Ten students from James Cook University in Australia are in Vanuatu as part of the Australian Government’s New Colombo Plan, joining students at the National University of Vanuatu for academic activities and classroom learning.

The students are studying alongside NUV students enrolled in the Bachelor of Environmental Science programme, including attending lectures on Ecosystem Dynamics.

The exchange provides students from both universities with an opportunity to share knowledge, experiences and perspectives on environmental issues relevant to Vanuatu and the wider Pacific.

This is the second time NUV has welcomed students from James Cook University through the New Colombo Plan, following the arrival of another group of 10 JCU students in 2025.

Learning across the Pacific

The New Colombo Plan is an Australian Government initiative that provides Australian undergraduate students with opportunities to develop their understanding and skills in the Indo-Pacific through study, internships, research and other forms of engagement.

Vanuatu is one of the eligible host locations under the programme.

For the students involved, the exchange provides an opportunity to learn directly from one another while gaining a better understanding of environmental issues in the Pacific.

The collaboration is particularly relevant to Vanuatu, where environmental sustainability, climate resilience and responsible management of natural resources are important to the country’s future.

The Director of Policy Planning and Global Engagement at NUV said the university was pleased to welcome the students and highlighted the value of bringing them together with Vanuatu students.

“Their participation alongside our Bachelor in Environmental Science students creates a valuable space for learning, cultural exchange and collaboration.”

The Director said the interaction would strengthen knowledge, skills and regional networks in areas such as environmental sustainability, while also giving NUV students opportunities to engage with international peers and different perspectives.

Strengthening regional connections

The university says bringing Australian and Vanuatu students together in the classroom helps build understanding of shared regional challenges and encourages practical knowledge exchange.

The visit is also seen as an example of regional academic cooperation and people-to-people engagement between Australia and Vanuatu.

NUV says it looks forward to continued engagement between JCU students, NUV students, lecturers and the wider university community during the students’ stay.

The university’s development is aligned with the Vanuatu People’s Plan and the Vanuatu Education and Training Sector Strategic Plan.