12 Monash students selected as 2025 New Colombo Plan scholars

12 Monash University students have been awarded prestigious 2025 New Colombo Plan scholarships to study in the Indo-Pacific next year, developing their language and intercultural skills, and undertaking local internships with major international companies.

These students will be acknowledged at an awards ceremony in Canberra on 5 February 2025 and represent the largest cohort of Monash New Colombo Plan scholars to travel to the Indo-Pacific since the initiative began in 2014.

A signature initiative of the Australian Government delivered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the New Colombo Plan promotes meaningful cultural exchange between the Indo-Pacific countries and Australia by supporting Australian undergraduates to study and undertake internships in the region. The Scholars, selected from across Australia, come from a diverse range of backgrounds and fields of study.

This aligns with Monash’s aspirations as a distinctively global university with a significant network of campuses in the Indo-Pacific – in Malaysia, Indonesia, China and India – and our commitment to offering students rich international learning experiences in the region.

Monash’s 12 successful 2025 NCP scholars are:

  • Anica Renner: a Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics student, who will be studying at the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay.
  • Cassandra Stamatescu: a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Global Studies student, who will be studying at the International Islamic University of Indonesia.
  • Finn Cracknell: a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Science student, who will be studying at Tohoku University, Japan.
  • Arian Gazi: a Bachelor of Science Advanced - Global Challenges (Honours) student, who will be studying at the National University of Singapore.
  • Sophia Ao: a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Commerce student, who will be studying at National Taiwan University.
  • Lan-Tian Yen-West: a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Commerce student, who will be studying at Peking University, China.
  • Maximus Sandler: a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) student, who will be studying at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China.
  • Grace Lee: a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Biomedical Science student, who will be studying at Peking University, China.
  • Jing Yuan Wang: a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics student, who will be studying at Tsinghua University, China.
  • Emily Kha: a Bachelor of Computer Science student, who will be studying at Tsinghua University, China.
  • Taylor Fletchett: a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Criminology student, who will be studying at Chulalongkorn University, Thailand.
  • Ruairi Stuart-Doherty: a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Global Studies student, who will be studying at the Foreign Trade University, Vietnam.

Since its launch in 2014, 75 Monash students have been selected for this prestigious opportunity. Graduates of the programs are helping forge the next generation of leaders with vital skills, knowledge and networks to operate across and engage with the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

Reflecting on their upcoming experiences, some of the Monash New Colombo Plan Scholars have said:

“I am thrilled and deeply honoured to receive the New Colombo Plan Scholarship, which offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse myself in Singapore's vibrant culture and world-class biotech industry. This experience will not only allow me to forge meaningful connections with people from diverse backgrounds but also gain invaluable insights that I can bring back to contribute to Australia's biotechnology sector.” - Arian Gazi, New Colombo Plan Scholar

“The NCP Scholarship offers an opportunity to undertake genuine cultural immersion that goes beyond the surface, something I believe is hugely important for policymakers seeking to make positive change, whether internationally or domestically. I am excited to undertake my scholarship program in India to learn more about applying economics to solving real-world environmental and equity-related challenges at Indian Institute of Technology Bombay and through internship experience.” - Anica Renner, New Colombo Plan Scholar

"I am deeply honoured and privileged to be a recipient of the New Colombo Plan Scholarship. It is with great excitement that I approach this opportunity to engage with aerospace engineering on a global stage and contribute to Australia's relationships within the Indo-Pacific region. During my time in Japan I am eager to cultivate meaningful connections and experiences that I can bring with me on my return to Australia and Monash University." - Finn Cracknell, New Colombo Plan Scholar

Learn more about the 2025 NCP Scholars and the NCP program.

Learn how to apply for the New Colombo Plan Scholarship through Monash Abroad.