The New Colombo Plan (NCP) Semester Program provides funding to Australian universities to leverage their partnership arrangements to support one-to-two semester length experiences for Australian undergraduate students to develop Indo-Pacific capability, including language learning and internships.
The intended outcomes of the NCP Semester Program are that:
- program participants develop their Indo-Pacific knowledge and capability, including language skills, in line with Australia’s strategic and economic interests
- Australian universities leverage institutional partnerships in the Indo-Pacific and there is an expansion of engagement with counterpart institutions in priority host locations, languages and sectors
- alumni maintain and develop their Indo-Pacific capability, including language skills, and engagement with the region.
Australian universities can apply, including through consortia arrangements, for funding under the NCP Semester Program.
New Colombo Plan Semester Program 2026 Round
Applications for the 2026 round of the NCP Semester Program are now open.
It is anticipated that $23.76 million in funding will be available for the NCP Semester Program in 2025-26, including 20 per cent program and administration funding for universities.
To access the 2026 NCP Semester Program Guidelines and related documents – which contain information about eligibility requirements, selection processes and advice on how to apply – please visit the following page on the GrantConnect website:
New Colombo Plan Semester Program 2026 Round
GrantConnect is the authoritative source for Australian Government grants information. If you are new to using GrantConnect, you will be required to register to receive a login. By registering, you will be notified automatically of any changes.
Contacts
DFAT is unable to accept NCP Semester Program applications from Australian undergraduate students directly.
University staff and eligible undergraduate students interested in the NCP Semester Program should contact their university's study abroad/international liaison office for more information, or DFAT’s NCP Secretariat at ncp.secretariat@dfat.gov.au.