New Colombo Plan

New Colombo Plan

The New Colombo Plan (NCP) scholarship is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity offered by the Australian Government. It’s a 3-19 month program where you undertake exchange, internships and language training in Asia - it’s completely customisable, and you can study whatever you desire. Past scholars have undertaken internships at Uber in Japan, the United Nations office in Cambodia and King & Wood Mallesons in Hong Kong. Did I mention that your entire trip is fully funded, with a cap of up to $100k? 

What does applying for the NCP scholarship entail? 

The point of the NCP program is for the Australian Government to deepen their connections with our Indo-Pacific neighbours. As per Penny Wong’s speech, “We want NCP participants to bring back not just lasting memories, but new skills and capabilities that will broaden our national understanding of our region.” 

Each university in Australia can nominate however many students they like to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) for the NCP scholarship. Each University has different selection criteria for their students. This article will focus specifically on Monash University’s nomination process. There are four stages in the selection process; note that the nomination pool decreases with each stage. The four stages are:

  1. Written Application to Monash Abroad

  2. In-person interview with Monash Abroad (usually a panel of three staff members)

  3. Written Application to DFAT

  4. Interview with DFAT (a panel of DFAT representatives and industry professionals from your primary host country)


You get to apply for one primary host country, where you will undertake your exchange and spend most of your time. You can only pick from a selected list of countries, (the list can be accessed here). You can apply for two other secondary locations in other countries, given you can justify why you want to go there

WRITTEN APPLICATION

WRITTEN APPLICATION

This is how to ace your written application. 

To get your written application shortlisted by Monash Abroad, it is essential to craft a strong contention explaining why you need this scholarship. For example; “I am studying for a Bachelor of Criminology, and I want to participate in the Criminal Justice Study Program at the University of the South Pacific. Additionally, I wish to undertake a mentorship at the Ministry of Justice to deepen my understanding of the criminal justice system, which I can apply in Australia.” While this example may be broad, it captures the essence of what you need to convey.

You will need to create an application for Monash Abroad that adheres to the following criteria:

1. Academic excellence at the tertiary level (25% weighting - max. 300 words):

Assessment of this criterion will focus on your demonstrated higher-order cognitive skills, creativity, innovation, communication skills, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking abilities in your university studies. You may also highlight any academic achievements, such as awards, commendations, publications, or other instances of excellence at the tertiary level. Please note that high school academic achievements will not be considered.

2. Leadership and engagement in the community (25% weighting - max. 300 words):

This criterion will evaluate your demonstrated leadership in the community, encompassing volunteer and not-for-profit roles and any activities you have undertaken in your local community, nationally, overseas, or at the university.

3. Adaptability and resilience (25% weighting - max. 300 words):

Assessment of this criterion will relate to your demonstrated ability to adapt to change, thrive in different environments, and show resilience in the face of challenges.

4. Ability to contribute to NCP strategic objectives (25% weighting - max. 300 words):

This criterion will assess your understanding of the Strategic Objectives and Outcomes of the NCP program, as well as how your proposed scholarship program aligns with these objectives. Additionally, it should address how you plan to contribute to these objectives upon returning to Australia.

Once you have completed your first draft, do not submit it right away. Instead, seek feedback from a friend, teacher, or family member, and ask them to provide constructive criticism of your work. Revise your draft until every word is closely related to the criteria, ensuring that no word is wasted. Aim for writing that is evocative, flowing, and a pleasure to read. 

I cannot emphasise enough how important it is to refer closely to DFAT’s NCP advice for applicants (particularly the NCP objectives) and other secondary materials, such as Penny Wong’s speech.

This is how you ace your interview.

To successfully ace your interview, it is crucial to be prepared to speak about yourself and explain why you want—or need—this scholarship, based on the reasons you provided in your application. 

During the interview, you can expect to encounter challenging questions, such as: 

- "Tell us a bit about yourself." (I was not adequately prepared for this one.)

- "Why do you want to go to X country?"

- "How does going to X country align with the NCP objectives?"

There will definitely be many other questions related to the assessment criteria, but I can't recall all of them. 

Additionally, remember to dress well for the occasion, bring a drink bottle, and maintain an energetic and engaged demeanour throughout the interview!

This is how you ace your DFAT application.

Your written application to Monash Abroad should be a significantly improved version of your previous submissions. 

Specifics matter. They require mini case studies for every point you make in your application, emphasising the importance of providing concrete examples–I recommend two case studies for each criterion. It is essential to relate your application to the NCP objectives, which you can find on their website. Additionally, you need to articulate precisely which university, courses, and internships you plan to undertake during your time abroad.

To effectively present your experiences, use the STAR method: 

1. Situation: Describe the context and background of the situation you faced. 

2. Task: Explain the tasks that were involved in that situation.

3. Action: Detail your actions in resolving the issue. Describe how you saved the day and the specific steps you took to solve the problem. Discuss the pros and cons of your approach, who else was involved, and your thought process throughout the situation.

4. Result: State whether the situation was resolved and outline the outcomes you achieved.

Moreover, it is important to place a heavy emphasis on language training in your application. DFAT tends to look more favourably upon applicants who are eager to learn an Asian language. Additionally, try to extend your program for as long as possible, as DFAT appreciates applicants who fully immerse themselves in their primary host location.

Do not hesitate to reach out to past NCP scholars for advice. Schedule a Zoom meeting with them and ask if they would be willing to read over your application. Their insights and experience can provide invaluable guidance—consider their feedback as verbal gold!

This is how to ace your interview with DFAT.

Published on 6/10/2024

Written by Grace Lee

It is essential to know your application inside and out. Being calm and articulate during the interview will help you make a strong impression. To prepare effectively, consider sitting through mock interviews, perhaps with a past NCP scholar who can provide valuable insights and feedback.

Once again, remember to dress well for the interview, bring a drink bottle, and maintain an energetic and engaged demeanour throughout the process.

If all goes well, you will have secured one of the most amazing opportunities that is out there for university students. I wish you all the best!