Join a global network
Australia is one of the most popular destinations for international students seeking a world-class education experience – and Australia has alumni from every corner of the globe.
More than 2.5 million international students have studied in Australia over the last fifty years, including more than 11,000 Papua New Guineans. More than 80,000 alumni have received Australian Government scholarships and fellowships since the Colombo Plan in the 1950s through to the Australia Awards and the New Colombo Plan today.
Australian alumni can access a range of benefits to continue their professional development and maintain connections all over the world.
The Alumni Awards recognise and honor alumni of any Australian education program, who studied either in Australia or in PNG and have made an outstanding contribution to their profession, community and country. Supported by the Australian High Commission in PNG, the awards are distinguished honours for alumni who are an inspiration in their local, national and international networks.
Awards winners receive:
- K5,000 towards professional development activities
- recognition of achievements
- enhanced professional profile and
- valuable networking opportunities that arise from receiving international recognition.
Highlighting the significant contributions made by alumni in PNG, the Alumni Awards extend and nurture the people-to-people links between PNG and Australia.
As ambassadors for Australia as a world class education destination, winners serve as an example for prospective Papua New Guinean students wishing to pursue studies in Australia.
The Papua New Guinea Australia Alumni Association (PNGAAA) is one of the most recognised associations in the country. Established in 2006, and with more than 5000 members, the Association provides support to Papua New Guineans who have studied in Australia or with Australian Government support in PNG.
The PNGAA keeps alumni connected with each other and with Australian institutions and people.
The PNGAAA delivers professional development training and networking services to its members. It also supports local and national sustainable development efforts through grant assistance and volunteering services.
All Australia Awards alumni receive their first year of membership free, paid by the Australian Government.
Visit the PNGAA website here for more information on opportunities and benefits: pngaaa.org
The Alumni Grant Scheme supports alumni to contribute to PNG’s economic and social development and to build strong and positive relationships with Australia.
Find out more about the Alumni Grants Scheme here.
Women alumni can access the Australia Awards Papua New Guinea Women Alumni Mentoring Initiative. The initiative provides support through mentorship to women alumni to build confidence and leadership capabilities and to help them increase their contributions to PNG’s development.
The initiative was launched in August 2020, and in its first phase had 44 women mentors and mentees from PNG’s public, private and civil society sectors participate.
Alumni Stories
Boosting focus on inclusion in education and employment
“People with disabilities are experts in their own rights,”
says Maria John, an educator and advocate for disability inclusion.
How education broadens career pathways
“When I came in as a teacher, I had a passion for education planning and policymaking. Despite having a limited understanding [in these areas], this passion motivated me to pursue further studies,” Dorothy said.
Count Her In: Rakara Raula-Nelson reflects on PNG National Women’s Day
“When culture limited women’s participation to kitchens and childrearing, my dad taught me otherwise. Today, I’m the first woman in my family to hold a degree because my dad invested in me,” Rakara shared.