Associate Professor Douglas Chai, Executive Dean, School of Engineering; Associate Professor Helen Vella Bonavita, Dean, International Relations; Dr Michael Coole; Christian Georgi; Professor Clare Pollock, ECU Vice-Chancellor; Mr Jake Garman, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International) and Vice-President; Daniel Fazari; Professor Paul Haskell-Dowland, Associate Dean (International and Strategic Partnerships); Associate Professor Sanjay Kumar Shukla.
Bachelor of Counter Terrorism, Security and Intelligence student Christian Georgi, is the only ECU recipient in the latest round of the annual NCP scholarship program and will receive up to $107,000 to undertake language training, overseas study and internships across the Indo-Pacific from May 2026.
The scholarship positions ECU at the forefront of Australia's Indo-Pacific engagement, reinforcing the University's commitment to producing globally capable, work-ready graduates in areas of national strategic importance.
The award marks another milestone for ECU's growing impact in international education and government-backed mobility programs, with Christian's scholarship one of up to 350 offered nationally in the 2026 round.
The NCP is an Australian Government initiative designed to lift Asia literacy and Indo-Pacific capability among Australian undergraduates. Scholarships support programs of up to 19 months, combining study, language training and internships in the region.
Under the program, universities nominate interested students, with final selections made by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Christian's 18-month program will include intensive Bahasa Malay and Bahasa Indonesia language courses, a semester of study in Malaysia, and two professional internships across the region. His focus aligns closely with Australia's security, diplomacy and regional engagement priorities, which are to foster a stable, inclusive and open relationship strengthened by deepened security partnerships.
ECU Vice-Chancellor Professor Clare Pollock formally congratulated Christian on his achievement.
"Christian's success in securing a New Colombo Plan Scholarship is an outstanding achievement and reflects both his academic excellence and ECU's commitment to developing globally capable graduates in areas of national strategic importance," Professor Pollock said.
Christian said the opportunity would be career-defining.
"This scholarship gives me the chance to live, study and work in the Indo-Pacific while building deep cultural and language capability that directly supports my future in security and diplomacy," he said.
L-R Christian Georgi and Professor Clare Pollock, ECU Vice-Chancellor.
ECU's involvement extends beyond scholarships. Civil Engineering (Honours) student, Daniel Fazari, who completed an NCP Mobility Program in Japan in 2024, has been appointed ECU's NCP Alumni Representative for 2026.
L-R Daniel Fazari and Professor Clare Pollock, ECU Vice-Chancellor.
During his studies at Tokyo City University, as part of the NCP program, Daniel gained hands-on experience in earthquake-resilient engineering and sustainable urban design. In his new role, he will promote the program and encourage ECU students to pursue international study and cross-cultural collaboration.
"Daniel's appointment as ECU's New Colombo Plan Alumni Representative recognises his leadership, global perspective and commitment to international engagement," Professor Pollock said.
"Building on his experience in Japan, Daniel will play an important role in promoting international study and inspiring other ECU students to pursue cross-cultural learning and collaboration."
Together, the achievements of Christian and Daniel highlight ECU's strong outcomes under the NCP and its role in preparing graduates to engage confidently with the future of work both at home and abroad.
Learn more and register your interest for the NCP 2027 awards process and other international opportunities.
