Jonathan Le Bourhis
18 February 2026: 海角射区 student Georgia Biggs has been awarded a prestigious 2026 New Colombo Plan Scholarship, which will see her spend ten months studying, researching and undertaking cultural immersion in Seoul, South Korea.
Studying for a double degree Bachelor of Arts (Global Studies)/Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing), Ms Biggs will undertake her Honours research overseas while studying the Korean language and continuing some UC coursework online.
A proud Indigenous woman, Ms Biggs is both the first in her family to attend university, and to move overseas.
Currently entering her fifth year of study and commencing her Honours program, Georgia will be based at Chung-Ang University. She also hopes to undertake a professional placement with a film or television production company while overseas.
Professor Phil Duncan, Interim Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous at the University, said the award was a reflection of Ms Biggs’ dedication, talent and hard work.
“I am very happy for Georgia, who is a thoroughly deserving recipient. It is an outstanding achievement to be awarded a New Colombo Plan Scholarship and this will be a wonderful opportunity to broaden her experiences,” he said.
“UC takes great pride in providing opportunities that are both academically rigorous and genuinely life-changing, especially through an equity-led lens that centres Indigenous students, knowledges, and ways of being. This opportunity reflects UC’s respect for Indigenous values and our responsibility to walk alongside Traditional Owners in meaningful, self-determined ways - and is an example of what is possible when institutions commit to inclusion, building cultural capacity, and long-term impact.”
The is a highly competitive Australian Government initiative supporting undergraduate students to study, research and undertake professional experiences across the Indo-Pacific region.
The New Colombo Plan aims to strengthen Australia’s engagement with the region by building students’ academic capability, cultural understanding and people-to-people links through overseas study, internships and language training.
Ms Biggs said that the scholarship represented a major milestone in her academic and personal journey.
“There aren’t many scholarships available for arts students, so I knew how significant this opportunity was,” she said. “It’s a chance to push myself academically, experience a different culture, and work towards a career I’m really passionate about.”
With a strong interest in film and television, Ms Biggs has long been drawn to South Korea’s screen industry, particularly its combination of political engagement and creative ambition. She hopes the experience will help inform her future career, one which can contribute to stronger creative links between Australia and the region.
Beyond her studies, Georgia is looking forward to immersing herself in everyday life in Seoul, taking part in language exchange, joining university clubs and experiencing a new culture firsthand.
“I don’t know exactly what comes next after graduation,” she said. “But I know this experience will shape whatever I do in the future.”