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

My Story

My Story

Told by Paulon Podomo, Diploma in Primary Teaching graduate from Sacred Heart Teachers College in 2019 This short story is my personal experience of living and teaching in a remote school since January 2020. I am 27 years old, from Marofen village in North Fly...

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Traditional crafts supporting rural communities

Traditional crafts supporting rural communities

Through her small business venture Anka Crafts, Anne Iauka is supporting rural communities in her home province of Bougainville through the trade of eco-friendly handmade crafts. The travel is also giving her an opportunity to re-connect and she is happy to see...

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A nurse on a mission

A nurse on a mission

“Midwifery is a beautiful career. You put a smile on a woman’s face as she steps out of your door and walks away with a silent word of ‘thanks’. You’re blessed to witness the first moment of a life.” Melisha Gilmo had interests and passion to be a specialist midwife...

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