Group of people graduating

About Australia Awards PNG

Australia Awards PNG

Australia Awards Papua New Guinea (AAPNG) are designed to promote knowledge and leadership, and enduring ties between Australia and PNG. The scholarships aim to build a qualified workforce, fill critical human resource gaps, and support good leadership.

Every year, both the Governments of Australia and Papua New Guinea agree on priority sectors that will target key development areas. In PNG these include: agriculture, education, governance, health, law and justice, transport and infrastructure.

Applicants are assessed on their professional and personal qualities, academic competence and, most importantly, their potential to impact on development challenges in PNG.

Australia Awards Scholarships

Australia Awards Scholarships are prestigious international awards offered by the Australian Government to the next generation of global leaders. Through study and research, awardees develop the skills and knowledge to drive change and help build enduring people-to-people links with Australia. Visit the global Australia Awards site. 

Equal Opportunity

Australia Awards are merit-based scholarships. We are committed to ensuring an equal representation of women and men and that people with disability and people living and working in rural areas are provided fair access to pursuing further studies under an Australia Award. For more information on AAPNG’s approach to inclusion and equal opportunity, see here

Applications are strongly encouraged from women, people with disability and those from the provinces.

Find out about AAPNG study options

Australia Awards Scholarships

Scholarships for long-term study in Australia, in in priority areas agreed between PNG and Australia.

In-PNG Scholarships

Scholarships for study in PNG to fill workforce skills gaps in nursing, midwifery, education and maritime studies.

Short Course Awards

Short Course Awards build targeted skills like management, leadership, research and public policy, with training in PNG and Australia.

Australia Awards PNG Success Stories

Education leader putting community wellbeing first

Education leader putting community wellbeing first

With almost 40 years of experience as an educator, Philip So’on (pictured above, right) has taught in several high schools across Papua New Guinea. Starting as a young teacher in 1983 in New Ireland Province, Philip is now an Assistant Secretary at the National...

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Women in Maritime leading by example

Women in Maritime leading by example

‘If you’re interested in marine engineering and have the opportunity to study – take it; don’t let your gender dictate your dream.’ That’s Michelle Marnapal’s advice to other Papua New Guinean women who want to follow her lead as a marine engineer in the maritime...

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Aspiring midwives rise to the challenge

Aspiring midwives rise to the challenge

Geographical remoteness, limited telecommunications and critical-care incidents are familiar challenges for many nurses working in Papua New Guinea. This has motivated three nurses from Morobe and New Ireland Provinces to develop their skills and give back to their...

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