# 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

The New Colombo Plan (NCP) Scholarship is an Australian Government program that supports undergraduate students to undertake long term study, language training and professional experiences in the Indo Pacific region.

The [NCP Scholarship Program](https://global-partnerships.uq.edu.au/dfat.gov.au/people-to-people/new-colombo-plan/scholarship-program/Pages/scholarship-program.aspx) supports overseas programs of between 3 and 19 months, combining a mandatory study component with optional internships, language training and mentorship, undertaken in eligible host locations across the region.

Interested applicants must be nominated by UQ in order to apply for the NCP Scholarship. The application process requires careful planning and commitment.

Expressions of Interest for the **2027 Scholarship Program** are now open and **close on 31 May 2026**.

[Submit an Expression of Interest](https://studenthub.uq.edu.au/Form.aspx?id=6194421)

- [NCP Scholarship Inclusions](https://global-partnerships.uq.edu.au/sponsorships/new-colombo-plan/scholarship?qt-field_uq_structured_content=0#qt-field_uq_structured_content "NCP Scholarship Inclusions")
- [Who can apply?](https://global-partnerships.uq.edu.au/sponsorships/new-colombo-plan/scholarship?qt-field_uq_structured_content=1#qt-field_uq_structured_content "Who can apply? ")
- [How to apply?](https://global-partnerships.uq.edu.au/sponsorships/new-colombo-plan/scholarship?qt-field_uq_structured_content=2#qt-field_uq_structured_content "How to apply?")
- [Application assistance](https://global-partnerships.uq.edu.au/sponsorships/new-colombo-plan/scholarship?qt-field_uq_structured_content=3#qt-field_uq_structured_content "Application assistance")

An NCP Scholarship supports overseas activities in an eligible Indo-Pacific location that may include:

- Study for one or two semesters (required)
- Language training
- Internship
- Mentorship

Scholarships are valued at up to $107,000 AUD, depending on the length and structure of your program. Full details of what is supported under the NCP Scholarship Program and amounts is available in the [NCP Scholarship Guidelines](http://global-partnerships.uq.edu.au/files/113346/New%20Colombo%20Plan%20Scholarship%20Program%202026%20Round%20Guidelines.pdf).

To be eligible for the NCP Scholarship, you must:

- Be an Australian citizen and not be a citizen or permanent resident of your host location
- Be nominated by UQ
- Be enrolled in an undergraduate degree at UQ for the full duration of your scholarship
- Be able to receive full-time academic credit for your overseas study
- Be eligible to participate in an overseas semester experience
- Be aged:
  - 18-30 years (non-Indigenous applicants), or
  - 18-25 years (Indigenous applicants) as of January 1
- Not have previously received an NCP Scholarship (Previous NCP Mobility or Semester Program grant recipients may apply).

Additional eligibility criteria may apply. Please ensure you review the [NCP Scholarship Guidelines](http://global-partnerships.uq.edu.au/files/113346/New%20Colombo%20Plan%20Scholarship%20Program%202026%20Round%20Guidelines.pdf) for full eligibility criteria.

Applying for the NCP Scholarship involves three stages.

**Step 1: Submit a UQ Expression of Interest (EOI)**

Students must first apply internally to UQ by submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI).

At this stage, you will outline:

- Your proposed host country and institution
- Any planned language training or internships

Only students who are nominated by UQ can progress to the next stage.

*Indicative timing: January - May in the year prior to travel*

---

**Step 2: Submit an NCP Scholarship Application**

Students nominated by UQ are invited to submit a formal scholarship application to the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT).

At this stage you will be required to:

- Nominate a primary host location
- Develop a detailed NCP Scholarship Program proposal, including study, language training and/or internships
- Provide written responses to the assessment criteria
- Submit supporting documentation, including:
  - Two referee reports (at least one academic referee)
  - Official academic transcript
  - Proof of Australia citizenship
  - Additional supporting documentation provided to you by UQ
- Shortlisted students will be invited for a further interview

*Indicative timing: June - September in the year prior to travel*

---

**Step 3: Apply to your host university**

In parallel with the Scholarship application, students must also apply for their semester overseas.

At this stage, you should:

- Apply Either:
  - Through the [UQ semester-based exchange program](https://employability.uq.edu.au/get-edge/global-experiences/semester-based-exchange/applying-exchange), or
  - As a full fee-paying student to their (non-exchange partner) host university
- Meet all host university eligibility requirements, including academic and language prerequisites
- Submit applications by the relevant UQ and host deadlines

For students applying through UQ semester-based exchange, key deadlines are:

- Semester 1 exchange: 31 May (for study in the following year)
- Semester 2 exchange: 31 October (for study in the following year)

Please note:

- Your application to study overseas is a separate application process from the NCP Scholarship application
- Being selected as an NCP Scholar does not guarantee admission to a host university

*Indicative timeline: April/May (for semester 1 start) or September/October (for semester 2 start) in the year prior to travel*

**Before submitting your Expression of Interest**

We encourage students to seek advice early to strengthen their application and ensure their proposed program meets the NCP Scholarship Guidelines.

Before submitting your EOI, you should:

- Confirm space for overseas study in your UQ program:
  - [Complete a progression check](https://employability.uq.edu.au/node/2196/0#0) to ensure you can receive credit for your studies overseas. If needed, contact your Faculty or School for academic advice.
- Research host universities and courses
  - Review available host universities and courses to confirm they meet your academic and credit requirements.
  - For guidance on host universities, contact the [Global Experiences Team](mailto:iget@uq.edu.au).
- Plan your proposed Scholarship Program
  - Consider the length of your scholarship program, including your study component and any additional language training or internships.
- Access application and proposal support
  - Students are strongly encouraged to participate in the **NCP Scholarship Preparatory Program**, which includes information sessions and workshops designed to support you to develop and refine your scholarship proposal. Students who submit their EOI will automatically be enrolled.
  - Additional support is available through:
    - The [Career Development Team](http://uq.edu.au/uqadvantage/careers)
    - [Application skills and workshops](http://employability.uq.edu.au/career-development/events/career-advice)
    - Resources available via [My Career Advisor](http://employability.uq.edu.au/career-development/my-career-adviser)

Early engagement with these supports can help you present a well-planned and competitive NCP Scholarship Proposal.

- [New Colombo Plan Mobility and Semester Grant Program](https://global-partnerships.uq.edu.au/sponsorships/new-colombo-plan/mobility-semester-grant)
- [New Colombo Plan Scholarship Program](https://global-partnerships.uq.edu.au/sponsorships/new-colombo-plan/scholarship)

#### Contact us

For further information on NCP scholarships, please contact:

**Global Experiences Team**\
[gex@uq.edu.au](mailto:gex@uq.edu.au)

[2026 Scheme guidelines](https://global-partnerships.uq.edu.au/files/113346/New%20Colombo%20Plan%20Scholarship%20Program%202026%20Round%20Guidelines.pdf)

[Watch a past information session](https://uqz.zoom.us/rec/share/BD8mLwNrzR2B5bvOmnY2Ai4kk9YKrknYi1reGbf00mw3-WcEBS5uAMSmQKgyPbN1.okFhxFiV1IUd39jH?startTime=1746680574000)

[Join our mailing list](https://survey.app.uq.edu.au/new-colombo-plan-student-enquiries)

[Read our scholarship stories](https://global-partnerships.uq.edu.au/research/area/new-colombo-plan-scholarships)

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