Disclaimer Information - This scholarship is offered and administered by the Australian Government. The information and timeline may be updated in accordance with their updates or advice.

The 2026 NCP Scholarship Guidelines and Advice to Applicants are not yet available. The below NCP information is based on 2025 Guidelines and subject to change. The information will be updated when DFAT releases the 2026 Guidelines.

The New Colombo Plan (NCP) is an initiative of the Australian Government which aims to lift knowledge of the Indo-Pacific in Australia and strengthen our people-to-people and institutional relationships through long-term study, language training, and internships undertaken by Australian undergraduate students in the region. The NCP Scholarship Program (the Scholarship) provides up to 19 months of oversea study, including one or two semester exchange / study abroad, internship, and language training in your choice of destination. Students are strongly encouraged to undertake a language training. 

NCP locations

The Scholarship programs must be undertaken in one of the following host locations: 

Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kiribati, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nauru, Nepal, New Caledonia, Niue, Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Vietnam

• Current Students

• Centre for Aboriginal Studies
• Faculty of Business and Law
• Faculty of Health Sciences
• Faculty of Humanities
• Faculty of Science & Engineering
  • Science courses
  • Engineering courses
  • Western Australian School of Mines (WASM)

• Undergraduate

• Curtin students wanting to study overseas

• Australian Citizen

• Merit Based

The Scholarship will provide:

• one-off travel allowance of $3,000
• one-off establishment allowance of $3,000
• monthly scholarship allowance of up to $3,000
• mental health allowance of up to $3,000
• health and travel insurance for the duration of their overseas Scholarship Program
• dedicated case manager for the duration of their Scholarship Program who provides services including pre-departure briefings, advice on health and travel insurance, and payment of allowances.
• language training fees up to $10,000

Where a scholar will be studying as an independent study abroad student (a fee-paying international student) the Scholarship will also provide:

• international tuition fees of up to $15,000 per semester or $10,000 per trimester payable directly to the host institution (includes student service and amenities fees).

Please note:

• Scholars are responsible for their own financial circumstances and must consider their personal circumstances and budget their finance, including accommodation, transportation, cost of living, exchange rates, etc. when selecting their host location.
• The Scholarship will only provide for international tuition fees if no current exchange agreement place is available between Curtin University and your host institution.
• If the scholar's study component is under the auspices of an exchange program and the host institution does not charge tuition fees, the allocation for tuition fees will not be provided.

In addition to the benefits outlined above, NCP Fellows (the top-ranked scholar in each location) will be awarded $1,000 to purchase study materials for use during their Scholarship Program.

All undergraduate degrees where you can enrol as a full-time student at a host university in the Indo-Pacific region and receive full credits towards your current course of study at Curtin University.

To be eligible to apply for the Scholarship, applicants must:

• be an Australian citizen
• not be a current citizen or permanent resident of their proposed location
• be between (as of 1 January 2026):
  • 18 and 30 years of age (inclusive) for non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants; OR
  • 18 and 35 years of age (inclusive) for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants
• be enrolled in a bachelor’s degree or bachelor’s honours degree at Curtin University at the time of application and remain admitted throughout their Scholarship program
• be at least in the second year of your degree when the Scholarship program commences (e.g. completed at least 200 credits in your degree)
• meet the semester exchange program eligibility listed on the Curtin Go Global semester and year-long exchange programs
• not be undertaking another Australian Government funded offshore scholarship at the commencement of, or concurrently with the Scholarship program
• not be a previous recipient of an NCP Scholarship
• not be an employee of the branch of DFAT that administers the NCP

Additionally, the applicant's proposed Scholarship program must:

• be undertaken in one of the eligible Indo-Pacific destinations (applicants should focus on one location, not multiple locations)
• be confirmed upfront as feasible for their study component, language training, internship, mentorship, etc.
• not be undertaken at a host institution in a region with a travel advice classification of Level 4 by Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) - Refer to the Australian Government's Smartraveller
• not be undertaken at an offshore campus of an Australian university in the host destination unless no alternative arrangements are feasible and you are able to demonstrate significant benefit
• commence between the specified dates in the 2026 guidelines

The application process for the NCP Scholarship takes place in three stages with both Curtin University and the NCP team. Please note the key dates of the timeline and see the detailed explanation of the process for each stage below.

