The New Colombo Plan Mobility Program
Applications for the 2024 Round are now open (Closing 28 August 2023)The New Colombo Plan Mobility Program offers financial support to Australian universities and consortia in facilitating opportunities for undergraduate students to engage in semester-long or short-term study, internships, mentorships, practicums, and research projects across 40 locations in the Indo-Pacific region. This information is specifically intended for Western Sydney University staff who are keen on designing Learning Abroad initiatives for their students, with the added benefit of NCP funding. |
1. General Information
Strategic objective and outcomes of the NCP
The NCP, launched in 2014, aims to lift knowledge in Australia of the Indo-Pacific by supporting Australian undergraduates to study and undertake Internships in the region. The NCP has two programs: scholarships (for study up to 19 months) and mobility grants (for short and longer-term study). Both programs prioritise Internships, Mentorships and Language Training. DFAT administers the NCP according to the Commonwealth Grants Rules and Guidelines (CGRGs). The Strategic Objective of the NCP is to strengthen Australia’s regional standing by building a diverse cohort of Australian alumni with deeper Indo-Pacific knowledge, capability and connections. The intended outcomes of the NCP are:
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Types of Mobility Projects
A mobility project can include one or more of the following elements:
A simple example would be 10 undergraduate students travel to a partner institution in Taiwan (they must be Australian citizens). During their 6 week stay, they study robotics, Chinese language, participate in industry visits and internships. During the visit the students engage in cultural activities and develop very strong connections with local government, businesses and the community. The opportunity may be led by a Western staff member in cooperation with the overseas institution and partners. |
Student grants
Applicants should only seek mobility grants for the number of students they reasonably expect to send offshore during the mobility program term (1 January 2024 to 31 December 2025). Universities' past performance in using all student grants offered may be considered in the allocation of 2024 funding. The amount of a student grant should accurately reflect the actual expenses incurred at specific locations, taking into account factors such as differences in the cost of living between host locations. We propose the following as indicative amounts for student grants:
The actual amount of the student grant may vary depending on factors such as the relative costs of the host location, the nature of the mobility project, and other relevant considerations. For example, additional travel expenses incurred by regional and remote students or efforts to enhance accessibility for students with disabilities may be taken into account. It is acceptable to utilize funding for student grants to arrange group travel, rather than directly disbursing all the funds to individual students, if there are benefits for the students, such as discounts through group bookings. However, in such cases, students must provide written consent acknowledging that a portion of their mobility grant will not be paid directly to them, and evidence of this consent must be retained. For grants amounting to $5,000 or more, it is permissible to distribute the grant in installments as determined by the responsible party. Funding designated for student grants must not be utilised for administration costs. |
Grant Period and Duration
The minimum duration of a mobility project is 14 continuous days (from the date of departure to the host location to the date of return to Australia from that host location). The maximum program duration is two consecutive semesters. Participating students must commence travel during the mobility program term (1 January 2024 to 31 December 2025). |
Administration Funding
Administrative funding is calculated at 10% of the total grant funding sought.
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Project Eligibility
Australian universities can apply for funding for Mobility projects that meet the following criteria:
If a mobility project includes activities focused on scientific exchange or research, the home and host institutions/organisations should become familiar with Australia’s export control regimes. Similarly, theGuidelines to Counter Foreign Interference in the Australian University Sectorare foundational elements essential for building resilience within a university in response to foreign interference and should be applied proportionate to the risk at each institution. |
Student Eligibility and Requirements
Western Sydney University must ensure each student receiving an NCP grant:
Diversity The Government strongly encourages services to enable and support the participation of a diverse range of students in mobility projects including, but not limited to, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students, students from a low socio-economic status background, students from regional/remote areas, students who are first in their immediate family to attend university, students across genders, female students studying in non-traditional fields, students with a disability, and students from a non-English speaking background. This will help contribute to overall value with money (see Glossary) as per NCP program objective and outcomes |
Eligible Host Locations
Mobility Projects may be conducted in the following 40 eligible Indo-Pacific Host Locations: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Hong Kong SAR, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kiribati, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nauru, Nepal, New Caledonia, Niue, Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Vietnam. Primary locations: A primary location is the host location for which the mobility project is awarded. The majority of the duration of a mobility project must be completed in the primary location. Secondary locations: While the Government prefers mobility projects to be conducted in a single host location, in some cases it may be appropriate to undertake a component of a mobility project in a secondary host location. For example:
