New Colombo Plan (NCP) Scholarship
The New Colombo Plan (NCP) Scholarship Program is a prestigious opportunity that awards up to $107,000 to Australian undergraduate students to study abroad in the Indo-Pacific region.
About the New Colombo Plan (NCP) Scholarship
The New Colombo Plan (NCP) aims to lift Australia’s knowledge of the Indo-Pacific by supporting Australian university students to study and undertake internships in the region.
The NCP Scholarship Program provides scholarships to a diverse cohort of Australian university students for overseas programs that include study, internships, mentorships, and language training for up to 19 months in eligible Indo-Pacific host locations.
Since 2014, 41 La Trobe students have been awarded a NCP scholarship.
Eligibility
To qualify you must:
- Be an Australian citizen aged between 18 and 30 years as of 1 January 2027
- Not undertake the scholarship in a host location where you:
- Hold dual citizenship or residency rights, or
- Have previously been a citizen or permanent resident
- Be undertaking a Bachelor’s or Bachelor Honours Degree at the commencement of the scholarship program
- Have a minimum weighted average mark (WAM) score of 60% across all studies at La Trobe
- Be able to demonstrate community service and/or leadership experience.
How to apply
The NCP Scholarship 2027 round is open.
The NCP Scholarship Program application process includes multiple interviews and can take up to 7 months. Here's how to get started:
Learn more about the NCP Scholarship Program and the application process by watching the recorded information session. The session provides an overview of the scholarship, eligibility requirements, application timelines, assessment criteria, and practical advice on preparing a strong application. We encourage all interested students to watch the recording before submitting an application.
Watch the recorded information session here
Passcode: 8&9yr!Kz
Confirm your eligibility and familiarise yourself with the 2026 NCP Scholarship guidelines - scroll down from this page. Please note, there may be slight changes to the 2027 guidelines which will be released around mid-2026.
When you're ready submit your expression of interest.
Commit to the rigorous application process which includes:
- Nomination
- Written component
- La Trobe mock interview
- Virtual interview stages with DFAT in Canberra
Apply for La Trobe's student exchange program to participate in either semester 1 or 2 in 2027.
Obtain credit approval to go on exchange to an eligible host country.
Purchase and undergo a National Police Record Check. This is required as part of the application process.
Be ready to fully participate in the program if successfully selected.
Approximate timeline
June
- NCP Scholarship information session - June 3
- Expression of interest submission deadline June 26
July
- La Trobe shortlisting applications (early July)
- Nominated and unsuccessful students notified (mid-July)
August
- Students nominated to DFAT
- NCP student written applications
September
- NCP Australian government applications shortlisted & applicants notified
- La Trobe mock interviews (mid-September)
- NCP virtual interviews (September - October)
November
- All NCP applicants notified of outcome
- Scholars announced (November - December)
Ready to apply?
Before applying, confirm that you meet the eligibility criteria and have carefully reviewed the information provided in the 'Eligibility' and 'How to apply' sections, including all requirements and next steps.
Expressions of interest must be submitted on or before June 26, 2026.
Contact us
We’re here to help. If you have questions, contact the La Trobe Abroad team.