The New Colombo Plan (NCP) is a signature initiative of the Australian Government which aims to lift knowledge of the Indo-Pacific in Australia by supporting Australian undergraduates to study and undertake internships in the region. The NCP is intended to be transformational, deepening Australia’s relationships in the region, as well as ensuring a more Asia-aware Australian workforce for the future. Over time, the Australian Government wants to see study in the region become a rite of passage for Australian students and an endeavour that is highly valued across the Australian community. More information can be found here.
The NCP involves a scholarships program for study of up to one year and internships or mentorships, and a flexible mobility grants program for short and long-term study, internships, mentorships, clinical placements, practicums and research.
In July 2025, Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs, announced reforms to the New Colombo Plan (NCP) to deepen Australia's engagement with the Indo-Pacific and strengthen our Asia capability. A total of 328 Australian undergraduate students from universities across the country have been offered NCP scholarships for 2026. This represents a 50 per cent increase on 2025 and reflects the government’s commitment to grow the program to 500 scholarships by 2028.
In the 2026 round, the NCP has awarded 10 scholarships, 62 semester-length grants, and 56 short-term mobility grants for Australian undergraduates to undertake study, language training and internships in Malaysia.
These reforms support implementation of key recommendations from Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 and are informed by the work of the External Advisory Group (EAG) in 2024, which focused on aligning the NCP with strategic objectives in our region and lifting the capability of our people.
The NCP supports alumni to continue to build their knowledge of, and engagement with, the region.
As of January 2026, there are over 56,000 alumni who have been supported by the NCP to undertake study, language training, mobility projects and internships as part of the program.
Australian University Alumni are encouraged to stay in touch with the Australian High Commission on the latest news and events. Please join our community here.
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Visa Policy and Guidelines
- For Short-Term Mobility (Under 3 Months)
If you wish to undertake mobility, exchange, or short-term academic visits (unpaid) for under 3 months, you will generally enter Malaysia on a Social Visit Pass (SVP). Australian citizens are eligible for a 90-day visa-free entry upon arrival.
Important: You must complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online at least 3 days before your arrival to qualify for the electronic gate entry or counter clearance.
Note: While the SVP covers tourism and short visits, formal internships or credit-bearing mobility programs may require a specific 'Mobility Pass' processed through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS). Please consult your host university in Malaysia to confirm if an EMGS approval letter is required before travel.
- For Academic Exchange (3 to 12 Months)
If you wish to undertake a mobility or exchange program at universities in Malaysia (unpaid and academic) for 3 to 12 months, you are required to obtain a Student Pass.
You must apply for this pass well in advance through the Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS). Once approved, you will receive a Visa Approval Letter (VAL), which is required to enter Malaysia for study purposes. Do not enter as a tourist if you intend to study for this duration. Learn more: https://visa.educationmalaysia.gov.my/guidelines
- For Workplace Learning/Internships (3 to 12 Months)
If you wish to undertake workplace learning or practical internships at companies in Malaysia (paid or unpaid) for 3 to 12 months, you will generally require a Professional Visit Pass (PVP).
You must apply for the PVP well in advance through your prospective host company in Malaysia via the Expatriate Services Division (ESD). You should obtain the PVP approval letter before traveling to Malaysia.