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

The story of Pacificana

The story of Pacificana

From a humble beginning in a single parent’s home to owner of a thriving business, we celebrate the remarkable story of Amanda Kanasa on the day of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.
Amanda is known for her Port Moresby-based local SME, branded Pacificana, that designs and sells fashion products ranging from hair flowers and coconut earrings to dresses and bags sold throughout the Pacific and now in Cairns, Australia.

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Profession for all

Profession for all

Despite being a male nurse in a profession often seen as traditional for women, Issac is proud to break stereotypes and serve his community with compassion and excellence. “Nursing is not just a profession for women, it’s a profession for all,” says Issac. “I want to make a difference in the lives of my patients, regardless of their background,” says Issac with empathy.

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Commemorating Seafarer’s Day: Celebrating Women in Maritime

Commemorating Seafarer’s Day: Celebrating Women in Maritime

Today, on Seafarer’s Day, we appreciate the extraordinary women who are part of the maritime industry, paving the way for aspiring women seafarers. These remarkable individuals are part of the Australia Awards Maritime Scholarship Program for women, an initiative established through a partnership between Australia Awards PNG and Steamships Trading Company. This program goes beyond addressing the global shortage of female seafarers—it is a catalyst for gender equality and empowerment.

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