New Colombo Plan (NCP) Scholarship Program 2025 at ANU
- Omran Aburayya
- Mar 29
- 3 min read
If you're an Australian undergraduate student eager to immerse yourself in the Indo-Pacific region through study, language training, and internships, the New Colombo Plan (NCP) Scholarship Program 2025 at The Australian National University (ANU) is now accepting applications. This prestigious scholarship, offered by the Australian Government, aims to deepen Australia's engagement and understanding of the Indo-Pacific by supporting students in gaining valuable international experience. Details in this article.
NCP Scholarship Summary
Location: Australia + Indo-Pacific region
Host University: The Australian National University (ANU)
Study Level: Undergraduate (Bachelor’s degree)
Target Group: Australian citizens enrolled at ANU
Fields of Study: Open to all disciplines
Value & Coverage: Up to $107,000, covering travel, establishment, monthly stipend, tuition fees, language training, health and travel insurance, and more
Award Duration: 3 to 19 months
Application Deadline: 31 May 2025
Program Start Date: Commencing in the following year
Eligible To: Australian citizens aged 18-30 (35 for Indigenous applicants) enrolled in an undergraduate program at ANU
New Colombo Plan (NCP) Scholarship Overview
The NCP Scholarship Program is a flagship initiative by the Australian Government designed to enhance Australia's knowledge of the Indo-Pacific by providing Australian undergraduate students with opportunities to study, undertake language training, and gain work experience in the region. The program supports up to 19 months of overseas study, emphasizing internships and language training alongside academic coursework. Scholars receive comprehensive funding and structured support, enabling them to develop professional and intercultural skills while strengthening Australia's relationships in the Indo-Pacific.
Scholarship Benefits
Recipients of the NCP Scholarship will receive:
Travel Allowance: Up to $3,000 to assist with travel expenses.
Establishment Allowance: Up to $3,000 for initial costs such as accommodation and study materials.
Monthly Stipend: $3,000 per month to cover living expenses.
Tuition Fees: Up to $15,000 per semester or $10,000 per trimester, paid directly to the host institution.
Language Training Support: Up to $10,000 for face-to-face language study with a recognized provider.
Health & Travel Insurance: Comprehensive coverage for the duration of the program.
Dedicated Case Manager: Provides pre-departure briefings, guidance on insurance, assistance with payments, and ongoing support.
Opportunities for Private Sector Sponsorship: Potential for additional funding and professional connections.
In total, scholars may receive up to $107,000, depending on the specifics of their program and location.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the NCP Scholarship, applicants must:
Be an Australian citizen (dual citizens and permanent residents of an NCP host location are ineligible).
Be enrolled in an undergraduate Bachelor’s degree at ANU and be in at least their second year of study when the scholarship commences.
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.
Have a minimum 70% graded average (GPA equivalent) in their undergraduate studies at the time of application or nomination by ANU.
Be undertaking an approved exchange or study abroad program in an eligible NCP destination.
💡Note: The GPA requirement does not apply to Australian Indigenous students.
Application Procedure
Applications are open once a year, with submissions to be made to ANU Global Programs through the Global Programs System.
Round One – ANU Selection Process
Application Submission: Applications for the 2026 round will be open from 1 May to 31 May 2025.
Concurrent Exchange Application: Students must also submit an exchange application through the ANU Global Programs System or consider independent learning abroad studies while completing their NCP Scholarship application.
Applications will be assessed and shortlisted by a panel of ANU staff. For guidance on preparing your application, refer to the application guidelines provided by ANU Global Programs.
Round Two – DFAT Selection Process
If your Round One application is successful, it will be recommended to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) for consideration. Shortlisted applicants will attend a face-to-face interview with a panel between September and October 2025. All applicants will be notified of the outcome in November/December 2025.
Application Guidelines
Choose a Country: Select from eligible host locations, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Cook Islands, Fiji, Hong Kong SAR, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Vanuatu, and Vietnam.
Choose a Program: Liaise with your academic college to select a study program at the host institution for which you will receive academic credit from ANU.
Language Training: Incorporating language training in your proposed scholarship program is strongly encouraged.
Internship Component: Consider including internships or mentorships as part of your scholarship program to gain hands-on experience and industry insights.
ℹ️ For further details, visit the official website of the NCP Scholarship.
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