The New Colombo Plan (NCP) is an initiative of the Australian Government which aims to lift knowledge of the Indo-Pacific in Australia by supporting Australian undergraduates to undertake study, language training and internships in the Indo-Pacific.
New Colombo Plan (NCP) - Scholarship Program
About the NCP Scholarship Program
- Are you eligible?
- What you can use the grant for
- Where can you study?
- Apply to study in the Indo-Pacific in 2026
- Questions?
- Related opportunities
Can you apply?
NCP Scholarship Program is open to eligible Australian undergraduates currently studying at Australian universities. It is a competitive scholarship, supporting Australian university students to undertake a programs including study, internships, mentorships and language training for up to 19 months in eligible Indo-Pacific host locations.
The maximum total grant amount for an NCP scholarship in 2025 was $107,000 (subject to the specific program components and program duration of each scholar).
UOW has a proud history of NCP Scholars, boasting an alumnus of almost 50 students since the program’s inception.
Using your grant money
A proposed scholarship program must:
- include at least one study component (i.e., semester exchange)
- be for a scholarship term of between three and 19 months
- at all times during the scholarship term, involve the scholar undertaking either:
- a full-time study component
- a full-time internship component
- a full-time language training component, or
- a permitted gap.
- be arranged such that the first component is undertaken at the primary host location
In addition, scholarship programs may include:
- a part-time internship component undertaken concurrently with a fulltime study component or full-time language training component
- a part-time mentorship undertaken concurrently with a full-time study component, full-time internship component or full-time language training, or
- a part-time language training component undertaken concurrently with a full-time study component or full-time internship component.
Eligible study destinations
There are nearly 40 eligible host locations for New Colombo Plan supported study across the Indo-Pacific region.
A to M
Steps to start your 2026 NCP Scholarship application
- Read the resources
Review the NCP Scholarship Guidelines and NCP Scholarship Advice to Applicants. - Research host locations
Find institutions in your preferred country that offer subjects matching your degree. See UOW Indo-Pacific partners. - Strengthen your application
Build on areas like leadership, community engagement, and academic performance. - Check course suitability
Speak with your Head of Students, Academic Advisor, or Faculty International Office. - Complete and submit your Expression of Interest before 31 May 2025
Have questions or need more information?
Explore other scholarships
You may also be interested in learning about the New Colombo Plan - Mobility Program.