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 40 locations across the Indo-Pacific from South Asia in the west, to Mongolia in the north and the Cook Islands in the east.

The New Colombo Plan involves a scholarship program for study of up to one year and internships or mentorships, and a flexible mobility grants program for both short and longer-term study, internships, mentorships, practicums and research. There are two scholarship options available for students depending on your circumstances:

  • New Colombo Plan Mobility Grants
  • New Colombo Plan Scholarship 

The New Colombo Plan Scholarship 

The New Colombo Plan Scholarship is a prestigious Australian Government program that provides opportunities for Australian undergraduate students to undertake a semester of study, an internship or mentorship in participating Indo-Pacific locations. 

For more information including eligibility and how to apply, please see the New Colombo Plan Scholarship page.

  • Three people stand side by side — a woman in a red jacket is on the left, shaking hands with a tall young man wearing a suit who is in the middle, holding a certificate. To their right is an older man wearing a suit. All three are smiling for the camera in front of a dark blue background.

    “This scholarship enabled me to give my education an international perspective and start my career in Hong Kong. I am positive that the cultural awareness and communication skills I gained abroad will be invaluable as I commence an internationally-focused career.”

    Sam Williams , Swinburne student and previous New Colombo Plan scholarship recipient

New Colombo Plan Mobility Grants

The New Colombo Plan Mobility Program provides funding to Australian universities to support Australian undergraduate students to participate in semester-based or short-term study, internships, mentorships, practicums and research in 40 host locations across the Indo-Pacific region.

The Mobility Program is open to Australian university undergraduates aged 18–28, with capacity to include some students over 28 years of age.

Advantages of the program

  • Be supported by the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to get access to high-level networks and open doors to future opportunities
  • Study in the world’s fastest growing region, leading to future career opportunities

Eligibility

To be eligible for a short-term mobility grant:

  • You must be currently studying a bachelor or bachelor (honours) program onshore
  • You must be an Australian citizen
  • You cannot have held dual citizenship or residency for the project destination.

Application process

New Colombo Plan Mobility Grants are awarded at the discretion of Swinburne University of Technology. You will be automatically considered for NCP funding when you apply for an eligible study tour or exchange program. You will receive notification if you've been awarded grant funding shortly after applications close. 

Learn more about New Colombo Plan Mobility Grants on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website.

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Want to know more about the New Colombo Plan initiative?

For more information, contact the friendly and knowledgeable team at Swinburne Abroad. 

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