What Can An NCP Scholarship Provide?
An NCP scholarship can provide recipients with:
- Travel allowance up to $3,000
- Establishment allowance up to $3,000
- Monthly stipend up to $3,000 per month
- Mental health allowance up to $1,000
- Tuition fees up to $20,000
- Support for language training up to $10,000
- Health and travel insurance for the duration of the scholar’s program
- Opportunities for private sector sponsorship
- A dedicated case manager for the duration of the scholar’s program, who provides services including pre-departure briefings, advice on health and travel insurance, advice and assistance relating to accommodation, and payment of allowances
In total students may get up to $87,000 for credit-bearing studies overseas and take part in internships, that span over a semester or up to 19 months (please note the sum varies for each selected NCP scholar depending on their NCP location and proposal).
For more information on the NCP scholarship program, including Frequently Asked Questions and program guidelines, visit the DFAT website.
Key Benefits of the NCP Scholarship
Enrich Your Education
An NCP Scholarship allows you to gain academic qualifications while immersing yourself in a foreign culture and language. You’ll return to your studies with a fresh perspective and renewed enthusiasm, having gained awareness and insights that may not be possible through studies in Australia alone.
Enhance Your Career Prospects
International study experience in the Indo-Pacific region will make your academic record and CV stand out, broadening your options for life after undergraduate studies in Australia and abroad. The opportunity to complete an internship or mentorship during your program can provide valuable work experience that may impress prospective employers and graduate programs.
Develop Personally
Participating in an NCP Scholarship can be very rewarding, character-building, and eye-opening. You may gain independence, confidence, resourcefulness, and problem-solving skills, while discovering new interests and activities. The experience can help you grow in ways you may not have found possible at home in Australia.
Strengthen Australia’s Ties in the Region
By participating in the NCP Scholarship, you’ll contribute to strengthening Australia’s important relationships and professional networks within the Indo-Pacific region. This can enhance your own career prospects and postgraduate study options.
Expand Your Network
An NCP Scholarship is an opportunity to make new friends, colleagues, and professional connections within the Indo-Pacific region. The program is developing an active alumni community to ensure that connections made through the NCP are long-lasting, with ongoing opportunities for alumni to engage with the region.
Immerse Yourself in Culture and Travel
Studying overseas as part of the NCP is not just an academic opportunity, but also a chance to experience first-hand the language, customs, architecture, monuments, terrain, food, and music of your host country. The travel allowance and support provided can help make this experience possible.
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
To be eligible for an NCP Scholarship, you must:
- Be an Australian citizen (not a current citizen or permanent resident of your proposed host location)
- Be enrolled in and undertaking a Bachelor’s degree or Bachelor’s Honours degree at an Australian university
- Have at least one semester of full-time study remaining in your degree at the time the program commences
- Be between 18 and 30 years old (inclusive) for non-Indigenous applicants, or between 18 and 35 for Indigenous applicants
- Have achieved a minimum weighted average mark of 70% in your studies
- Not be a previous recipient of an NCP Scholarship
Selection is highly competitive and based on the following criteria:
- Academic excellence at the tertiary level (25%)
- Leadership and engagement in the community (25%)
- Adaptability and resilience (25%)
- Ability to contribute to the NCP’s strategic objectives and outcomes (25%)
How to Apply for an NCP Scholarship
The application process involves two stages:
- University nomination: You must first apply to your university to be considered for nomination to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). This involves completing an Expression of Interest by the deadline, which is typically in late May each year.
- DFAT application: If nominated by your university, you will then be invited to submit an online application directly to DFAT. This typically occurs in July-August, with interviews in September-October and final selections announced in November.
The anticipated timeline for the 2025 NCP Scholarship is:
- 31 May 2024: Deadline to submit Expression of Interest to university
- 10 July 2024: Students nominated by university to DFAT
- 18 July – 14 August 2024: Nominated students submit online application to DFAT
- Early November 2024: Successful and unsuccessful applicants notified
- 1 January – 15 December 2025: Scholars commence scholarships
What the NCP Scholarship Provides
The maximum total grant amount for an NCP Scholarship is $87,000 AUD. This can include:
- Tuition fees of up to $20,000 for a maximum of one academic year
- Up to $10,000 for in-country language training
- $3,000 travel allowance
- $3,000 establishment allowance
- $3,000 monthly stipend for up to 19 months
- Up to $3,000 mental health allowance
- Health and travel insurance for the duration of the program
- Dedicated case manager support
- Opportunities for private sector sponsorship
Choosing a Host Location and Institution
When applying for an NCP Scholarship, you’ll need to propose a study plan that includes:
- A minimum of 3 months and maximum of 19 months overseas
- At least one semester/trimester of study
- Optional language training and internship/mentorship components
You can choose from a range of participating Indo-Pacific locations, including:
- Japan
- China
- India
- Indonesia
- Singapore
- Vietnam
- Malaysia
- Thailand
- Philippines
- South Korea
- Taiwan
- Hong Kong
- Brunei Darussalam
- Cambodia
- Laos
- Myanmar
- Mongolia
- Nepal
- Pakistan
- Sri Lanka
- Bangladesh
- Bhutan
- Fiji
- Kiribati
- Marshall Islands
- Micronesia
- Nauru
- Niue
- Palau
- Papua New Guinea
- Samoa
- Solomon Islands
- Timor-Leste
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- Vanuatu
When selecting a host institution, consider:
- Courses that align with your academic requirements and interests
- Opportunities for language training and internships
- Reputation and rankings of the institution
- Cost of living in the host city
- Availability of on-campus accommodation
If the institution is not an official exchange partner of your home university, contact the Global Partnerships office for advice on the application process.
Tips for Writing a Winning NCP Scholarship Application
Here are some tips to help you craft a compelling NCP Scholarship application:
- Conduct thorough research on your proposed host location and institution to demonstrate your genuine interest and commitment.
- Highlight your academic achievements, leadership experience, community engagement, and adaptability to meet the selection criteria.
- Clearly articulate how the NCP Scholarship aligns with your academic and career goals, and how you will contribute to the program’s strategic objectives.
- Showcase your communication skills and passion for the Indo-Pacific region throughout your application.
- Proofread carefully and ensure your application is well-structured, concise, and free of errors.
- Seek feedback from your university’s career development team, attend workshops, and utilize resources like My Career Adviser to effectively reflect on your experiences and answer the application questions.
- Prepare thoroughly for the interview stage, as this is a crucial part of the selection process.
Conclusion
The New Colombo Plan Scholarship is a transformative opportunity for Australian undergraduates to gain valuable international experience, strengthen ties between Australia and the Indo-Pacific region, and enhance their future career prospects. With generous funding, support, and a prestigious reputation, the NCP Scholarship can open doors to a world of possibilities. If you meet the eligibility criteria and are passionate about engaging with the region, consider applying for this life-changing program.