Regional goodwill, sensibly priced: Commonwealth policies towards Colombo plan scholars and private overseas students, 1945–72

Abstract

This article explores the Australian government's policies towards private and sponsored overseas students between 1945 and 1972. The hosting of Colombo Plan students and their private counterparts was partly designed to ensure that Australia as a European‐dominated country was seen in the best possible light by its regional neighbours. However, the continuation of the White Australia Policy muted much of the impact of Australian efforts to promote educational goodwill. Through an examination of Australian government policies and practices towards both Colombo Plan and private overseas students, this article will argue that the evolving nature of the White Australia Policy was the most significant factor to influence the nature of overseas student policy formation between 1945 and 1972.