PNG Sends 137 STEM Scholars Overseas for Further Studies

The Papua New Guinea Government has sent 137 young Papua New Guineans overseas to pursue studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics under the national STEM scholarship programme.

The latest group was farewelled by the Department of Education today, bringing the number of students supported by the programme since its launch in 2023 to about 470.

 PNG Sends 137 STEM Scholars Overseas for Further Studies/Photo supplied

Department of Education Secretary Dr Uke Kombra said the scholars represented another group of talented young Papua New Guineans taking up opportunities at institutions abroad.

“It is a privilege to farewell another group of 137 bright young Papua New Guineans who will soon begin the next chapter of their academic journey in classrooms overseas,” Dr Kombra said.

The STEM scholarship initiative began in 2023 with 43 students attending two universities in the United States.

A year later, the programme grew to 145 students who took up places at universities in the United States, China, India and Fiji.

Another 145 students were sent overseas in 2025 to study in Australia, China, India, Malaysia and the United States.

The first group is now approaching the final year of their studies in the US and is preparing to graduate.

Dr Kombra said the programme was providing opportunities across a wide range of professional disciplines, including medicine, nursing, pharmacy, physiotherapy and medical laboratory science.

Engineering remains another major area of study, with scholars pursuing civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, petroleum and hydraulic engineering.

There has also been increasing interest in newer areas of technology, including artificial intelligence, data science, software engineering, cyber security, computer science and biochemistry.

Dr Kombra said the participation of women in the programme was also increasing, with females making up about 41 per cent of the current scholarship recipients.

He credited the National Schools of Excellence for producing high-performing students, noting that their Mean Rating Index results had consistently risen above 90.

The Secretary said universities overseas were increasingly recognising the academic ability and determination of Papua New Guinean students.

Minister for Education Francis Kikin Siune said the Government was using the programme to develop a stronger pool of highly trained Papua New Guineans capable of supporting the country's future development.

He pointed to the experiences of countries such as Japan and Singapore, saying investment in highly skilled people had helped those nations build their economies and reduce dependence on overseas expertise.

Mr Siune said the scholarships were intended to help address shortages in areas including engineering, medicine and technology while exposing students to new skills, work practices and ideas.

He said studying overseas was also necessary where specialised programmes were not readily available in PNG, giving high-performing students the chance to compete with students from around the world.

The Minister said the Government viewed the scholarships as a long-term investment in the country and announced plans for a formal bonding arrangement to ensure recipients returned to PNG after completing their studies.

Dr Kombra said the students were expected to bring their qualifications and international experience back to the country.

“The scholars departing today represent young people whose lives will be transformed through education. They will return home with the qualifications, knowledge and experience needed to make a contribution to our nation's development,” Dr Kombra said.