The Australian Government's New Colombo Plan Scholarship is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Australian undergraduates to study, live and intern in the Indo-Pacific region.
UniSC had four successful NCP Scholarship recipients for the 2023 round, who will undertake international experiences in Korea, Nepal and Singapore.
“Our country will benefit enormously from having young ambassadors from Australia who have an understanding of and an insight into the region that only comes from living and studying and working there.”
- Former Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Julie Bishop MP
Transform your future career
The New Colombo Plan (NCP) is a signature initiative of the Australian Government which involves a prestigious scholarship to provide Australian undergraduate students with the opportunity of a lifetime, deepening your Indo-Pacific knowledge, capability and connections, whilst counting towards your degree.
An NCP Scholarship is much more than a student exchange program.
It’s an opportunity to build your employability, create global connections, and set yourself apart, not just as a high-performing student, but as an emerging leader with experience in the region in which Australia’s future prosperity is tied.
Alongside a study component at a host university, a feature of the NCP is the opportunity to undertake one or more internships and the ability to learn the local language of your destination. You’ll network and build connections with leaders in government, business and civil society, and deepen your knowledge of the region. Knowledge and experience you will take into your future career.
After you return to Australia, your NCP experience doesn’t end. You’ll join the active NCP alumni community to support future scholars, promote the NCP and continue to develop knowledge of, and professional links with, the Indo-Pacific.
About the NCP Scholarship Program
The NCP Scholarship Program provides around 120 Scholarships annually to a diverse range of Australian undergraduates studying a range of disciplines in up to 40 Indo-Pacific locations.
Scholars are encouraged to undertake study, Language Training and an Internship and/or Mentorship for up to 19 months.
Scholarship benefits
An NCP Scholarship can provide recipients with:
- a monthly living allowance of $2,500 for the duration of your program (up to 19 months)
- Travel allowance up to $2,500
- Establishment allowance up to $2,500
- Tuition fees up to $20,000 maximum (for fee-paying students)
- Health and travel insurance for the duration of the scholar’s program
- Support for language training up to $10,000
- Mental health allowance
- A dedicated case manager for the duration of the scholar’s program
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for an NCP scholarship, applicants should meet the following criteria:
- Australian citizen
- 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 2023 - GPA 6 or higher
- Enrolled in an undergraduate or honours program at UniSC
- Nominated by UniSC
Locations
Applicants may choose to undertake the NCP scholarship program in the following eligible host locations.
|
Bangladesh |
Kiribati |
Papua New Guinea |
Contact us
Email: global@usc.edu.au
More information
For more general information on the NCP Scholarship program, visit the DFAT website.
Register for an information session
Register for an information session via the Student Hub:
10 May 2023, 10:00 am - 11:00 am
https://studenthub.usc.edu.au/students/events/detail/1452291
17 May 2023, 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
https://studenthub.usc.edu.au/students/events/detail/1452292
24 May 2023, 10:00 am - 11:00 am
https://studenthub.usc.edu.au/students/events/detail/1452294
2024 Key dates
To receive information about UniSC's internal selection process to be selected as UniSC Nominee for the 2024 round, please register your General Interest by the 9th June.
Dates relating to the NCP Scholarship application to DFAT are a guide, as the 2024 NCP Scholarship program has not yet been formally announced.
| Now | Submit your General Interest for the NCP Program | |
| May - June | Attend an Information Session - information will be sent to eligible students who have registered their interest | |
| 9th June | General Interest form closes for the 2024 round | |
| 9th June - 9th July | Students who have submitted their General Interest are invited to complete an internal written application | |
| Mid July - TBC |
Shortlisted students are invited to attend an interview UniSC nominates students to DFAT |
|
| July - August - TBC | DFAT NCP Scholarship application opens | |
|
September/ |
Shortlisted applicants attend an interview | |
| November - TBC | Announcement of 2024 NCP Scholars |
UniSC's first NCP scholar (2014), Tess Harwood, shares how her NCP experience in Indonesia enabled her to access a diversity of opportunities that she draws on in her career.
Moreton Bay student Jessica Whyman has been given the chance to study overseas and landed an internship with Mattel in Malaysia after being awarded a scholarship through the New Colombo Plan.
Hear from 2023 NCP scholar Samantha Manson, alongside Dr Ratna Paudyal, whom provided mentorship and support throughout the application process. UniSC’s successful 2023 NCP scholars will undertake international experiences in Korea, Nepal, and Singapore.