New scholarships to benefit students in PNG LNG provinces
Students living in PNG LNG Project areas have been given an opportunity to further their education in the fields of health or education through the Australia Awards – PNG LNG Scholarships program.
The scholarships are the result of a partnership between ExxonMobil PNG and the Australian Government and are part of the existing Australia Awards Pacific Scholarship program.
Successful applicants receive full tuition fees, airfares and a living allowance to attend select institutions in PNG.
The scholarship program was established to help address the rural workforce gap in PNG LNG Project areas as well as encourage more young people to follow career paths in education and health.
The scholarships are merit based with consideration given to both academic performance and the capacity of applicants to contribute to their communities. Eligible participants can apply at the Australia Awards PNG website.
ExxonMobil PNG understands that education is key to economic development in PNG and is committed to providing future generations of Papua New Guineans with career opportunities beyond the PNG LNG Project.
The company has long sought out opportunities to help build a highly competent, capable and professional PNG workforce.
The Australian Government has supported scholarship programs in PNG for over 40 years.
In addition to these new scholarships EMPNG continues to support educational scholarships in a number of ways:
- Annual internship program with the University of Technology
- Scholarships for students to further their education at James Cook University, University of Papua New Guinea and University of Canberra to continue their work towards conserving and protecting PNG’s unique biodiversity
- Baylor College of Medicine International Pediatric AIDS Initiative Scholarship to develop knowledge and skills in health care at the University of Texas School of Public Health in Houston
- City Mission scholarships for young men to participate in vocational and life skills training
- Support for the Business and Professional Women’s Association’s “Scholarship Program” – which saw 391 girls offered scholarships in 2015 to various schools