This article was written by regional La Trobe NCP Scholarship recipient Harry, in collaboration with La Trobe University. Image supplied.
Picture this: you’re a regional student, with the opportunity to spend a year in a different country, and guess what? All expenses are covered! When I first heard about the New Columbo Plan (NCP) Scholarship, I was incredibly excited (even if a little doubtful). The idea of immersing myself in a new culture, gaining new perspectives, learning a language and growing as a person left me with an incredible feeling. I knew that the experiences and skills I’d gain would shape me into a more creative, culturally competent, and empathetic human and leader, no matter what occupation I entered in the future.
Along with initial excitement was imposter syndrome. The scholarship sounded competitive and I imagined that the other applicants would have ‘impeccable’ grades and a laundry list of impressive community involvement.
I also wondered if I even had space in my degree, especially as I was coming into my third year. To tackle this, I reached out to a La Trobe Student Advisor who worked with me to help determine my subjects and find electives to make it all work.
I reaffirmed to myself that this was a remarkable and rare opportunity likely only available during my university years. So, I decided to position myself to say ‘yes’ when the time came, but without the pressure of any immediate decisions.
Reflecting on my journey, I realised that the application process itself was an opportunity. Firstly, I now have a strong understanding of what selectors are looking for and techniques to implement through the application process, in a job, grant or scholarship application.
Secondly, the process encourages you to dig deep and understand who you are. I was encouraged to see the qualities or experiences in my past that I generally thought of as negative or a weakness, are actually signs of resilience and a strength. Acceptance and ownership are what I gained from this.
Why should you apply?
- It’s all on the house, so you can focus on making the most of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
- This is a golden opportunity to embark on, whilst you are at university. After graduation, opportunities like this become rare.
- The NCP scholarship actively seeks diversity, meaning successful applicants aren’t all from the same place. Scholarship selectors aim for a spread of scholars from different universities, university courses and all abilities, with a particular focus on regional students. Your unique perspective and experiences as a regional student are your strengths, and the NCP is excited to welcome scholars from all walks of life.
In a nutshell, if you’ve ever dreamed of living, studying, and growing overseas for a year, I am here to tell you that it’s absolutely doable… so give it a go!
About the New Colombo Plan (NCP) Scholarship
The New Colombo Plan (NCP) Scholarship awards up to $87,000 to Australian undergraduate students for study and work experience opportunities across multiple locations in the Indo-Pacific region from 3 months up to 19 months.
La Trobe University nominates 15 students every year to be considered for this scholarship by the Australian Government.
The NCP Scholarship 2025 round is now open.
To be nominated, eligible students can submit an Expression of Interest form until 17 June 2024.
Contact us
For further queries please contact us at studyabroad@latrobe.edu.au