In-PNG Scholarships Frequently Asked Questions

SCAM ALERT - Beware of fake Australia Awards Scholarships websites being shared on social media accounts

There have been reports of fake websites offering scholarships and visas to international students. Please be advised that Australia Awards Scholarships does not engage any agents or individuals to process scholarship applications. Application must be completed and submitted through the Online Australia Awards Scholarships Information System: https://oasis.dfat.gov.au/

Preparing an Application

How do I certify my academic documents?

You must provide certified copies of your prior academic certificates and transcripts as part of your scholarship application. Copies of your academic certificates and transcripts must be certified by a PNG Commissioner of Oath.

  • You must ask the Commissioner of Oath to sign, stamp and date your copies.
  • The date of the certification must be 1 January 2021 or later.
  • Commissioner of Oath stamping can be requested at the courthouse and from registered lawyers. Typically there is no fee for this service.

 

Please note: copies of academic certificates and transcripts submitted without Commissioner of Oath certification cannot be assessed as part of your application and your application will be non-compliant.

Can I apply now and send the required support documents for my application at a later date?

In the interest of fairness for all applicants, only compliant and complete applications will be assessed. If you choose not to provide the required documents, your application will be recorded as noncompliant in the system. Only compliant applications will progress to the assessment stage.

I am a public servant. Can I provide a Statement of Support from my supervisor, instead of following the Training Bid process?

All applicants must provide a professional referee report. Government of PNG employees must also submit an approved Training Bid Form to the Department of Personnel Management.

When will I find out if my application is successful?

Applications will be shortlisted after eligibility checking. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

The selection process includes an interview. Applicants will be assessed against the following criteria:

  • academic competence
  • potential outcome, specifically the contribution to development outcomes in Papua New Guinea
  • professional and personal leadership attributes including relevant work experience.

On Scholarship

If I am successful in my scholarship application and I become pregnant will my scholarship be terminated?

Pregnant applicants are encouraged to share this information with Australia Awards at their earliest opportunity, so planning can be undertaken about the best time to commence studies. Awardees will be assessed equally. Pregnant applicants will not be disadvantaged.

Can I apply for a scholarship again if I applied in the past and I was unsuccessful?

There is no limit to how many years an applicant can apply for an Australia Awards Scholarship. Applicants are assessed based on their current application, and their past applications will not be re-assessed.

Can people with disability apply for a scholarship?

People with disability are encouraged to apply for a scholarship. People will not be disadvantaged by declaring their disability. Reasonable adjustments and accommodations will be made to remove barriers for people with disability. However, all applicants must meet the eligibility requirements for the scholarship and submit a compliant application. If you have a disability, please contact the Australia Awards office to request a copy of the Factsheet for People with Disability. This contains detailed information about support available. In addition, please refer to the Australia Awards Scholarship Policy Handbook for further information. https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/publications/australia-awards-scholarships-policy-handbook.