New Colombo Plan Scholarship Program
Source: https://global-partnerships.uq.edu.au/sponsorships/new-colombo-plan/scholarship Parent: https://employability.uq.edu.au/exchange-funding
A once-in-a-lifetime-opportunity
The Australian Government's New Colombo Plan (NCP) Scholarship Program supports Australian undergraduate students to study and work in the Indo-Pacific region. To apply for a New Colombo Plan Scholarship, you must first be nominated by UQ.
Expressions of Interest for the 2027 Scholarship Program will open in Semester 1, 2026.If you would like to stay informed of future NCP Scholarship updates, register your interest below.
Watch a past information session
Value
The maximum total grant amount for an NCP Scholarship is $107,000 AUD. The Scholarship will provide:
- Tuition fees of up to $30,000:
- if you study as a fee-paying international student (rather than at an institution where an official exchange agreement with UQ is in place), the Scholarship will provide payment of up to two semesters/three trimesters’ international tuition fees to a maximum of $30,000 ($15,000 per semester based or $10,000 per trimester-based Study Period); payable directly to the host institution (includes student service and amenities fees)
- payment of in-country language training fees up to $10,000
- a travel allowance of $3,000
- an establishment allowance of $3,000
- a monthly stipend of $3,000
- a mental health allowance of up to $3,000
- health and travel insurance for the duration of the overseas Scholarship Program
- a dedicated case manager for the duration of the Scholarship Program
- private sector sponsorship: all scholars are eligible and will be considered for the private sector sponsorship in addition to the NCP Scholarship
*Based on 2026 NCP Scholarship Guidelines.
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. (If a Scholar concludes their home degree requirements upon the completion of the mandatory study component of their NCP Scholarship Program, they may apply to DFAT for approval to continue to undertake any remaining component(s) of their NCP Scholarship Program. This will be considered on a case-by-case basis.)
- 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 2027
- 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 2027 and 15 December 2027
- Scholars must continue to meet these Eligibility requirements during the term of their Scholarship
- Additional eligibility upon the announcement of 2027 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 the University of Queensland for a minimum of one semester before applying. Applicants wishing to participate in their Scholarship study component through the UQ semester exchange program, must also ensure they meet the necessary application requirements and deadlines set by the Internships and Global Experiences Team.
Application assistance
Before submitting your expression of interest
- ensure you have room in your program to study overseas for a semester, by completing a progression check and if needed, reach out to your faculty for assistance.
- research the available host universities courses you'd like to study abroad to ensure there is a host university that can meet you academic requirements. For assistance or questions about host universities, contact the Internships and Global Experiences Team. Applicants wishing to study at a host university that is not listed as a UQ exchange partner, please contact Global Partnerships for advice.
- consider how long you would like to study abroad and the total duration of the scholarship.
For advice about reflecting on your experiences to effectively answer the questions in the expression of interest, we recommend seeing the Career Development Team, attending one of many workshops offered, or employing the resources available on My Career Adviser.
How to apply
- Complete UQ’s Expression of Interest by the nominated deadline. *2027 NCP Scholarship Expressions of Interest will open in Semester 1, 2027.
- Be chosen as one of UQ’s nominees
- Prepare your proposed Scholarship Program Plan
- When invited, apply to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
For application assistance, please contact Global Partnerships by emailor on (07) 3346 9924.
Anticipated timeline
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| Early Semester 1 | Expressions of Interest open |
| May/June | Deadline to submit an expression of interest to UQ |
| June | Students nominated by UQ to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) |
| July | Nominated students submit an online application to DFAT |
| August - September | Students shortlisted by DFAT |
| September - October | Interviews with DFAT and country representatives |
| November | Successful and unsuccessful applicants notified |
| Early December | DFAT Award Ceremony and Pre-departure Training |
| 1 January – 15 December | Scholars commence scholarships |
Note: Dates listed are anticipated and are subject to change upon the announcement of the 2027 NCP Scholarship Guidelines and Application Timelines.
Contact us
For further information on NCP scholarships, please contact:
Sponsored Students Unit\ sponsored.students@uq.edu.au