Study in Southeast Asia on a Funded Semester Exchange
The New Colombo Plan Semester Exchange Grants enable School of International Studies students to study at select institutions in Japan, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand.
Grants are awarded each semester from S2 2027 to S1 2028 at an amount of $15,000 which can be used for flights and educational experiences abroad.
We encourage applications from all students who wish to be part of a rewarding adventure and make their degree stand out. Learn more about the program and experiences available at each institution:
- Sophia University, Tokyo, Japan
- Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
- The National Taiwan University, Taiwan
- Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Eligibility
These scholarships are open to students enrolled in the BSS, BCRIM, BINT and any associated double degrees. This includes students enrolled in Majors of Politics, International Relations or Languages.
To receive an NCP grant, all successful applicants must ensure that 50% of their academic load while on exchange is dedicated to studying an official national language of the nation in which they will be studying. Introductory units in language learning are offered for exchange students in each of these institutions.
Only students completing a specialisation in Japanese Studies can apply for and receive an NCP grant to Sophia University, Tokyo.
- Applicants must have applied for an exchange to the stated institutions before they apply for a grant. Exchange applications open 2 November – 13 December 2026. Institutions must be nominated in the same order (1-4) in both the exchange program application and the NCP grant application.
- Applicants cannot be enrolled in the last semester of study when on exchange.
- Applicants must be Australian citizens (these scholarships are not currently open to permanent residents or international students).
Selection criteria
Each scholarship will be awarded on a competitive basis consisting of a consideration of the following factors:
- your current grade point average [WAM of 60]
- a formally written 500-word statement of purpose that includes:
- your motivation for undertaking an exchange and learning a national language at the institution in question
- clear details as to how the opportunity would benefit your future educational aspirations and/or support your professional goals
- how you will act as an ambassador for Macquarie University while abroad.
How to Apply
Applications open 1–31 December 2026 for S2 2027 exchanges. Apply here from 1 December 2026.
Students must have already applied for a Semester Exchange Programs between 2 November and 13 December 2026.
For further questions, please contact Dr Alex Kurmann: alex.kurmann@mq.edu.au.