New Colombo Plan (NCP) funding

The New Colombo Plan is an Australian Government initiative that provides funding and opportunities for Australian undergraduate university students to build their Asia capability through study, language learning and internships in the region.

The program gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in new cultures, be a real part of local communities, and form genuine lifelong connections. You’ll start to build your global network and put the foundations in place for a rewarding, international career.

Plus, when you return home, you can stay connected with your peers as part of the prestigious NCP Alumni Network supporting over 59,000 students.

The New Colombo Plan provides funding for a range of programs:

• New Colombo Plan Scholarship Program 
• New Colombo Plan Mobility Grants (linked to Study Tour programs)
• New Colombo Plan Semester Grants

The New Colombo Plan Scholarship 

The NCP Scholarship Program – the longest and most flexible – offers the opportunity to spend up to 19 months in the Asia region. In addition to a credit-bearing study component, you can do language training and an internship.

You’ll have the opportunity to develop your Asia capability in areas of your own and Australia’s strategic interest, including in priority host locations, languages and industry sectors. The Scholarship Program is your gateway to expand your career horizons and explore your potential as a leader in your field.

Swinburne Abroad must nominate eligible Australian undergraduate Swinburne students for the Scholarship Program, who are then invited to submit an application.

For more information including eligibility and how to apply, please see the New Colombo Plan Scholarship page.

New Colombo Plan Travel Grants

The New Colombo Plan Semester and Mobility Grants provide funding to Australian universities to support Australian undergraduate students to participate in semester-based or short-term study or internships. You’ll go beyond the classroom and turn your cultural curiosity into real regional literacy through study, language learning and internships in one of nearly 40 different host locations.

Swinburne Abroad will apply for, advertise and facilitate these opportunities.

Advantages of the program

• Be supported by the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to get access to high-level networks and open doors to future opportunities
• Study in the world’s fastest growing region, leading to future career opportunities
• Gain funding to help support the costs of your overseas study experience

Eligibility

To be eligible for an NCP Semester or Mobility grant:

• You must be currently studying a bachelor or bachelor (honours) program onshore
• You must be an Australian citizen
• You cannot have held dual citizenship or residency for the project destination.

Application process

New Colombo Plan Semester and Mobility Grants are awarded at the discretion of Swinburne University of Technology. You will be automatically considered for NCP funding when you apply for an eligible Study Tour or Exchange program that has NCP funding available. You will receive notification if you've been awarded grant funding shortly after applications close. 

Learn more about New Colombo Plan Grants on the NCP website.