CSU student Kate Tannin is one of only three CSU students to receive a scholarship to study social work in Fiji. Photo: Charles Sturt University.
Hailing from Wagga Wagga, Kate Tannin moved to Ferntree Gully to pursue studies in social work.
At the time of enrolling, little did she know that in 2025 she would be one of three students who would be granted a scholarship to travel to Fiji to further develop the human rights works that are ongoing across the region.
“I have always aspired to live, study and intern abroad in an immersive environment, so this is a dream come true,” Ms Tannin said.
“I also wouldn’t have gotten to where I am today if it weren’t for the support and kindness of the communities to which I belong.
“Studying through a new worldview at the University of the South Pacific, I will undertake subjects that are not available in Australia, focusing on the humanitarian impacts of social development in the Pacific region, human rights, politics, international relations and urban development.”
The New Colombo Plan (NCP) scholarship provides a life-changing opportunity for three of the university’s regional students to study at a university of their choice in the Indo-Pacific for up to 19 months.
Each scholar has the opportunity to live, study and intern in the Indo-Pacific, playing an essential role in building both knowledge and skills in the region and deepening Australia’s ties.
Charles Sturt Global Engagement manager Samantha Ambridge said the university had seen 11 students awarded NCP scholarships since the program began back in 2014.
“These scholarships are worth thousands of dollars for each student covering reasonable living and tuition expenses,” Ms Ambridge said.
“Expenses include tuition fees, language training, travel allowance, establishment costs, scholarship allowances, insurance and more.”
Ms Tannin will attend the University of the South Pacific in Fiji, where she will receive language training, an internship in the disaster relief space and study focussing on human rights and development.
The 2025 Scholars began their program preparations in December 2024 with online pre-departure training. This will continue in February 2025 in Canberra, where they’ll continue with pre-departure briefings in person culminating in an award ceremony to celebrate their achievements.
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