A record-breaking number of global ambassadors is set to emerge from the University of Melbourne, with all 20 of its nominated undergraduates selected to receive New Colombo Plan (NCP) Scholarships for 2026 – the largest intake from the University since the program’s inception in 2014.
The NCP Scholarship Program is an Australian Government initiative that empowers undergraduates to live, learn and build meaningful connections across the Indo-Pacific. The program supports students to undertake immersive study, intensive language training and internships across 40 host locations in the Indo-Pacific.
This year’s scholars will spend up to 19 months abroad, giving them the opportunity to deepen their academic learning, strengthen cross-cultural understanding, and contribute to Australia’s relationships in the region.
University of Melbourne Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global, Culture and Engagement) Professor Michael Wesley congratulated the cohort.
“Being selected as a New Colombo Plan Scholar is an extraordinary honour and opportunity. It is wonderful to see 20 of our students embarking on this journey,” Professor Wesley said.
“These scholars exemplify the University’s commitment to global engagement and meaningful intercultural exchange. By collaborating with our Indo-Pacific partners, they will help solve pressing challenges and build a more connected, resilient future for Australia and our region.”
Among the recipients is Ryan Merton, a Bachelor of Commerce student and Narrm Scholar who was also awarded the prestigious role of the 2026 Fellow for ASEAN, one of five fellowships awarded each year nationally through the NCP. He was selected from top-ranked NCP scholars to play a leading role in strengthening links between Australia and Southeast Asian countries.
The five annual Fellowships include one each for First Nations, ASEAN, Pacific, Climate Change, and Language, with each fellow’s program closely aligned with their theme.
“I’m thrilled about this immersive opportunity to enhance my Asia literacy, build lasting regional connections, and deepen my understanding of Thai culture and economics. It’s the perfect foundation for a career in professional and financial services focused on the Indo-Pacific,” Ryan said.
“I also feel privileged to receive the role of the 2026 Fellow for ASEAN, and the confidence in which the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has placed in me comes with great honour. I look forward to strengthening Australia-ASEAN relations, while contributing to the objectives of the New Colombo Plan in the region.”
The University’s commitment to building Australia’s Indo-Pacific capability is further reflected in the outcomes of this year’s NCP Semester and Mobility programs. In 2026, the University will support more than one hundred students to undertake semester-length studies and internships across the region, as part of ten major projects that focus on strengthening Asian language skills and deepening regional expertise.
In addition, 45 students will benefit from grants through the NCP Mobility Program, which supports short-term study, language and cultural training, and industry placements in the region. This initiative will enable students to travel to South Korea for an intensive academic experience, further developing leadership and cultural exchange opportunities.
The full list of University of Melbourne New Colombo Scholars for 2026 is:
- Ruby Hanlon, Bachelor of Arts – University of the South Pacific (Fiji)
- Jack Coady, Bachelor of Arts – University of Tokyo (Japan)
- Elodie Dillon, Bachelor of Arts – National University of Mongolia
- Jemma Griffin, Bachelor of Arts/Diploma in Mathematical Sciences – Chulalongkorn University (Thailand)
- Ziyi Zhang, Bachelor of Commerce – Tsinghua University (China)
- Kavya Monnappa, Bachelor of Commerce student – University Gadjah Mada (Indonesia)
- Lachlan Montebello, Bachelor of Commerce – University of Tokyo (Japan)
- Valerie Golebiewska, Bachelor of Commerce/Diploma in Languages – National University of Singapore
- Eeshan Karra, Bachelor of Commerce – Singapore Management University
- Tony Le, Bachelor of Commerce – Singapore Management University
- Kate Xie, Bachelor of Commerce – Korea University (South Korea)
- Emer Hooi, Bachelor of Commerce/Diploma in Languages – National Taiwan University
- Ryan Merton, Bachelor of Commerce – Chulalongkorn University (Thailand)
- Peter Oelrichs, Bachelor of Science/Diploma in Languages – Nanjing University (China)
- Caitlyn Tao, Bachelor of Science student – Tsinghua University (China)
- Ameya Mahesh, Bachelor of Science – Indian Institute of Technology (India)
- Avjay Bhar, Bachelor of Science/Diploma in Computing – University of Tokyo (Japan)
- Greer Thomson, Bachelor of Science – University of Tokyo (Japan)
- Lawrence Hider, Bachelor of Science/Diploma in Computing – National University of Singapore
- On Yu (Anna) Cheung, Bachelor of Science/Diploma in Computing – Korea University (South Korea)
The NCP Scholarships offer comprehensive support, including tuition fees, living costs and travel funding, enabling scholars to design programs that combine study, training placements and internships. The program has a strong focus on language learning, particularly in Bahasa Indonesia, Mandarin, Japanese and Vietnamese.