Any proposal for activities in a secondary location must be included in the application. |
Budget
When filling out a Project Application, you will be required to consider the following:
See Section 4, Financial Overview. |
Safeguard Principles
Mobility projects must comply with DFAT’s Safeguard Principles as outlined in DFAT’s Environmental and Social Safeguard Policy. Mobility projects must not cause harm including injury or injustice to any person that a mobility project is intended to engage with or assist, or to their wider communities or environment. |
Travel risks and Approval
All funded projects require a project plan and risk assessment. Before implementing an NCP project, approval is needed from Western Sydney International (WSI) and relevant delegates including the School/Department Dean (or equivalent), the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research, Enterprise and International) as well as the Vice Chancellor and President. It is advisable to begin the processes at least 6 to 12 months before departure, and final endorsement must be obtained no later than 100 working days before the departure date. In addition, all students must register their participation on the Go Global Portal. See the Guidelines for Developing a Learning Abroad Program. |
Mobility Partnerships
The government promotes the establishment of mobility partnerships with organizations in Australia and the surrounding region to maximize opportunities for students and participating institutions funded by the NCP. These partnerships aim to build connections and foster long-term relationships that align with the goals of the NCP. Examples of such partnerships include: - Financial sponsorship (in the form of a cash contribution) from private sector organizations. Mobility partnerships should contribute to the achievement of the NCP's strategic objectives. However, contributions from Australian universities, host institutions, or service providers (who are paid a fee for supporting elements of a mobility project) cannot be included. Applicants are required to identify the local host institutions in the host locations that will serve as their project partners. It is important to note that third-party providers are not considered NCP project partners, as they are compensated for their involvement. Applicants must exercise due diligence when selecting partners, which includes assessing their partners' ability to comply with NCP Guidelines. This may involve evaluating their risk management processes. Applicants should also consider the impact of their projects on local communities. For instance, paying to volunteer can lead to demand-driven activities in disadvantaged communities. Applicants planning to volunteer overseas should refer to the Smartraveller advice on responsible volunteering. Applicants must demonstrate that their partners and any third-party providers have appropriate policies and systems in place to adhere to DFAT policies (as outlined in the Guidelines), manage risks, and actively minimize adverse incidents. Find out more about International Partnerships at Western Sydney University. |
Use of Third-Party Providers
Universities may choose to outsource all or part of project implementation to third party providers. Where this is the case, that relationship must be outlined in the Project Description. The Australian university remains responsible for the project, including adherence to policies outlined in the Guidelines. Where a third-party provider implements all or part of the project, the Australian university must outline how quality will be assured, how lasting relationships will be established between the Australian university and overseas partners. Third-party providers are not considered to be NCP partners as they receive payment for their participation. Nor are third-party providers able to be host organisations. If a third-party provider is used to implement the project, a host institution in the host location must still be identified. ISEO now allows for the recording of Third-party providers separately from project partners in funding applications. Find out more about International Partner Providers at Western Sydney University. |
Existing Projects
Applications for further funding for projects funded in previous rounds will be assessed on their merits alongside applications for new projects. Projects which have previously received NCP funding to send students offshore should be well-placed to demonstrate the connections they have been able to develop and maintain as result of past NCP funding. Where a university has received past funding but have overestimated the number of students who would participate in those projects, DFAT may take this into account in the awarding of new funding. |
Before Applying
Applicants should consider:
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2. Assessment and selection
Applications are assessed on their merits. A satisfactory score must be achieved on each selection criterion.
Priority Themes
While NCP mobility projects may focus on any subject, applicants are encouraged to consider projects that establish and support linkages aligned with Australian Government priorities, for example:
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Priority for funding will be given to:
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The final selection of projects will consider the degree to which proposals advance the NCP's objectives, including:
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3. Lessons from previous rounds
Assessors look for evidence to support applicants' claims against the requirements for each criterion.
Applications that scored highly in previous rounds:
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Unsuccessful applications in previous rounds often:
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4. Application Requirements and Selection Criteria
The following content outlines the necessary requirements and Selection Criteria for a project application.
Warning: Exceeding the Word Count Limit May Lead to Application Rejection by the Government System.
