The New Colombo Plan (NCP) Semester Program provides funding to Australian universities to leverage their partnership arrangements to support 1-2 semester-length experiences for Australian undergraduate students to build their Indo-Pacific capability and Asia literacy, including Asian language learning. Credit bearing internships and other programs that contribute to mandatory course completion can also be undertaken.
The intended outcomes of the NCP Semester Program are that:
- program participants develop their Indo-Pacific knowledge and capability, including language skills, in line with Australia’s strategic and economic interests
- Australian universities leverage institutional partnerships in the Indo-Pacific and there is an expansion of engagement with counterpart institutions in priority host locations, languages and sectors
- alumni maintain and develop their Indo-Pacific capability, including language skills, and engagement with the region.
Australian universities can apply, including through consortia arrangements, for funding under the NCP Semester Program.
New Colombo Plan Semester Program 2027 Round
Applications for the 2027 Round of the NCP Semester Program are now open!
To access the NCP Semester Program 2027 Round Guidelines – which contain information about eligibility requirements, selection processes and how to apply – please visit GrantConnect.
GrantConnect is the authoritative source for Australian Government grants information. If you are new to using GrantConnect, you will be required to register to receive a login. By registering, you will be notified automatically of any changes.
Please also see the following information:
- NCP Semester Program Frequently Asked Questions [PDF 120 KB]
- NCP Semester Program Frequently Asked Questions [DOCX 57 KB]
New Colombo Plan Semester Program 2026 Round
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong, announced the outcomes of the 2026 round on 10 December 2025. The round included the following grant offers to Australian universities:
- Funding offered in 2026 New Colombo Plan Semester Program round [XLSX 28 KB]
- Funding offered in 2026 New Colombo Plan Semester Program round [PDF 471 KB]
Read the 2026 NCP Semester Program Guidelines and Advice to Applicants.
- 2026 Semester Program Guidelines [PDF 623 KB]
- 2026 Semester Program Guidelines [DOCX 293 KB]
- 2026 Semester Program Advice to Applicants [PDF 318 KB]
- 2026 Semester Program Advice to Applicants [DOCX 120 KB]
Contacts
DFAT is unable to accept NCP Semester Program applications from Australian undergraduate students directly.
University staff and eligible undergraduate students interested in the NCP Semester Program should contact their university's study abroad/international liaison office for more information, or DFAT’s NCP Secretariat at ncp.secretariat@dfat.gov.au.