2026 New Colombo Plan Scholarship at Australian Catholic University

The New Colombo Plan (NCP) is a signature initiative of the Australian Government that aims to lift knowledge of the Indo-Pacific in Australia through study and internships undertaken by Australian undergraduate students in the region.

The New Colombo Plan Scholarship Program is a prestigious and competitive program (around 1000+ recipients nationwide annually) that provides the opportunity for Australian undergraduates to undertake up to one academic year of study in up to 40 Indo-Pacific locations. The program also includes funding for relevant language studies, internship and/or mentorship. 

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Interview Process
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineJune 30, 2026
• Study LevelUndergraduate
• SponsorAustralian Catholic University (ACU)
• School to studyAustralian Catholic University (ACU)
• Course to study
• Eligible CountryAustralia

Benefits

• The scholarship amount varies according to the activity type and duration. Please refer to the New Columbo Plan Scholarship Program Guidelines 2026 for current details. 

Requirements

This scholarship is open to applicants who meet all the following criteria:

• be nominated by ACU;
• Citizenship: Australian citizen; 
• be enrolled at ACU during the application process;
• be undertaking a Bachelor Degree or Bachelor Honours Degree when the scholarship program commences;
• be between 18 and 30 years of age (inclusive) for non-indigenous applicants, or between 18-35 years of age for Indigenous applicants (exemptions apply);
• overseas study must be for credit and count towards the student’s degree requirements

Selection Process

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview and DFAT will select the successful recipients.

Applications are assessed on the strength of the following criteria:

• Written statement
• Academic merit
• Leadership
• Community service
• Referee reports
• Interview with the New Colombo Plan Secretariat

Application Deadline

How To Apply

• For more information, kindly visit the ACU Scholarship webpage.