An NCP scholarship can provide Scholars with:

• a travel allowance of $3,000
• an establishment allowance of $3,000
• a monthly stipend of $3,000
• Tuition fees up to $15,000 per semester for students studying at a non-partner university
• In-country language training up to $10,000
• Health and travel insurance for the duration of the overseas Scholarship Program, including a $3000 mental health allowance
• a dedicated case manager for the duration of the Scholarship Program who provides services including pre-departure briefings, advice on health and travel insurance, advice and assistance relating to accommodation, and payment of Scholarship benefits
• Scholarships may also be sponsored by private sector organisations. All Scholars are eligible and will be considered for private sector sponsorship, which offers benefits in addition to the NCP Scholarship

Study Component

• The study component must be full-time and face-to-face for either 1 or 2 semesters.
• Scholars must receive full time credit for their study program (either towards a Bachelor, Bachelor Honours or concurrent Diploma in Languages)
• Honours students must be supervised by an academic from the overseas university.

Internship/Mentorship component

Scholarship recipients will receive assistance with finding suitable internship hosts once they are confirmed in the program.

• Internships can either be full time (prior to or after the study component) or part time (concurrent with the study component or full-time language training component.)
• An internship must be undertaken face-to-face at the premises of the host organisation.
• An internship may be paid or unpaid.
• Mentorships may only be undertaken concurrently with a study component, full time Internship component, or full time Language training.
• Internships and mentorships do not need to be confirmed at the time of application.

Language training

• All Scholars are eligible for support to undertake face-to-face language training for a period of up to 6 months as part of their Scholarship Program.
• Language training must be undertaken in the same host location as a study component or internship component in an official language of the host location.
• Language training can either be taken full-time or pert-time concurrently with a study or internship component of the scholarship.

To be eligible, applicants for the NCP Scholarship must:

• be an Australian citizen.
• not be a current citizen or permanent resident of their proposed host location(s)
• be enrolled at the University of Newcastle in a Bachelor Degree, Bachelor Honours Degree or Diploma of  Languages for the duration of their NCP Scholarship program.
• be between 18 and 30 years of age (inclusive) for non-Indigenous applicants, or between 18 and 35 years of age (inclusive) for Indigenous applicants, on 1 January 2026
• Be able to receive at least 30 units of credit towards your degree program for the overseas study component (For Bachelor Degree and Diploma of Languages)
• Be able to receive approval from your honours supervisor for the experience to count towards your Bachelor Honours Degree (for relevant students)

Shortlisted applicants will be assessed on the following criteria, in written applications and performance at interview with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade later this year:

• Academic excellence at the tertiary level (25 per cent weighting)
• Leadership and engagement in the community (25 per cent weighting)
• Adaptability and resilience (25 per cent weighting)
• Ability to contribute to NCP’s strategic objective and outcomes (25 per cent weighting)

Where Applicants have similarly meritorious claims in relation to the Assessment criteria, preference may be given to:

• Applicants proposing longer programs
• achieving diversity of placement across Host locations
• representation from diverse student groups
• diversity across fields of study and Australian universities
• how the proposal contributes to value with relevant money

Shortlisted students will receive guidance from the Global Experience Team on how best to frame their written applications and will also have the opportunity to do a practice interview before their final interview with DFAT.

To apply for an NCP scholarship, you must first apply to the University of Newcastle between Tuesday 1^st of April and Wednesday 7 May 2025.  A rolling second round may be available depending on the DFAT application deadline once announced

Applications will be assessed and shortlisted by the Global Experience Team. Applicants will be notified of the outcome by the end of May 2025.

See the full time line below:

1. Read through the 2025 NCP Program Guidelines*
2. Watch this recording of advice from previous UON Scholars.
3. Attend the NCP Scholarship Info Session on 9^th of April 2025
4. Complete the University of Newcastle Application form (Applications close 7 May 2025)

*  These will be updated with the 2026 NCP Program guidelines when they become available later this year.

If you have any questions about the program, please email global-experience@newcastle.edu.au or book in an appointment with a Global Experience Advisor.