New Colombo Plan Scholarship Program
- Value
- Up to $107,000
- Open date
- 23/02/2026
- Close date
- 31/05/2026
- Study sector
- Higher education
- Study level
- Bachelor
- Student type
- Domestic
- Student status
- Continuing
Join an online information session on 12 May
Scholarship details
The New Colombo Plan (NCP) Scholarship Program is an Australian Government initiative that supports Australian undergraduate students to live, study, undertake internships and complete language training in countries across the Indo-Pacific region for up to 19 months.
The program aims to build students’ understanding of the Indo-Pacific and strengthen Australia’s relationships with the region by developing graduates with international experience, language skills and cross-cultural knowledge.
Frequently asked questions
The program includes a fully funded study abroad placement, where your full international tuition fees are covered, allowing you to undertake a semester or longer program overseas as part of your Federation University degree.
The figures below are based on the 2026 scholarship allowances.
Maximum amount of expenses payable
| Activity | Maximum amount of expenses payable |
| Travel allowance | $3,000 (one-off payment) |
| Establishment allowance | $3,000 (one-off payment) |
| Scholarship allowance | Up tp $3,000 as a monthly stipend |
| Study component (max 2 semesters) | Up to $15,000 per semester |
| In-country langauage training | Up tp $10,000 |
| Mental health allowance | Up to $3,000 reimbursed to scholar to contribute to the cost of professional mental health services |
| Plus | Health and travel insurance, a case manager, advice and assistance |
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) administers the program and assesses applications from nominated students.
DFAT does not accept applications directly from Australian undergraduate students.
Eligible students must first be nominated by their home university (Federation) before being invited to apply for the scholarship.
Students interested in applying for the NCP Scholarship Program must first complete an expression of interest form by 31 May.
After this step, students who wish to continue must submit an internal application to Federation University. Internal applications will open in mid-June.
Federation University’s global team will assess all internal applications and select candidates to be submitted to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) for the scholarship.
Successful candidates will be supported by the university throughout the DFAT scholarship application process.
To apply for the NCP Scholarship Program, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Australian citizenship.
- Not a current citizen or permanent resident of the proposed host location(s).
- Enrolled in an Australian undergraduate degree providing full academic credit for the study component of your program.
- Have mandatory units to enrol in and undertake in your home degree program on return to Australia following your scholarship program.
- Be between 18 and 30 years of age(inclusive) for non-Indigenous applicants, or between 18 and 35years of age (inclusive) for Indigenous applicants, on 1 January 2027.
- Not be an employee of the branch of DFAT or the contractor that administers the NCP.
- Be nominated by your home university (Federation University).
- Not a previous NCP Scholar.
Applicants can nominate to study at the below locations in the Indo Pacific region.
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Successful applicants will commence their studies in 2027. Students will be eligible to undertake overseas study for one semester up to 19 months at their nominated location in the Indo‑Pacific region.
No, your overseas study will count towards your Federation University degree.
April and May
- Attend the information session on 12 May 2026.
- Complete the expression of interest form before 31 May 2026.
- Join a community group with peers who are also interested in the scholarship.
- Begin gathering required documents.
- Start preparing your application responses.
June
- Support provided by Federation University to help you prepare your application.
- Submit your internal application to Federation University.
July – August
- Internal assessment and shortlisting completed by Federation University.
- Interview preparation and support.
- Final applications submitted to DFAT.
The scholarship:
- combines overseas study with an internship
- helps improve language skills
- highly prestigious and can help with career enhancement due to global exposure and practical experience
- become a member of the NCP Alumni Network, building connections to help progress your career.
Contact studyabroad@federation.edu.au.