Open Call: Australia Awards Scholarships in Papua New Guinea

Deadline: 30 April 2025

The Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is seeking applications to promote prosperity, reduce poverty and enhance political stability in Papua New Guinea.

Australia Awards scholarships are prestigious international awards offered by the Australian Government to the next generation of global leaders in developing countries. Through study and research, recipients develop the skills and knowledge to drive change and help build enduring people-to-people links with Australia.

Applicants are assessed on their professional and personal qualities, academic competence and, most importantly, their potential to impact on development challenges in Papua New Guinea. Applications are strongly encouraged from women, people with disability, people living and working outside Port Moresby and other marginalised groups. Support is available to assist equal participation by these applicants.

Focus Areas

The awards support all study areas aligned with the development agenda of the Government of Papua New Guinea.
Applicants should select courses that align with their experience and qualifications or provide a strong justification for courses that represent a shift in career focus or direction. Applications focusing on gender, climate and disability-related studies are strongly encouraged.

Categories

Open Category:
- Applicants from the private sector, state-owned enterprises, non-government organisations, religious, international development organisations and PNG government agencies not listed as a targeted agency in the Targeted Category.
Targeted Category:
- A limited number of scholarships will be offered to applicants nominated by partner PNG government agencies who are supporting the shared priorities of Australia and PNG. All applicants must comply with the requirements as specified in the agreement between DFAT and these agencies.
- Below is the list of targeted agencies for intake 2026:
  - Department of National Planning and Monitoring
  - Department of Personnel Management
  - Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology
  - Department of Education
  - Department of Justice and Attorney General
  - Department of Treasury
  - Department of Health
  - Department of Foreign Affairs
  - Climate Change and Development Authority
  - Autonomous Bougainville Government

Benefits

Australia Awards scholarships are offered for the minimum period necessary for the individual to complete the academic program specified by the Australian education institution, including any preparatory training.
Scholarship recipients will receive the following:
- return air travel
- a one-off establishment allowance on arrival
- full tuition fees
- contribution to living expenses
- introductory academic program
- overseas student health cover for the duration of the scholarship
- supplementary academic support
- fieldwork allowance for research students and masters by coursework which has a compulsory fieldwork component.
For scholars with a disability, disability support funding, including a carer support package, is also available.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates from Papua New Guinea must meet these conditions:
- must be a citizen of Papua New Guinea, without dual or additional citizenship and be residing and working in Papua New Guinea at the time of applying
- must not be an Australian citizen, hold permanent residency in Australia or be applying for a visa to live in Australia permanently
- must have a minimum of two-years work experience. People with disabilities are exempt from this requirement.
- must meet minimum English language proficiency, and
- must be applying for an upgrade of highest qualification.
Applicants from PNG Government Agencies:
- In addition to the country-specific conditions noted above, public servant applicants covered by General Order No. 6 on overseas training for public service staff must also meet the Government of Papua New Guinea requirements, including:
  - employment in a public sector agency for two years after permanent appointment
  - applicant is listed in their agency’s Learning and Development Plan
  - nomination from applicant’s employment agency and endorsement from the Department of Personnel Management.