Project Title
The project title should be succinct and include the host location, discipline/subject and type of educational activity. For example:
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Project Description
While the project description does not contribute to the assessment score, a clear project description will help assessors understand the project's objectives, rationale and approach to implementation, including
Below, you will find the requirements that you will be asked to fulfil when completing a project application. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Maximum 500 words While the project description does not contribute to the assessment score, a clear project description will help assessors understand the project's objectives, rationale and approach to implementation. Please provide an overview of the proposed Mobility Project. While this field does not contribute to the project's weighted score, this information helps assessors understand the project’s activities. Project details
Host institution/s
Project rationale
Third Party Providers If the project will be implemented through a Third Party Provider (drawing on administration funding or other resources), please name the organisation and the services they will provide Project budget Please provide a breakdown of the proposed use of student grants in the project, noting a project may consist of different durationsFor example:Total funding sought for student grants: $A multiplied by x students + $B multiplied by y students = $______NB: an additional 10% is provided for administration funding
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Financial Overview
Although the Financial Overview does not impact the assessment score directly, providing a clear description of the funding will assist assessors in comprehending the project's requirements. Mobility Grant Value
Below, you will find the requirements that you will be asked to fulfil when completing a project application. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Proposed Funding Details Proposed number of students: ______ Average grant amount per student: $______ Sub-total*: AUTOMATED Funding sought*: AUTOMATED *There is no need for you to calculate the Totals manually. The system is automated and will generate the response for you. Project contributor (Optional)
Note: Third-party providers are not considered to be NCP partners as they receive payment for their participation. Nor are third-party providers able to be host organisations. If a third-party provider is used to implement the project, a host institution in the host location must still be identified. ISEO now allows for the recording of Third-party providers separately from project partners in funding applications.
Supporting documentation may be uploaded for project contributions made by the home university, host institution and/or mobility partnership (optional) |
Criterion 1: Ensuring a high-quality education experience
Weighting: 30% (maximum 300 words) Describe the educational value of the mobility project, including learning outcomes relevant to the courses participating students are undertaking at their home university. What competencies will students develop through this mobility experience? Who will assess students’ academic progress? Please outline how: |
Criterion 2: Deepening people-to-people and institutional linkages with the Indo-Pacific
Weighting: 40% (maximum 300 words)
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Criterion 3: Broadening participation and promoting the New Colombo Plan
Weighting: 20% (maximum 300 words) Describe how the mobility project will support increased participation by a diverse range of Australian students and promote the NCP in Australia and overseas. |
Criterion 4: Ensuring sound student welfare management in Mobility Projects
Weighting: 10% (maximum 300 words) Describe how your institution will ensure the safety and welfare of participating students, and manage risks during any disruptive events during the project Please describe the offshore support available to participating students. Please outline risk management and safety planning and precautions, including the home university’s policies and processes for monitoring and compliance with safeguards principles (including child protection, prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment, and environmental and social safeguards) and managing critical incidents. If third-party providers are to be used, how will the home university ensure that NCP policies relating to risk are adhered to? |
5. Applying for NCP Funding
Step 1: Register with Western as early as possible – deadline 21 August 23
Register with Western Sydney University here Western Sydney International will create a profile on the Australian Government’s application platform ISEO. After the profile has been created, the Australian Government will send you an email with your login details for accessing the platform. This may take up to 3 days. Note, previous applicants may already have access to ISEO. |
Step 2: Login into ISEO and create a new application
Login into ISEO. During this process, you can create, edit, and ‘save’ an application and return later. project applications cannot be submitted that exceed the Word Count. Handy Information
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Step 3: Submit application to the ILO by the 28 August 23
Submit the application by clicking on 'Allocate to ILO'. Following the submission, Western Sydney International will conduct a thorough review of project applications to ensure their quality. Applications that have not been submitted by the close of business 28 August 2023 will not be considered. |
6. Timeline Round 2024
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10 July 23 | WSU Initial Registration Form opens |
21 August 23 | Final deadline to register on ISEO |
28 August 23 | Final deadline for WSU staff to submit their applications to WSU via ISEO |
31 August 23 | Final submission to the Australian Government. 2024 Round Applications for NCP Mobility Program closed. |
September to October | Applications assessed and reviewed by the Australian Government. |
November to December | Funding decisions formalised and offer to Applicants made by the Australian Government. |
31 December 25 | Completion date for mobility projects |
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