New Colombo Plan Scholarship Program

The maximum total grant amount for an NCP Scholarship is $107,000 AUD. The Scholarship will provide:

• Tuition fees of up to $30,000:
  • if you study as a fee-paying international student (rather than at an institution where an official exchange agreement with UQ is in place), the Scholarship will provide payment of up to two semesters/three trimesters’ international tuition fees to a maximum of $30,000 ($15,000 per semester based or $10,000 per trimester-based Study Period); payable directly to the host institution (includes student service and amenities fees)
• payment of in-country language training fees up to $10,000 
• a travel allowance of $3,000
• an establishment allowance of $3,000
• a monthly stipend of $3,000
• a mental health allowance of up to $3,000
• health and travel insurance for the duration of the overseas Scholarship Program
• a dedicated case manager for the duration of the Scholarship Program 
• private sector sponsorship: all scholars are eligible and will be considered for the private sector sponsorship in addition to the NCP Scholarship

*Based on 2025 NCP Scholarship Guidelines.

Applicants must:

• be an Australian citizen; not be a current citizen or permanent resident of their proposed host location(s)
• be enrolled in and undertaking, until completion of all study components of the NCP Scholarship Program, at least one Bachelor Degree, Bachelor Honours Degree or eligible undergraduate language-focused course at an Australian campus of an Australian university. (If a Scholar concludes their home degree requirements upon the completion of the mandatory study component of their NCP Scholarship Program, they may apply to DFAT for approval to continue to undertake any remaining component(s) of their NCP Scholarship Program. This will be considered on a case-by-case basis.)
• be between 18 and 30 years of age (inclusive) for non-Indigenous applicants, or between 18 and 35 years of age (inclusive) for Indigenous applicants, on 1 January 2026
• not be a previous recipient of a New Colombo Plan Scholarship (may have received a New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant)
• not be an employee of the branch of DFAT that administers the NCP
• commence their Scholarship program between 1 January 2026 and 15 December 2026
• Scholars must continue to meet these Eligibility requirements during the term of their Scholarship
• Additional eligibility upon the announcement of 2026 NCP Scholarship Guidelines may apply

As students are required to provide their grade point average and demonstrate academic achievement at the tertiary level, applicants should have studied at the University of Queensland for a minimum of one semester before applying. Applicants wishing to participate in their Scholarship study component through the UQ semester exchange program, must also ensure they meet the necessary application requirements and deadlines set by the Internships and Global Experiences Team. 

Before submitting your expression of interest

• ensure you have room in your program to study overseas for a semester, by completing a progression check and if needed, reach out to your faculty for assistance.
• research the available host universities courses you'd like to study abroad to ensure there is a host university that can meet you academic requirements. For assistance or questions about host universities, contact the Internships and Global Experiences Team. Applicants wishing to study at a host university that is not listed as a UQ exchange partner, please contact Global Partnerships for advice. 
• consider how long you would like to study abroad and the total duration of the scholarship.

For advice about reflecting on your experiences to effectively answer the questions in the expression of interest, we recommend seeing the Career Development Team, attending one of many workshops offered, or employing the resources available on My Career Adviser. 

1. Complete UQ’s Expression of Interest by 31 May 2025.
2. Be chosen as one of UQ’s nominees
3. Prepare your proposed Scholarship Program Plan
4. When invited, apply to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)

For application assistance, please contact Global Partnerships by email or on (07) 3346 9924.

Note: Dates listed are anticipated and are subject to change upon the announcement of the 2026 NCP Scholarship Guidelines and Application Timelines.