Applications now open for prestigious Australia Awards scholarships

On 5 October, the Australian High Commission opened applications for the prestigious Australia Awards scholarships for 2017. The Awards will provide PNG’s next generation of leaders with an opportunity to undertake tertiary study, research or professional development in Australia in 2017.

Acting Australian High Commissioner, Ms Bronte Moules said, “More than 2000 Papua New Guineans have participated in the Australia Awards program since 1996 and are making a significant contribution to the future of PNG.

“I encourage all young Papua New Guineans – especially people residing in the provinces, living with a disability and women – to pursue an opportunity of a lifetime by applying for scholarship.

The Australia Awards program is an initiative of the Australian Government. The Awards aim to contribute to PNG’s long term development by awarding scholarships in areas that align with PNG’s development needs including health, education, infrastructure, law and justice.

Scholarships are highly competitive with selection based on academic ability, leadership, employment record, the developmental benefit of the proposed field of study, and overall preparedness to study in Australia. This year the Australian Government offered around 120 Australia Award scholarships. At least fifty per cent of these were awarded to women.

An Australia Awards roadshow will visit a number of provinces across Papua New Guinea to advise on and support applications. The first Australia Awards Roadshow was held in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville on 7 October. Further roadshows will be held in Manus, East Sepik, Enga, West New Britain, Gulf, Eastern Highlands, New Ireland, Madang and Oro with dates to be published shortly. Applications for the 2017 intake close on 29 February 2016. Further information about the Australia Awards can be found at: www.australiaawardspng.org

The Australia Awards PNG Information Centre is equipped with institutional handbooks and internet access to help potential applicants’ to research courses. Staff can assist with applications and to help Australia Awards alumni to look for employment. The Centre is located in Port Tower, Hunter St, Port Moresby, and is open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4.30pm.