Applications for the 2026 round of the New Colombo Plan (NCP) are now open!
The 2026 round puts into effect key reforms announced by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong, on 30 July 2025.
This includes a focus on strengthening Australia’s Indo-Pacific capability and Asia literacy, increasing scholarship numbers, placing greater emphasis on students learning Asian languages, and better supporting long-term immersive experiences.
From 2026, the NCP will have 3 programs – Scholarships, Semester and Mobility.
Applications for the 3 programs close on 23 September 2025.
Australian universities can apply, including through consortia arrangements, for funding under the NCP Semester and Mobility Programs. Under the NCP Scholarship Program, Australian universities nominate eligible Australian undergraduate students, who are then invited to submit an application. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is unable to accept applications from Australian undergraduate students directly.
To access the program guidelines and related documents – which contain information about eligibility requirements, selection processes and advice on how to apply – please visit the Current Grant Opportunities page on GrantConnect. If you are new to using GrantConnect, you will need to register to receive a login.
See direct links below:
- New Colombo Plan Scholarship Program 2026 Round
- New Colombo Plan Semester Program 2026 Round
- New Colombo Plan Mobility Program 2026 Round
University staff and eligible undergraduate students interested in the 2026 round of the NCP 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.