New Colombo Plan Scholarship Program

• Strong Academic Performance: A solid academic record that reflects your ability to excel in your field of study.

• Leadership Skills: Proven ability to inspire, organise, and lead others, whether through student organisations, volunteering, or community projects.

• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to build relationships, collaborate in diverse environments, and communicate effectively.

• Cultural Intelligence: Sensitivity and adaptability to work and engage with people from different cultures.

• Problem-Solving Skills: A track record of approaching challenges with creativity and resilience.

• Ambition and Drive: A clear vision for your future and how the scholarship aligns with your career and personal goals.

• Adaptability: Comfort with stepping out of your comfort zone and thriving in new environments.

• Curiosity and Open-Mindedness: A genuine interest in the Indo-Pacific region and a willingness to embrace new ideas and experiences.

• Community Engagement: A demonstrated commitment to giving back and making a positive impact in your community or field.

• Integrity: Strong ethical values and a professional attitude.

• Resilience: The ability to stay positive and persevere through challenges, especially in unfamiliar settings.

• Proactivity: A “go-getter” mindset, ready to take initiative and make the most of every opportunity.

• Respect for Diversity: A genuine appreciation for cultural differences and a commitment to fostering mutual understanding.

• Passion for Learning: A desire to grow personally, academically, and professionally through international experiences.

• Commitment to Representing Australia: A sense of pride and responsibility in being an ambassador for Australia in the Indo-Pacific region.

The maximum total grant amount for an NCP scholarship is $107,000* (subject to the specific program components and program duration of each scholar, 2025 guidelines*).          

The table is intended to be a guide only. For a full breakdown of scholarship funding and benefits, view 5.4 of the current NCP Scholarship Program Guidelines.

Criteria for 2026 NCP Scholarship round, subject to change.

Criterion 1) Alignment of application with the Australian Government’s geographic and sectoral priorities in the Indo-Pacific region (35%) You should demonstrate this by:

a)      describing how your scholarship program aligns with and will contribute to Australian Government priorities, demonstrating a well-researched, cohesive scholarship program that provides an immersive experience, and

b)     b) describing the linkages (personal and institutional) that you will develop while undertaking your NCP Scholarship, building on your demonstrated interest in, and knowledge of, the Indo-Pacific.

Criterion 2) Focus on Indo-Pacific languages, especially priority languages (15%)
You should demonstrate this by:

a) describing how you will incorporate the study of an Indo-Pacific language, especially a  - priority Asian language, into your NCP Scholarship Program and the level of capability you aim to achieve, and

b) outlining how you will use and maintain the language proficiency obtained during your NCP Scholarship in your future studies, work or community engagement.

Criterion 3) Personal attributes for successful completion of scholarship (30%) You should demonstrate this by:

a) describing the challenges and risks you might face in your host location and how you would respond to them – for example academic, cultural, personal – demonstrating a well researched host location, and

b) describing why you consider you have attributes that will enable you to deal with these challenges and risks.

Criterion 4) Future impact of NCP experiences focussed with regards to you maintaining engagement with the Indo-Pacific (20%)You should demonstrate this by:

a) describing how you plan to use your NCP experience after you have competed your scholarship, demonstrating a long-term forward plan, and

b) describing how your scholarship experience will establish your Indo Pacific-links and your plan for maintaining those links.

Other considerations:
Where applicants have similarly meritorious claims in relation to the assessment criteria, preference may be given to: 

Applicants proposing: 

• a language-focused study component (language stream);
• longer periods of study components;
• an internship component or a mentorship that is complementary to their overall program;
• a period (or longer periods) of language training that is complementary to their overall program, and/or;
•  a well-thought-out scholarship program with coherent correlation across the proposed study component, language training and internship component.

An NCP Scholarship isn’t just about studying overseas—it’s about transforming your future. During your scholarship, you’ll immerse yourself in a new culture while continuing your Flinders degree, gaining skills and experiences that will set you apart as a standout undergraduate and an emerging leader.

Here’s what you can look forward to:

• Study: Spend 1 to 2 semesters at a university in your host country, learning alongside local and international students.
• Internships: Gain hands-on experience with internships in your field, building your resume and career prospects.
• Language Learning: Dive deeper into your host culture with the option to study the local language.
• Networking: Build meaningful connections with leaders in government, business, and civil society across the Indo-Pacific.

And the benefits don’t end when you return home! You’ll join the vibrant NCP alumni community, where you can:

• Mentor and support future scholars.
• Continue to promote the NCP and its mission.
• Expand your professional network and stay connected with the Indo-Pacific region.

With an NCP Scholarship, you’re not just exploring the world—you’re paving the way for a brighter, more connected future.

If you are selected as one of Flinders nominated students, you will then be invited to submit a formal application to the NCP Secretariat at DFAT.

In the written application, you’ll also address each of the four selection criteria and outline your proposed program. We will provide assistance and feedback on your drafts to assist you with your written application.

You’ll also need to arrange for two referees (including at least one academic referee) to provide referee reports, and you’ll need to have your intended study component approved by your college team.

If you intend to study at a Flinders exchange partner, your study component will be arranged by our Global Experience team, but if you select a non-partner, you will need to make contact with the host university to confirm that you can study there.

You will also need confirmation from your college team that you can get credit for your study at the host institution back into your Flinders degree, so it’s a good idea to start discussing your options for this with your college as early as possible.

After the written application, DFAT will shortlist students for an online Zoom interview by a specialist panel. We’ll also help you prepare for your interview by offering a mock interview.

You can visit the DFAT NCP Scholarship program website https://www.dfat.gov.au/people-to-people/new-colombo-plan/new-colombo-plan-scholarship-program or check out these videos on Youtube.

Applicants must submit two referee reports with their application, with at least one report from an academic referee from the applicant’s home university.

Each referee must:

a) comment substantively on the applicant’s abilities and experience relevant to the assessment criteria, and;

b) hold a position that gives their comments credibility (for example, a position in the applicant’s home university, workplace or community).

*A detailed timeline will be available on the NCP Scholarship webpage when the new round opens.