VU student awarded prestigious new Colombo Plan Scholarship

VU student Conor O’Loughlin is set for an exciting overseas experience after receiving a prestigious Australian Government scholarship through the New Colombo Plan (NCP).

Conor (24), a student on VU’s Bachelor of Education P-12, will spend a year in China from August 2024, studying sociology and Chinese language and undertaking an internship. He officially received the NCP Scholarship at an awards ceremony in Canberra in early December.

The New Colombo Plan is an initiative of the Australian Government aimed at increasing knowledge of the Indo-Pacific region by supporting Australian undergraduates to study and live abroad.

A life-changing experience

Conor will study sociology for a semester at Duke Kunshan University in Jiangsu province before undertaking a six-month intensive Chinese language course in Shanghai. He aims to complete the year with an internship at a municipal education bureau in rural China. 

“I’m absolutely blown away by the scholarship,” said Conor. “It’s an amazing opportunity that will change my life in unknowable ways. 

“I’ve already learnt so much just by attending the ceremony and meeting the other recipients – such an inspiring group of engaged, driven and well-meaning people. Talking to them really made it sink in what the scholarship could mean to me, and what I could bring back to Australia.”

New start, new opportunities

Conor had a tough experience at high school in Adelaide and didn’t complete year 11. He always knew he would come back to education, though, and VU’s pathway options and unique teaching method offered the perfect opportunity when he was ready for a new start in a new city. 

“As someone with ADHD, I wasn’t keen on the standard university structure, studying several subjects at once. The VU Block Model® was really appealing, allowing me to focus on one unit at a time.

“I started doing a Diploma of Teacher Education Preparation at VU and then went straight into my bachelor degree. I’m really loving it and have made some incredible friends. I’m actually a bit sad to be leaving them when I go to China, but it’s too good an opportunity to miss!”

A passion for education

Conor’s interest in education policy drove his choice of degree and the focus of his NCP scholarship. 

“I find the continual challenges in developing and improving the Australian education system really fascinating, especially the disparities in terms of funding and outcomes for schools in regional and metropolitan areas. 

“China has similar issues and some really interesting policies that they’re currently implementing. I also find the language fascinating. It’s such an important language to learn when so many people speak it. 

“After I graduate, I’d like to work as a teacher and then possibly shift into educational policy, so this experience will be really valuable. Australia’s relationship with China will always be crucial, and I’d love to play a role in the future.” 

A world of opportunity

NCP Scholarships are open to eligible Australian undergraduates currently studying at Australian universities. Applicants are assessed according to four criteria: their academic excellence; leadership and engagement in the community; adaptability and resilience; and ability to contribute to the NCP strategic objective and outcomes.

Monty Singh, Chief International Officer at VU, said that Conor’s success in passing the competitive application process can serve as an example to others. 

“Congratulations to Conor on his outstanding achievement. It’s an inspiration to all at VU and beyond to see how he’s overcome challenges to succeed in his education and be selected for this prestigious award.     

“I definitely encourage others to look into the range of opportunities available to them through the New Colombo Plan, as well as Victoria University’s other student exchange opportunities.”