New Colombo Plan Scholarship Program

Unlock Your Future with the New Colombo Plan Scholarship!

Are you ready to take your education beyond the classroom and explore the world? The New Colombo Plan Scholarship is your gateway to an unforgettable international experience.

This prestigious scholarship, funded by the Australian Government, offers students like YOU the opportunity to live, study, and intern in the Indo-Pacific region. It's more than just travel – it's about building lifelong connections, expanding your career horizons, and becoming a leader in your field. To apply for a New Colombo Plan Scholarship, you must first be nominated by Flinders University.

Imagine:

Studying at a world-class university in Asia, the Pacific, or beyond.
Gaining hands-on experience with an internship that aligns with your goals.
Immersing yourself in a vibrant new culture while making global friends.
Standing out to future employers with an internationally recognised achievement.

Don’t let this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity pass you by! The New Colombo Plan Scholarship is open to passionate, driven students from diverse academic backgrounds. Whether you're dreaming of launching a global career, making an impact, or simply stepping out of your comfort zone, this program is your ticket to success.

Applications for the 2025 Scholarship Round have now closed. Expressions of interest for the 2026 Scholarship Program will open in February 2025.

Your journey to the Indo-Pacific starts here.

Eligibility

Application Assistance

How to Apply

NCP Scholarship FAQs

2025 NCP Scholarship Program Guidelines

2025 Advice to Applicants

NCP mobility participants dove into Palau's ocean-dependent culture for two weeks, learning about marine conservation efforts, led by Charlie Huveneers, CSE.

What it takes to be an NCP Scholar

To be successful in obtaining a New Colombo Plan (NCP) Scholarship, applicants need to demonstrate a combination of skills, qualities, and attitudes that align with the program's goals.

Skills

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.

Qualities

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.

Attitudes

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.

Focusing on these skills, qualities, and attitudes, while highlighting how they align with your experiences and aspirations, can set you apart as a strong candidate for the NCP Scholarship.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

be an Australian citizen; not be a current citizen or permanent resident of their proposed host location(s).
be enrolled in and undertaking, until completion of all study components of the NCP Scholarship Program, at least one Bachelor Degree, Bachelor Honours Degree or eligible undergraduate language-focused course at an Australian campus of an Australian university.
be between 18 and 30 years of age (inclusive) for non-Indigenous applicants, or between 18 and 35 years of age (inclusive) for Indigenous applicants, on 1 January 2026.
not be a previous recipient of a New Colombo Plan Scholarship (may have received a New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant).
not be an employee of the branch of DFAT that administers the NCP.
commence their Scholarship program between 1 January 2026 and 15 December 2026.
Scholars must continue to meet these eligibility requirements during the term of their Scholarship.
additional eligibility upon the announcement of 2026 NCP Scholarship Guidelines may apply.

As students are required to provide their grade point average and demonstrate academic achievement at the tertiary level, applicants should have studied at Flinders University for a minimum of one semester before applying. Applicants wishing to participate in their Scholarship study component through the Flinders University semester exchange program, must also ensure they meet the necessary application requirements and deadlines set by the Global Experience (GE) team.

Contact the GE team to find out more and discuss your suitability for this prestigious scholarship.

Flinders Additional Requirements

Not be the subject of any current disciplinary proceedings under the Flinders University Student Misconduct Rule. Refer to statute 6.4 Student Conduct Policy.
Be meeting progression requirements of the relevant course.
Be in good financial standing at Flinders University (no fee sanction) refer to clause 4.3 student debt procedures.
Have completed, or be on track to completing, a minimum of 18 credit points of study prior to departure.
Be of good character and a suitable Flinders University ambassador.

Application Assistance

Before submitting an expression of interest:

ensure you have room in your program to study overseas for a semester.
research the available host universities courses you'd like to study abroad to ensure there is a host university that can meet your academic requirements.
for assistance or questions about host universities, contact the Global Experience team. Applicants wishing to study at a host university that is not listed as a Flinders exchange partner, please contact Global Experience for advice.
consider how long you would like to study abroad and the total duration of the scholarship.

How to Apply

Complete Flinders University Expression of Interest by 15 June 2025.
Be selected as one of Flinders nominees.
When invited, apply to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
For application assistance, please contact Global Experience team by global.experience@flinders.edu.au or on (8) 8432 4321.

NCP Scholarship FAQs

What funding is included in a New Colombo Plan Scholarship?

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

Activity	Expenses Payable	Maximum amount
Study component	Course fees at the host institution where the scholar is a fee-paying international student	Up to $15,000 per semester
Language training	Fees for the language training payable to the language training provider.	Up to $10,000
Allowances	One-off travel allowance	$3,000
	One-off establishment allowance	$3,000
	Scholarship allowance – monthly stipend	$3,000 per month
	Mental health allowance	$3,000
	One-off fellow allowance	$1,000
	Health and travel Insurance	NA
	Allocation of case manager	NA

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.

What are the assessment criteria?

Criterion 1 - Academic excellence at the tertiary level (25 per cent weighting)
Applicants should demonstrate 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.

Criterion 2 - Leadership and engagement in the community (25 per cent weighting)
Applicant should demonstrate leadership and engagement 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.

Criterion 3 - Adaptability and resilience (25 per cent weighting)
Applicant should demonstrate their ability to adapt to change, thrive in new environments, and exhibit resilience when faced with challenges.

Criterion 4 - Ability to contribute to NCP’s strategic objective and outcomes (25 per cent weighting)
Applicants should demonstrate 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.

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

a) 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.

b) achieving diversity of placement across host locations.

c) representation from diverse student groups including but not limited to, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students, students from a low socio-economic status background, students from regional/remote areas or universities, students who are first in their immediate family to attend university, students across the genders, female students studying in non-traditional fields, students with a disability, and students from a non-English speaking background.

d) diversity across fields of study and Australian universities.

e) how the proposal contributes to value with relevant money.

What are the benefits of an NCP Scholarship?

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.

What happens after I am nominated for an NCP scholarship?

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.

Where can I get more information?

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.

New Colombo Plan - Scholar Stories by Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

What are the New Colombo Plan Scholarships? by Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

How do I select my referees?

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).

What is the expected timeline?

Expected timing for NCP scholarship opportunity	When (guide only)
Guidelines published on Grant Connect	August
Australian universities nominate students	August - September
Nominations close	September
Nominated students receive an invitation to complete an online application	September - October
Applications close	October
Applications are shortlisted. Shortlisted applicants are notified	October
Shortlisted applicants are interviewed	November
Selections are finalised. Successful and unsuccessful applicants are notified	December
Scholars are announced and their details published on the NCP website	December
Scholars commence their scholarship	January – December (round year)

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

Need help?

If you require further information or assistance with your application for outbound student exchange or short-term study abroad programs, please don't hesitate to contact our support team.

global.experience@flinders.edu.au

+61 884 324 321

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