New Colombo Plan

Home
Australia
Canberra, ACT
New Colombo Plan

The Australian Government's New Colombo Plan Scholarships and Mobility Grants Program. Have an NCP story to share?

Submit your story here and you may be featured in our promotional content: https://bit.ly/3QblV6N The New Colombo Plan is a signature initiative of the Australian Government which aims to lift knowledge of the Indo-Pacific in Australia by supporting Australian undergraduates to study and undertake internships in the region. It encourages a two-way flow of students between Australia and the rest of

our region, complementing the thousands of students from the region coming to Australia to study each year. The New Colombo Plan is intended to be transformational, deepening Australia's relationships in the region, both at the individual level and through expanding university, business and other links. Over time, the Australian Government wants to see study in the Indo-Pacific region become a rite of passage for Australian undergraduate students, and as an endeavour that is highly valued across the Australian community.

25/05/2026

The NCP enhances your degree beyond the ordinary, empowering young Australians to build their Asia capability through studying, learning a language and interning in the region.

Jordan McGrath’s journey is a powerful example of what this looks like in practice. A proud Lungga Kija man, Jordan shares how his NCP scholarship supported his academic growth and opened new opportunities.

From mathematics and ecology to language learning and climate research, his experience in Singapore shows how diverse an NCP program can be – all while learning directly from our regional neighbours.

📢 Thinking about taking your degree to Asia? Talk to your university’s international office today or find out more at: www.ncpstartshere.com.au

22/05/2026

This week's 🌏

🎙️The University of Queensland Chancellor Peter Varghese AO recently sat down with 2026 NCP Scholar Sam Taylor for an upcoming Economic Society podcast. With his Hong Kong scholarship on the horizon, Sam gained valuable insights from Peter’s remarkable career in diplomacy and government — helping set the scene for his journey ahead.

📚 The Australian National University students have been out and about in Shanghai as part of their semester long Mobility Program — learning Mandarin, exploring local culture through traditional Chinese clothing (hanfu), and practising kung fu.

🏫 Study longer in Asia! More than 60 students from The University of Melbourne, RMIT University, Deakin University, Monash University, and Swinburne University of Technology recently attended an event in Melbourne promoting long-term study experiences in Asia as part of the Scholarship and Semester Programs. Thanks to the universities and our Alumni Representatives for speaking to students about the value of immersive experiences in the region!

🎈 Celebrating the NCP! RMIT University recently hosted a fantastic event bringing together the NCP community to celebrate the impact of Indo-Pacific study, internship and language opportunities for students. Thanks to RMIT for continuing to champion the NCP Program!

Submit it via this link https://bit.ly/3QblV6N – you could feature in our NCP round-up, NCP Highlights, or other promotional content!

14/05/2026

🌏 Ready to discover your passion and kickstart your career?

Hear how 2024 scholar Ebony O’Connor’s time in Japan inspired her career path and built skills that last beyond her NCP experience – all while gaining firsthand insight into a new culture.

From study and language training to hands-on internships across the region, the NCP offers opportunities to build your Asia capability and enhance your resume with global, real-world experience.

Learn how an NCP scholarship can open doors to international opportunities. Contact your university’s international office or visit the link www.ncpstartshere.com.au to learn more.

08/05/2026

🌏 Thinking of applying for an NCP scholarship?

Discover how learning an Asian language is one of the most valuable parts of the NCP experience.

Hear from 2024 scholar Emma Bamford, as she reflects on the impact of learning Bahasa Indonesia.

Learning a language in-country goes beyond vocabulary – it contributes to building cultural understanding and lifelong global connections.

Whether you’re learning a language or immersing yourself in a different culture, you’re enhancing your degree beyond the ordinary.

Through the NCP, undergraduate students can live, study, intern, and build meaningful connections across the Indo‑Pacific.

👉 Reach out to your university’s international office or check out www.ncpstartshere.com.au to learn more.

07/05/2026

Last night we marked the last in our series of pre-departure receptions by celebrating our 2026 NCP scholars at The ANZAC Club in Perth.

The scholars will deepen their Asia literacy, build regional capability, and immerse themselves in local cultures.

They will continue to strengthen Australia’s connections in the region through the professional networks they build.

Thanks to NCP alum Fraser Robb for being our MC and thank you to all our stakeholders for attending!

We wish all our scholars every success and can't wait to see how their experiences unfold!

24/04/2026

This week's 🌏

📚 Study goals! students went on a 4-week Mobility Program in Indonesia. They attended lectures at IPB University , took Bahasa Indonesia lessons, and engaged with the National Research and Innovation Agency , , and Yayasan Cipta Mandiri (YCM), which supports disadvantaged youth.

📈 Onward and upward! Annabel Nguyen will soon begin her internship in Vietnam at after completing her NCP scholarship in Hong Kong, where she studied at and learnt Mandarin.

