New Colombo Plan Scholarships

Expressions of interest are now closed for the 2020 round

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A unique opportunity to differentiate yourself with future employers and gain invaluable experience in the fastest growing and most exciting region of the world

•  Value up to $87,500, including a $2,500 monthly allowance, health and travel insurance, a $2,500 travel allowance and $2,500 to set yourself up in your new country / region
•  Scholarship program is for 1-2 semesters of study, plus an Internship of up to 6 months
•  Choose one of 40 possible destination counties in the Indo-pacific region.
•  Eligible if you are an Australian citizen, aged 18-28 years as at 1 January 2020, and have a GPA over 6.0.
•  Must commence scholarship after 1 January 2020 and before 31 December 2020
•  Full-time credit for overseas studies must be granted back into the relevant UniSA degree.

The New Colombo Plan (NCP) Scholarships are for the best and brightest students across Australia, and UniSA is pleased to have won three scholarships for 2019, one for 2018, three for 2017, six in 2016, three in 2015 and one in the pilot phase in 2014. To be invited by the Government to apply for a New Colombo Plan Scholarship you need to be nominated by UniSA. Complete an Expression of Interest now! This is an invaluable experience for proactive students aspiring to leadership in their field of expertise, providing opportunities to network with Australian and foreign government officials, executives of multinationals and academic leaders, combined with a journey of self-discovery in the Indo-Pacific.

The 2020 study destinations are: 

For more information on our NCP Scholarship and Fellow awardees, please visit our NCP Scholarship winners page, and the 2019 Media release, 2018 Media release, 2016 Media release, 2015 Media release, 2014 Media release pages. 

To apply for this wonderful opportunity, please complete the Expression of Interest form.

Form more information please mail international.relations@unisa.edu.au or visit the Department of Foreign Affairs New Colombo Plan website

Selection Criteria:

The following are the selection criteria against which applicants will be assessed, including their relative weighting. Applicants should address each criterion and limit their responses to 300 words per criterion. Applicants should use the guidance in the square brackets to inform their response.

1. Academic excellence at the tertiary level (40 per cent weighting)

   Assessment of this criterion will relate to a) the applicant’s graded average achieved in tertiary studies, (at least a 6.0 GPA) and b) to ungraded academic achievements, such as academic awards and commendations, publications, or other examples of academic excellence at the tertiary level. The applicant’s communication skills, higher-order cognitive and critical thinking skills, and engagement in learning will also be assessed. High School academic achievements will not be considered.

2. Leadership in the community (30 per cent weighting)

   Assessment of this criterion will relate to the applicant’s demonstrated leadership in the community, including volunteer and not-for-profit roles and/or activities they have undertaken in their local community, nationally, overseas and/or in their university.

3. Adaptability and Resilience (15 per cent weighting)

   Assessment of this criterion will relate to the applicant’s potential to adapt to change, thrive in a different environment, and demonstrate resilience in the face of challenges.

4. Ability to contribute to New Colombo Plan goals (15 per cent weighting)

   Assessment of this criterion will relate to the applicant’s understanding of New Colombo Plan objectives, and how the applicant and their proposed Scholarship Program would contribute to New Colombo Plan goals.

Seize the opportunity and complete an Expression of Interest now! Please contact UniSA International for any further queries, on international.relations@unisa.edu.au.

For more information on our NCP Scholarship and Fellow awardees, please visit our NCP Scholarship winners page, and the