Port Vila, Vanuatu – Thursday 3 September 2026: The National University of Vanuatu (NUV) welcomed 10 students from James Cook University (JCU), Australia, who are currently in Vanuatu as part of the Australian Government’s New Colombo Plan (NCP). This is the second time NUV welcomes JCU Australia students under the NCP program; the first one was in 2025 for the same number of students.
During their stay, the JCU students joined NUV students enrolled in the Bachelor in Environmental Science, attending lectures on “Ecosystem Dynamics” and participating in academic activities alongside their Vanuatu counterparts. The exchange provides an opportunity for students from both universities to share knowledge, experiences and perspectives on environmental issues relevant to Vanuatu and the wider Pacific.
The New Colombo Plan is an Australian Government initiative that gives Australian undergraduate students opportunities to develop their understanding and capability in the Indo-Pacific through immersive and structured learning, including study, internships, research and other forms of engagement. The program also seeks to strengthen people-to-people and education links between Australia and countries across the region. Vanuatu is one of the eligible host locations under the program.
The students’ visit is an important example of regional academic cooperation and people-to-people engagement.
“We are delighted to welcome the James Cook University students to Vanuatu and to the National University of Vanuatu. Their participation alongside our Bachelor in Environmental Science students creates a valuable space for learning, cultural exchange and collaboration. These interactions benefit people in Vanuatu by strengthening knowledge, skills and regional networks in areas such as environmental sustainability, while also giving our students opportunities to engage with international peers and perspectives. This is strongly aligned with NUV’s vision and goals of providing relevant, quality higher education, developing capable graduates and strengthening partnerships that contribute to Vanuatu’s sustainable development,” said the Director, Policy Planning and Global Engagement at NUV.
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. Bringing students together in the classroom helps build understanding of shared regional challenges while encouraging practical knowledge exchange.
NUV looks forward to JCU’s continued engagement with NUV students, lecturers and the wider university community during their stay. NUV’s development is aligned with the Vanuatu People’s Plan and the Vanuatu Education and Training Sector Strategic Plan.
