- Applications open for the 2026 New Colombo Plan, supporting Australian universities to boost Indo-Pacific engagement through study, language training & internships.
- Reforms include expanded scholarships (350 in 2026, 500 by 2028), a new Semester Program, and stronger focus on priority Asian languages & long-term study.
- Funding available: $8.17M Mobility Program, $22.75M Scholarship Program, $23.76M Semester Program; applications close 23 September 2025.
Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 round of the New Colombo Plan (NCP), calling on Australian universities to participate in an initiative aimed at strengthening the country's Indo-Pacific engagement through study, language development, internships, and long-term regional connections. Since its inception in 2014, the NCP has assisted over 55,000 Australian undergraduate students, as a central pillar of Australia's diplomatic reach and an Asia literacy driver.
The new guidelines, informed by the NCP External Advisory Group and released by Foreign Minister Penny Wong in July 2025, promote an increased emphasis on priority Asian languages, extended semester experiences over a longer period, and enhanced institutional cooperation.
The 2026 round brings a number of reforms, which include incremental expansion of the number of scholarships due to reach 500 per year by 2028 a new NCP Semester Program to promote one-to-two semester study duration in the region, and a language study target focused on major Asian languages. There will be increased interaction with Australia's transnational education presence, enabling NCP programs to be conducted at offshore campuses, as well as program support funding for universities and consortia for the purposes of improving Indo-Pacific capability and language capacity.
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The NCP Mobility Program will provide up to $8.17 million to support 4-to-9-week credit-bearing activities like study programs, internships, practicums, mentorships, language training, and research. The Scholarship Program of as much as $22.75 million will fund programs of as long as 19 months, engaging in intensive regional capability and business interaction, with universities nominating participants who then apply as individuals. The just-introduced Semester Program will offer $23.76 million to pay for longer-duration study opportunities, with 20 percent going towards program and administrative expenses.
DFAT forecasts offering some 350 scholarships in 2026, as well as mobility and semester grants to institutions. Priority will be accorded to programs directed at strategic host destinations, fields, and languages in which Australia is trying to intensify engagement, especially those identified under its Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040.
Applications for all three streams close on 23 September 2025. Universities, and those applying through consortia arrangements, are invited to draw on institutional connections in the Indo-Pacific, increase academic and industry connections, and position students for jobs that enhance Australia's regional connectivity. Students who are interested should contact their university international or study abroad office because DFAT does not accept direct applications from individuals.
