One hundred and three Papua New Guineans will study at leading Australian universities in 2027 through the prestigious Australia Awards, building essential skills and professional connections that will support Papua New Guinea’s future.

The selected scholars have officially begun two weeks of rigorous Pre-Departure Training in Port Moresby. This preparation ensures they are fully ready for academic life and study cultures in Australia, focusing on academic expectations, critical thinking, cultural awareness, personal wellbeing, leadership, and scholarship responsibilities.

Australia’s Minister-Counsellor for Subnational, Governance and Human Capital, Madeleine Moss, congratulated the cohort and highlighted the deep, enduring partnership between Australia and Papua New Guinea.

“Australia Awards are an investment in people and in the institutions, they will help lead. The knowledge, perspectives, and professional networks scholars gain in Australia will equip them to contribute directly to Papua New Guinea’s development priorities while deepening the historic ties between our countries,” Ms. Moss said.

The 2027 intake cohort features strong demographic and institutional diversity, including 61 women and two scholars with a disability, diverse participants drawn from government, the private sector, and civil society across PNG, including scholars pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in critical priority fields, including health, education, governance, engineering, law and justice, economics, and science and technology. 

Delivered through the PNG–Australia Partnership, the Australia Awards reflect Australia’s long-term commitment to education, leadership development, and fostering people-to-people links. Upon graduating with internationally recognized qualifications, these scholars will return home to join a growing, highly impactful alumni network dedicated to advancing the country’s socioeconomic development and prosperity.