Graduate to bring USQ experience back to PNG

Imagine packing up your life and moving your entire family to a new country.

That’s just what Toby Gabuogi did when he decided leave Papua New Guinea to study a Master of Business Administration (Finance) at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ).

And the decision has paid off - Mr Gabuogi was one of three international students to complete their studies at the mid-year Australia Awards ceremony at USQ Toowoomba today (July 16).

Australia Awards are international scholarships and fellowships funded by the Federal Government. They provide opportunities for international students to undertake full‐time undergraduate or postgraduate study at participating Australian universities.

“It was a very big decision to make, choosing to invest in my education,” Mr Gabuogi said.

“I came down at the beginning of last year with my wife and four kids (now aged 14, 12, 7 and 19 months).



“I got very good support from staff at the University. They were very helpful and always responded to emails quickly with good advice.

“USQ is a great destination for Australia Awards (or any other) students who are seeking an education in Toowoomba. It was a wonderful learning experience.


“I would rate my study experience at USQ very highly!”


Mr Gabuogi said he now planned to use his education to benefit his home country.

“My future plan is to go back to PNG and contribute to my nation’s economic and social wellbeing,” he said.

“I hope to get job in the development sector, maybe assisting small businesses.”

2015 Australia Awards Scholarship students at USQ have come from Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Bhutan, Indonesia, Timor-Leste, and Laos.