PNG Madang Students Impress in India, More to Follow This Year

PNG Madang students studying in India have earned praise from their provincial government after delivering strong academic results, prompting plans to send another group overseas this year.

Madang Governor Ramsey Pariwa said he was encouraged by the performance of the first batch of students selected through the Flexible Open Distance Education (FODE) program, describing their progress as a positive reflection of the province.

 PNG Madang Students Impress in India, More to Follow This Year [photo supplied]

The Governor made the announcement following a visit to India during the New Year festive period, where he led a small delegation to Karunya University and Kalasingam University to meet the Madang FODE students currently enrolled.

University administrators informed Governor Pariwa that the Madang students had performed well in their first semester and were all progressing into the next semester this year.

During a meet-and-greet session, the Governor reminded the students that the purpose of studying abroad was not only personal achievement, but to gain skills and knowledge that would contribute to Madang’s development upon their return.

The students were also assured that their tuition payments for the upcoming semester would be covered to allow them to continue their studies without disruption.

The Madang Provincial Government is now planning to send another batch of FODE students to India by July, with indications that the intake numbers will be increased. The students are selected from all six districts in the province.

Governor Pariwa said the overseas study program was made possible through arrangements by the National Education Department’s FODE Secretariat, adding that Madang had committed to sending a large number of students through the pathway.

He also confirmed continued support for the Sir Peter Barter Tertiary Education Scholarship Program and the FODE scholarship into the 2026 academic year, saying, “You are truly good ambassadors of Madang and Papua New Guinea.”