The University of Notre Dame Australia is delighted to announce that Gray Washington, an outstanding Bachelor of Arts student from the Sydney campus, has been awarded the prestigious New Colombo Plan (NCP) Scholarship for 2026.
This esteemed award recognises Gray’s commitment to academic excellence and passion for film, language and cultural exchange.
An Australian Government initiative, the NCP Scholarship supports high-achieving Australian undergraduates to build meaningful engagement in the Indo‑Pacific region through study, language training and professional experience abroad. Furthermore, it aims to strengthen Australia’s relationships with its neighbours.
Gray’s program will be based in Japan, starting with intensive Japanese language learning followed by film studies at one of Notre Dame’s partner institutions, Sophia University. The program will conclude with a film industry internship, providing valuable hands‑on experience in one of the world’s most influential creative markets.
This experience will equip Gray with the necessary skills and insights to contribute to Australia’s creative industries upon their return, while fostering deeper cultural connections between Australia and Japan.
Expressing their appreciation, Gray said, “I’m incredibly grateful to be chosen as a 2026 New Colombo Plan Scholar and wish to thank Notre Dame for supporting my journey.
“Immersing myself in Japan’s language, culture and film industry will be a dream come true.”
In additional good news, Notre Dame’s Charlotte Carles has been announced as a 2026 New Colombo Plan Alumni Representative. Charlotte was the University’s NCP Scholarship winner in 2024.
Her new role strengthens the ongoing connection between alumni, universities and the Indo‑Pacific community and highlights Notre Dame’s strong engagement with the national NCP network.
The NCP Scholarship and NCP alumni engagement programs greatly enhance the academic and career trajectories of their participants.
Find out more about these two distinguished programs.
Media Contact: media@nd.edu.au