2026 TIMELINE

STAGE 1 – Expression of Interest (EOI) submitted to Curtin University Scholarships Office

• 21 May 2025 - Curtin NCP Scholarship EOI open
• 29 May 2025 - Info Session (1.00-3.00pm, Building 200a Room 220LT)
• 30 June 2025 - Curtin NCP Scholarship EOI closes
• Mid to late July 2025 - Outcome of Curtin EOI available via Scholarship Channel within Student OASIS
• Late July 2025 - Feedback Session for nominated applicants

STAGE 2 - NCP Online Application

• Late July to early August 2025 - NCP team will send nominated students application guide and an invitation to complete online application
• Mid Aug 2025 - Applications close 11.30pm AEST

STAGE 3 - NCP Interviews

• Sep 2025 - Shortlisted applicants are notified by NCP team
• Sep - Oct 2025 - Interviews (virtual)
• Nov 2025 - Final outcomes published
• Late Nov - early Dec 2025 - Award ceremony & pre-departure training

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (STAGE 1)

Step 1: Research & Planning

• Read the NCP Scholarship Guidelines and the Advice to Applicants to understand NCP goals and objectives
• Develop your own unique Scholarship program:
  • Identify and select your host location and institution in the region - Visit Curtin Go Global website for more information on the International Exchange; OR
  • Research and find a non-partner university in the region where they may accept you as a Fee-paying International (Study Abroad) student
  • Identify possible units where you can enrol full-time and receive full-time credits towards your current course of study at Curtin University
  • Obtain a unit outline / unit syllabus from the host university so your course coordinator can evaluate your feasibility to receive credits to an equivalent unit at Curtin University
  • Consider a language training (face-to-face) with a recognised provider in your host location
  • Consider internship/mentorship opportunities in your host location. Consult with your Faculty’s Work Integrated Learning (WIL) team for advice and feasibility

Familiarise yourself with all relevant information before you commence your application. You will need to have a great understanding of the NCP's objectives and be able to articulate how you and your study plan can contribute towards the program's objectives and benefit Australia while you are undertaking the Scholarship program as well as upon returning to Australia. Download the useful information from top right-hand side of this page.

Step 2: Access Curtin online Expression of Interest form

• EOIs are to be submitted using the online application form. Access the form by clicking on the "Apply Online" button on the top right-hand side of this page

Step 3: Complete

• Complete the EOI form online
• Required documentation must be submitted as part of expression of interest process including:
  • proof of Australian Citizenship (a copy of current passport)
  • confirmation of Aboriginality (if applicable)
  • current CV / resume
  • proof of study abroad program arrangement* (only applicable for Independent Study Abroad applicants who wish to study at non-partner university)
  • evidence that a host institution offers a study abroad program and units available in English (E.g. a printout from a host university website)*
  • 2 reference letters attesting the applicant's significant merit, abilities and potential in relation to the selection criteria (one must be a Curtin academic staff)
• EOI form can be saved at any point of the process
• Tips on how to complete your EOI can be found under the Applying for scholarships link on the Curtin’s scholarships website

(*) Applicants do not require evidence of acceptance at their host university at the time of expression of interest (Stage 1). However, at the time of submitting their application to NCP (Stage 2), applicants must provide documentation confirming their affiliation with their host institution as per the guidelines.

Step 4: 

• EOI closing date is listed at the top of the page
• Incomplete EOIs will not be assessed
• Once submitted, status will change to submitted

Step 5: 

• EOI (application) receipt will be sent to the email address provided when you created your Curtin account, once submitted

Step 6: Assessment

EOI will be assessed by an assessment panel using the following criteria:

• Academic excellence at the tertiary level (25 per cent weighting)
  Assessment of this criterion will relate to the applicant's demonstrated 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. (Maximum 300 words.)
• Leadership and engagement in the community (25 per cent weighting)
  Assessment of this criterion will relate to the applicant's demonstrated leadership in the community, including volunteer and not-for-profit roles and/or activities they have undertaken in their local community, nationally, overseas and/or in their university. (Maximum 300 words.)
• Adaptability and resilience (25 per cent weighting) 
  Assessment of this criterion will relate to the applicant's demonstrated ability to adapt to change, thrive in a different environment, and resilience in the face of challenges. (Maximum 300 words.)
• Ability to contribute to NCP's strategic objective and outcomes (25 per cent weighting)
  Assessment of this criterion will relate to the applicant's demonstrated 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. (Maximum 300 words.)
• Other Considerations
  Where applicants have similarly meritorious claims in relation to the Assessment criteria, preference may be given to applicants proposing:
  • longer periods of study components
  • an internship or mentorship component
  • a period (or longer periods) of language training, and/or
  • a Scholarship program with coherent correlation across the proposed Study component, Language training and internship component achieving diversity of placement across host locations
  • 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
  • diversity across fields of study and Australian universities
  • how the proposal contributes to value with relevant money

