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New Colombo Plan Scholarships Program

The New Colombo Plan scholarships program is a prestigious opportunity for outstanding Australian students to undertake study in the Indo-Pacific region. Each scholarship is worth $70,000 and is awarded to successful applicants based on academic merit, as well as leadership, community engagement and resilience.

About the New Colombo Plan

Undertake a transformative study abroad experience in the Indo-Pacific region with a New Colombo Plan scholarship.

About the scholarships program

The New Colombo Plan is an Australian Government initiative that aims to lift knowledge of the Indo–Pacific region by supporting Australian undergraduates to live, study and intern in the region. As part of the NCP, the scholarships program is offered to high-achieving students to facilitate an immersive study abroad experience of up to 19 months that deepens ties with the region on both an individual and community level.

Each scholarship is worth up to $70,000 and provides you with endless educational, professional and personal development opportunities across 40 Indo–Pacific countries.

Since 2017, 58 Deakin students have been awarded a scholarship – in 2025, this could be you! Our students have monitored whale migration in French Polynesia, completed immersive language programs in Indonesia, interned in Sports Psychology in Singapore and studied science communication in Malaysia.

How to apply

Applications for the New Colombo Plan scholarships program are currently closed.

You can view a step-by-step summary of the application process. This process includes multiple interviews and can take up to 7 months, so you need to be prepared and committed.

You can also read in-depth information about the application process, including the eligibility criteria you must meet, the host locations, and the nomination process (you must have your application nominated by Deakin).

The first step in applying for the NCP scholarships program is to attend an information session. In this session, you'll learn about how the scholarship works, the application process and timelines. You'll also be able to ask any questions you have.

Expressions of interest

To stay up-to-date with New Colombo Plan programs and receive information about when applications open and information sessions are scheduled, sign up to our mailing list below.

EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST

For more information, including advice from previous years for preparing your application, visit the New Colombo Plan scholarships website.

Obtaining a New Colombo Plan scholarship is a major milestone for me. It allows me to fulfill my dream of living abroad and immersing myself in a different culture, all while actively participating in the development of diplomatic relations in the Indo-Pacific region. This opportunity comes at a pivotal moment when regional relations are essential for peace and prosperity, and I consider it a great privilege to be part of this initiative.

Emily-Jayne Rofe, 2024 NCP scholar

Contact us

If you have a question about the New Colombo Plan program please email us.