NCP Scholars

Study and undertake an internship in one of 40 eligible countries in the Indo-Pacific region

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NCP Scholars

This page is for current UC students. If you are an international student wanting to study at UC, please visit our International student exchange and study abroad page.

What is the New Colombo Plan?

The New Colombo Plan is a signature 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 region.

The New Colombo Plan involves a scholarship program for study of up to one year, language training and internships or mentorships in 40 eligible countries across the Indo-Pacific.

Eligible countries

  • Bangladesh 
  • Bhutan
  • Brunei Darussalam
  • Cambodia
  • China
  • Cook Islands
  • Federated States of Micronesia
  • Fiji
  • French Polynesia  
  • Hong Kong
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Japan
  • Kiribati
  • Laos
  • Malaysia
  • Maldives
  • Marshall Islands
  • Mongolia
  • Myanmar
  • Nauru
  • Nepal
  • New Caledonia
  • Niue
  • Pakistan
  • Palau
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Philippines
  • Republic of Korea
  • Samoa
  • Singapore
  • Solomon Islands
  • Sri Lanka
  • Taiwan
  • Thailand
  • Timor-Leste
  • Tonga
  • Tuvalu 
  • Vanuatu
  • Vietnam

Scholarship inclusions

  • Scholarship program for 1 – 2 semesters of study, language training plus an internship or mentorship of up to 6 months.
  • Value of up to AUD $87,000 including up to $10,000 for tuition fees if studying at a non partner institutionand up $10,000 for language training, a $3,000 monthly allowance, health and travel insurance, $3,000 travelallowance, $3,000 mental health allowance and $3,000 to set yourself up in your new country.
  • Invaluable opportunity to study, work, establish connections and increase your knowledge in the Indo-Pacificregion as well as ongoing network opportunities back at home.
  • Receive credit towards your UC degree for your overseas study.
  • Enhance your resume and supercharge your career.

Eligibility

  • Be an Australian citizen
  • Not be a citizen or permanent resident of the proposed host country
  • Aged between 18-30 (inclusive) for non-Aboriginal applicants or between 18-35 (inclusive) for Aboriginal applicants
  • Enrolled in an undergraduate (including Honours) degree
  • Have achieved a minimum 70 percent graded average for the current course of study
  • Able to have credit for courses taken on overseas student exchange applied to your degree

Selection process

Applicants will be assessed by written application and performance at interview based on the following selection criteria:

Assessment of this criterion will relate to the Applicant’s demonstrated higher-order cognitive skills, creativity, innovation, communication skills, problem-solving skills and critical thinking skills in their university study. Applicants may also draw on academic achievements such as academic awards and commendations, publications, or other examples of academic excellence at the tertiary level.

High school academic achievements will not be considered.

Assessment of this criterion will relate to the Applicant’s demonstrated leadership in the community, including in volunteer and not-for-profit roles, employment and/or other activities they have undertaken locally, nationally, overseas and/or at their university. Applicants should provide an example of a leadership role they have undertaken.

Assessment of this criterion will relate to the Applicant’s demonstrated ability to adapt to change and thrive in a different environment, and their resilience in the face of challenges.

Assessment of this criterion will relate to the Applicant’s demonstrated understanding of the Strategic objective and Outcomes of the NCP program, and how the Applicant and their proposed Scholarship program would contribute to the NCP Strategic objective and Outcomes, including on return to Australia.

Application dates

Date Step
31 May UC expressions of interest close at 11.59pm AEST
14 June Shortlisted applicants will be notified
late June to early July UC nominates chosen students
18 July to 2 August Nominees invited to a brainstorming session to strengthen applications in accordance with NCP advice fact sheet
18 July to 14 August Nominated students receive an invitation to complete an online application. Applications must be submitted with supporting documentation.
14 August Applications close at 11.30pm AEST
September Shortlisted applicant notifications
September to October Shortlisted applicant interviews
November All successful and unsuccessful applicants are notified of the outcome of their application
December Scholars are announced and their details published on the NCP website
1 January to 31 December 2025 Scholars commence their scholarship

Express interest

Expressions of interest for the 2025 NCP Scholarship Program are now open until 31 May 2024.

Apply now
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