✨ Should I Apply for New Colombo Plan (NCP) Scholarship Program?
Instant AI-powered application intelligence
Approximately 10% to 15% of nominated candidates
Competition
🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
Up to $87,000 AUD
⏱
Duration
Between 3 and 19 months
🗓
Deadline
September (Varies by university nomination cycle)
🌐
Fields
All disciplines (Open to any field allowed by the home and host university)
🏆
Awards/Year
Approximately 120-150 per year
🏛️
Provider
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Australian Government
The New Colombo Plan (NCP) is a signature initiative of the Australian Government which aims to lift knowledge of the Indo-Pacific in Australia by supporting Australian undergraduates to study and undertake internships in the region.
👥 Who Should Apply
Applicants must be Australian citizens, aged 18-30 (with some exceptions), enrolled in an Australian university, and must be nominated by their institution based on academic merit and leadership.
🏛️ Host University
Participating universities in 40 Indo-Pacific locations
🤝 Sponsor
Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
🌐 Fields of Study
All disciplines (Open to any field allowed by the home and host university)
✨ Key Benefits
A comprehensive package covering full tuition fees, a monthly living stipend, travel and establishment costs, health insurance, and specialized language training.
🎯 Target Students
High-achieving Australian undergraduate students
🏷 Tags
Australia
Indo-Pacific
Undergraduate
Study Abroad
Internship
Fully Funded
💸 Funding Breakdown
Tuition
Yes, up to $20,000 AUD per semester
Living Stipend
$2,500 AUD per month
Total Award
Up to $87,000 AUD
✈️ Travel: $2,500 AUD travel allowance
🏠 Accommodation: Included in the monthly stipend and establishment allowance
💊 Health Insurance: Comprehensive health and travel insurance included
🔄 Renewable: No
💳 App Fee: Free
🎓 Tuition Coverage
Yes, up to $20,000 AUD per semester
🏠 Living Stipend
$2,500 AUD per month
🏡 Accommodation
Included in the monthly stipend and establishment allowance
✈️ Travel Allowance
$2,500 AUD travel allowance
💊 Health Insurance
Comprehensive health and travel insurance included
🎁 Other Benefits
Establishment allowance of $2,500 AUD, language training fees up to $1,500 AUD, and mentorship programs
📋 Renewal Conditions
Not applicable
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
Australian citizen; aged 18 to 30; enrolled in an Australian undergraduate degree; nominated by a home university
🎓 Academic Level
Undergraduate
📊 Minimum GPA
70% (Credit average) or higher
🗣️ English Requirement
Not required (Primary language of applicants is typically English)
🎂 Age Limit
18 to 30 years (inclusive) at the time of program commencement
💼 Work Experience
Not required, but internship components are part of the program
🏆 Leadership
High; applicants must demonstrate community leadership and commitment to Indo-Pacific engagement
💰 Financial Need
Not required; selection is based primarily on merit and potential
🎯 Target Students
High-achieving Australian undergraduate students
📝 Application Requirements
Essay / SOP
Yes, multiple personal statements and a program proposal
Rec Letters
Yes, two references (Academic and Professional/Community)
Interview
Yes, for shortlisted candidates
Documents Required
- Academic Transcripts
- Passport / National ID
- Yes, two references (Academic and Professional/Community) Recommendation Letters
- CV / Resume
- Personal Statement / Essays
- Not required (Primary language of applicants is typically English)
- Interview: Yes, for shortlisted candidates
- Min GPA: 70% (Credit average) or higher
📋 Application Process
Focus your application on how you will contribute to 'people-to-people' links between Australia and the Indo-Pacific. Secure a strong internship lead early.
💡 Insider Tip: Demonstrate resilience and adaptability in your essays, as the selection committee looks for students who can thrive in diverse cultural environments.