🎉 Congratulations Julian Tearney! The student recently completed his NCP scholarship in Singapore, which included studies at Nanyang Technological University Singapore and an internship at S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies.

🏅 Sports diplomacy! NCP scholar Anastasia Koo recently started an internship at Development Basketball League Indonesia , a multi-sport agency focused on developing youth talent. Anastasia is supporting a sports exchange program in which Australian basketball coaches nurture Indonesian talent.

Have an NCP story to share with us? 👀

Submit it at the link in bio – you could feature in our NCP round-up, NCP Highlights, or other promotional content!

10/04/2026

This week's 🌏

🎈Congrats, Eliza Ahearn! The RMIT University student completed her internship at Kiroyan Partners in Indonesia. She's keen to put her regional knowledge into practice once she finishes up her International Studies degree.

💼Australia meets South Korea. NCP scholars were thrilled to volunteer and build connections at the 2026 Australia-Korea Business Awards and G’day R.O.K. networking event hosted by AustCham Korea | 주한 호주 상공회의소 in Seoul. Thanks to the Australia-Korea Foundation and Dr Scott Watkins for their continued contribution to strengthening Australia-South Korea relations.

🌏Go big in Asia! NCP alum Eva Hill took the stage at the ‘Opportunities in Asia’ panel, inspiring students to say yes to study opportunities across the region. Thanks to Asia-Australia Youth Association Asia-Australia Youth Association @ UWA for hosting the event.

🤝Meet and greet! 2026 NCP scholars to Korea were warmly welcomed by AKBC in Melbourne last month. This catch-up will kick off their NCP journeys – building networks, pursuing opportunities, and strengthening the Australia–Korea corridor.

🎻Music to your ears. NCP alumni Eden Annesley and Lola Schuele wowed audiences across NSW last month with 'before/now/after' – their musical showcase inspired by their Australian roots and NCP journey in Japan.

📸 An showcase! NCP alumni shared their Indo-Pacific experiences during an informative session hosted by RMIT University. Thanks to the RMIT Global Learning team and our alumni reps for flying the NCP flag high!

Have an NCP story to share with us? 👀

Submit it at the link below – you could feature in our NCP round-up, NCP Highlights, or other promotional content!

https://bit.ly/3QblV6N

08/04/2026

📸2026 Alumni Representatives have been out and about during O-Week right across the country!

The Reps hosted booths, stalls and info sessions, welcoming prospective scholars, and Semester and Mobility Program participants.

Thanks to all universities and Reps for highlighting the possibilities that the NCP offers to students - studying overseas, internships, language learning, and even local cuisines!

Swipe across to see the Reps in-action 👇

✅ Mindy and Davidson from The University of Melbourne

✅ Eva from The University of Western Australia

✅ Jude from Victoria University

✅ James from University of Canberra

✅ Dikschya from Charles Sturt University

✅ Luke from Flinders University

✅ Maita from James Cook University

✅ Lara from University of Tasmania

Want to connect with your local Rep? ✉️ bit.ly/2026NCPAlumniRepresentatives

02/04/2026

From a Colombo Plan scholarship to today’s New Colombo Plan and Australia Awards, the same exchange of skills, leadership and trust continues to strengthen Brunei, Australia and our region.

Australian Mission to ASEAN

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HmC8YPK8T/

20/03/2026

This week's 🌏

🎈Congrats, Maxwell!! Deakin University student Maxwell Chang has wrapped up a 4-week internship at Oentoeng Suria & Partners in Indonesia. With fresh experiences and a global mindset, Maxwell is just getting started.

📚An internship with a stop at the Embassy! NCP scholars participating in the NCP Mitsubishi Group Internship Program in Japan got to visit the Australian Embassy Japan. They learnt how Australia and Japan collaborate across education, energy and other key sectors.

📸University of Queensland students went on a 4-week mobility project in Indonesia. The engineering students explored defence and manufacturing companies, and shared learning experiences with their peers at Bandung Institute of Technology

🤝A huge thank you to Griffith University's Vice-Chancellor Professor Carolyn Evans for supporting our 2026 NCP scholars as they get ready to kick off their adventures in the region.

✨Griffith University Mobility Program participants embraced academic life and cultural experiences at Soochow University in Taiwan.

😁All smiles in the Philippines! The University of Sydney engineering students spent a month diving into research, fieldwork, and local language and culture as part of their Mobility Program.

Have an NCP story to share with us? 👀

Submit it at the link below – you could feature in our NCP round-up, NCP Highlights, or other promotional content!

https://bit.ly/3QblV6N

Address

John McEwen Crescent
Canberra, ACT
0221

Website

https://linktr.ee/NewColomboPlan

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when New Colombo Plan posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Want your organization to be the top-listed Government Service in Canberra?