Sixty new short course awardees under the Australia Awards Somare-Whitlam scholarship have commenced their studies, with pre-course workshops in Port Moresby. 

30 of these awardees are joining the Graduate Certificate in Inclusive Education, delivered by The University of Adelaide, which will conclude in May, while 30 have commenced the Graduate Certificate in STEM Education, to conclude in September. 

 Australian High Commission representative, Lisa Mollard said, “this Short Course Award will support the Government of PNG to deliver on its newly launched Inclusive Education Policy and create the conditions for every child to achieve their potential.” 

 Gaining knowledge and skills of inclusive education will broaden my knowledge to educate all students regardless of their gender, disability and culture. This training program will give clear direction to implement inclusive education in all levels of works,” said James Wingti, one of the 30 participants of the Graduate Certificate in Inclusive education course.

Participants in the Inclusive Education course.

“This scholarship will not only benefit me as a mathematics and science educator but also my school and region. Gaining insightful knowledge about STEM Education will enable us to stay abreast globally with the ever-evolving technology,” said Priscilla Nott, who joined the pre-course workshop for the Graduate Certificate in STEM education. 

Participants in the STEM Education course.

The two groups are the first education short course cohorts under the Australia Awards Somare-Whitlam scholarships to commemorate PNG’s 50th anniversary of independence. To follow the 2025 Somare-Whitlam Award scholars or find out more about short course opportunities in 2025, follow the Australian High Commission Facebook page on @AusHCPNG or stay tuned for news updates on this website.