness and experiences that are vital in today’s globally connected workforce.

The 47 New Colombo Plan projects in which 677 students will participate are in various areas: health, information technology, community development, agriculture, environmental management, innovation and entrepreneurship, and language teaching.

“Over time, the growing cohort of New Colombo Plan alumni will play an increasingly important role in Australia's relationships with Vietnam. They will become an influential and diverse network of Australians with direct country experience and strong professional and personal networks with Vietnam, and they will contribute to the future prosperity of both countries,” said H.E. Ms Robyn Mudie, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam.

Australian student provides medical check-up for people in disadvantaged area of Vietnam. Photo: Australian Embassy in Vietnam

Reflecting on their time in Vietnam, current New Colombo Plan alumni spoke highly about the skills and knowledge they had learned. Alumni said that their experience in Vietnam had played a significant role in shaping their personal values and global perspectives.

Of the 36 New Colombo Plan host countries in the Indo-Pacific region in 2020, Vietnam will receive the 4th largest group of students. This year, the number of Australian undergraduates who will have received scholarships to visit Vietnam since 2015 – the inaugural year of the program – will rise to 3,609, making Vietnam the 5th most popular destination in this program.

The growing cohort of New Colombo Plan alumni demonstrates Australia’s commitment to increasing links with the Indo-Pacific. This network of young Australians with experience to the region will continue to contribute to deepening regional understanding and people to people links.