The New Colombo Plan (NCP) Scholarship supports high‑achieving undergraduates to study, build language skills and gain industry experience in the Indo‑Pacific.
About the New Colombo Plan (NCP) Scholarship
The New Colombo Plan (NCP) Scholarship is a prestigious Australian Government award through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) for high-achieving undergraduates to undertake sustained, for credit study in the Indo-Pacific, alongside language learning and internships or mentorships. Programs can run for up to 19 months in a single host location. Students are nominated by their university before applying to DFAT.
To be considered, you must first be nominated by RMIT for the NCP Scholarship. Nomination is required before you can submit an application to the Australian Government.
You’re eligible for nomination if you:
- are an Australian citizen
- are enrolled in an undergraduate or honours degree for the full duration of your proposed program
- are 18–30 years old on 1 January of the scholarship year (18–35 for Indigenous applicants)
- are not a citizen or permanent resident of your proposed host location
- meet any additional eligibility requirements set in the current government guidelines
Final eligibility is confirmed during RMIT’s nomination process and, if successful, in your scholarship offer.
If you’re selected, your scholarship can include a package of financial and program supports. Depending on round settings and your approved plan, this can include:
- a monthly stipend and oneoff travel and establishment allowance
- health and travel insurance, access to a program case manager, and a mental health allowance
- language study support
- tuition support in defined feepaying scenarios
Exact inclusions and caps are set in the current round guidelines and are confirmed in your offer.
After RMIT nominates candidates, DFAT assesses nominees against published criteria, looking at:
- academic performance and potential
- leadership and community engagement
- adaptability and resilience
- how well your plan contributes to NCP objectives, including deeper engagement with the Indo‑Pacific, language learning, and any priority host locations identified for the round
- semester‑length study (for credit towards your RMIT degree)
- language learning relevant to the host location
- an internship or mentorship that builds professional experience
- keep components aligned to your degree and goals, show credible community and industry engagement, and be realistic about timing and workload.
Final inclusions and approval are confirmed through nomination and national selection.
The NCP Scholarship follows a nomination‑then‑application model. You begin by applying to RMIT for consideration (internal nomination). If selected for nomination, you then complete the national application administered by the Australian Government. For the latest dates and steps, see RMIT’s NCP Scholarship application page.
- Internal consideration: RMIT provides information and reviews candidates ahead of the national window
- Nomination: shortlisted students are put forward by RMIT for national consideration
- National application: nominees complete the government application and submit supporting documents
- Interviews: shortlisted nominees attend interviews coordinated by the government
- Outcomes and onboarding: selected scholars receive offers and complete predeparture requirements
Scholar stories
Students embark on an overseas odyssey with prestigious New Colombo Plan scholarships
Three RMIT University students will have the opportunity to pursue their studies overseas in 2024 after being awarded the prestigious New Colombo Plan scholarships.
Ready to apply?
- Apply to RMIT for consideration
- If nominated, complete the national application when invited by the Australian Government.
- If selected, your offer will confirm your inclusions and next steps.
If you're interested in an NCP Scholarship in 2027, you can submit an expression of interest here.