Step 7: Expression of Interest Outcome

• Outcome of Expression of Interest (both successful and unsuccessful) will be available mid to late July 2025 via the Scholarships Channel (Student OASIS)
   

NCP ONLINE APPLICATION (FOR NOMINATED APPLICANTS) (STAGE 2)

• Curtin University will nominate successful EOI applicants to the NCP
• NCP online applications (invitation only) from late July to late August (TBC) - Nominated applicants will receive an invitation from the NCP
• Nominated applicants must undergo a national police check (organised by the NCP)
• Nominated applicants must submit two referee reports with their application, with at least one report from an academic referee from the applicant’s home university**
• Nominated applicants are strongly encouraged to attend the Curtin feedback session and the NCP webinar (refer to above timelines)

(**) Applicants are strongly encouraged to commence their online application as soon as it is received and to provide their two referees contact details as early as possible so that referees will have sufficient time to provide well considered reports online against the selection criteria. You can only lodge your online application if your referees have already submitted their reference reports.

NCP INTERVIEWS (FOR SHORT-LISTED APPLICANTS) (STAGE 3)

• NCP Scholars will be selected through a competitive, merit-based selection process.
• Shortlisted applicants will attend their interviews during Sep - Oct 2025
• Interview panels may comprise representatives from among the following: government officials, members of the business community, academics, diplomatic corps representatives or others as determined appropriate.
• All successful and unsuccessful applicants will be advised by the NCP regarding the outcome of their application.
• Successful scholars will be announced and their details are published on the NCP website Nov - Dec 2025.
• Successful scholars will commence their programs between 1 Jan and 15 Dec 2026.
• The top-ranked candidate for each location will be acknowledged as a NCP Fellow. Fellows are encouraged to play a strong role in promoting the NCP program while on their Scholarship Program, and as part of the alumni network on their return.

For enquiries relating to scholarships nomination and applications process, please contact the Scholarships Office

Scholarships Office
E: scholarships@curtin.edu.au
 

For questions relating to the host institution and exchange components, please contact the Study Abroad and Student Exchange Office.

Go Global Office
E:GoGlobal@curtin.edu.au
 

Note from the NCP Secretariat

Travel to any host location will be subject to the Australian Government's Smartraveller travel advice at the time of travel. (Scholars must not travel to a host location or region within a host location for which the Smartraveller advisory recommends 'Do not travel' or 'Reconsider your need to travel' at the time of travel, as per the scholarship guidelines).

NCP Scholarship - Previous rounds information is available here.

Tips on writing a successful NCP scholarship application (NCP Videos)

Below are links to videos with information on the NCP program, including why students should apply for a NCP scholarship, tips on how to write a good NCP scholarship application and NCP scholar success stories. I encourage you to share this at your university including to nominated students.

Why should you apply for a New Colombo Plan scholarship?

• https://youtu.be/k6VA5w--o0A
• https://youtu.be/TnvpyiU-xYM

Tips on writing a successful NCP scholarship application

• https://youtu.be/JPz-IE9gh1g
• https://youtu.be/wP7yG7XqlFk

New Colombo Plan ‘Your questions answered’

• https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLicI2lfKDSZ0Y5fvpOu9S8CNg6cT91Xua

New Colombo Plan ‘Scholar Stories’

• https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLicI2lfKDSZ3m1zpQBjk4e1LnQy3nNj7j
• https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLicI2lfKDSZ0m1B_WbKyC9DA_tULQ2jE4

New Colombo Plan - Scholarship Application Tips by Global Society

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cryx-Dwyi6g&feature=youtu.be 

New Colombo Plan website
For more information on the New Colombo Plan, please visit the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website at: www.dfat.gov.au/new-colombo-plan