PAPUA New Guinea’s landmark Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Overseas Scholarship Programme has expanded to more than 360 students studying in the United States, China, India, Fiji, Malaysia and other countries under Government-funded scholarships.
The latest recipients will soon depart for the United States to pursue studies at leading American universities, joining hundreds of Papua New Guineans already studying overseas under the initiative.
The programme, established under the Marape-Rosso Government, began sending its first group of 43 outstanding STEM students to universities in the United States in 2023.
In 2024, 76 students departed for the United States, and another 30 commenced studies in India. Additional students pursued studies in China and Fiji, with the Government covering tuition, travel and student support costs.
In 2025, approximately 160 students from the 2024 Grade 12 cohort were awarded overseas scholarships, taking the cumulative number of students studying overseas under the programme to more than 360 by the end of that year.
Students were placed in universities across the United States, China, India, Fiji and, for the first time, Malaysia.
The first cohort of outstanding STEM students from the National Schools of Excellence began graduating in 2022, following the introduction of the specialised STEM Curriculum. Many proceeded to universities within Papua New Guinea and overseas under Government-funded scholarships.
Prime Minister James Marape said the expansion was one of the most important long-term investments ever made by the Government in developing the country’s future scientists, engineers, innovators, medical researchers, technology experts and national leaders.
“A nation’s greatest Resource is not what lies beneath its ground, but what is inside the minds of its people,” he said.
“Our government has deliberately invested in our brightest young Papua New Guineans because they are the generation that will build the Industries, Technologies, Infrastructure, Research Institutions and Public Services that will define Papua New Guinea over the next fifty years.”
The programme complements broader education reforms, including strengthening STEM education in Papua New Guinea’s National Schools of Excellence, increased investment in higher education, and expanded scholarship opportunities for deserving students.
Students are pursuing studies in artificial intelligence, engineering, biotechnology, medicine, agricultural science, information technology, environmental science, renewable energy, aerospace engineering, data science and other specialised disciplines.
The Prime Minister said Papua New Guinea’s economic future would increasingly depend on highly skilled citizens capable of driving innovation across every sector of the economy.
“Our Vision 2050 and our long-term Development aspirations require more than Infrastructure and Investment,” he said.
“They require highly educated Papua New Guineans who possess the skills, creativity and confidence to solve complex challenges, establish new industries, improve healthcare, modernise agriculture, develop digital technologies and create jobs for future generations.”
He encouraged scholarship recipients to remain humble, disciplined and focused during their studies overseas while serving as ambassadors for Papua New Guinea.
“Study hard. Learn from the world’s best. Respect the cultures of your host countries while proudly representing Papua New Guinea. Never forget where you come from, because the ultimate purpose of this investment is for you to return and serve your people,” he said.
Marape thanked the Governments and educational institutions of the United States, India, China, Malaysia, Fiji and other partner nations for their continued collaboration in providing opportunities for Papua New Guinean students to study at internationally recognised universities.
He said the educational partnerships strengthen people-to-people relationships and build lasting strategic cooperation between Papua New Guinea and its international partners in science, technology, research and innovation. “As our country prepares for a future driven by Digital Transformation, Advanced Technology and a more diversified economy, these young Scholars will become the Engineers, Doctors, Researchers, Scientists, Innovators, Educators and Policymakers who will help shape Papua New Guinea’s next chapter of National Development.”
