Prime Minister James Marape has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to building Papua New Guinea’s future workforce through its expanding Overseas STEM Scholarship Programme.
PM Marape said the latest group of students bound for the United States reflects a long-term investment in developing the country’s scientists, engineers, doctors, innovators and technology experts.
The Prime Minister made the remarks following the orientation of the 30 newest scholarship recipients, who will soon begin studies at leading universities in the United States, joining hundreds of Papua New Guinean students already studying in the United States, China, India, Malaysia, Fiji and other countries under the Government-funded programme.
PM Marape in a statement said the scholarship initiative is central to the Government’s vision of transforming Papua New Guinea into a modern, knowledge-based economy driven by science, technology, innovation and a highly skilled national workforce.
“A nation’s greatest resource is not what lies beneath its ground, but what is inside the minds of its people.”
“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 Prime Minister said the latest group of scholarship recipients represents another milestone in a programme that has grown significantly since its establishment under the Marape-Rosso Government.
He noted that the first cohort of outstanding STEM students from the National Schools of Excellence began graduating in 2022 following the introduction of the specialized STEM curriculum, with many progressing to universities both within Papua New Guinea and overseas under Government-funded scholarships.
Since then, the programme has expanded steadily.
In 2023, the Government sent its first group of 43 outstanding STEM students to universities in the United States under full Government scholarships.
In 2024, the programme expanded significantly, with 76 students departing for universities in the United States while another 30 commenced studies in India. Additional students also pursued studies in China and Fiji under the same initiative, with the Government covering tuition, travel and student support costs.
The programme continued its rapid growth in 2025 when about 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.
PM Marape said the programme’s expansion demonstrates the Government’s determination to provide deserving Papua New Guinean students with access to world-class education and research opportunities.
“We are building a generation that will compete with the very best minds in the world.
These young Papua New Guineans will study in globally recognized universities, learn from world-class academics, conduct research using advanced technology and return home equipped with knowledge that will transform our country.”
The Prime Minister said the overseas scholarship programme complements the Government’s broader education reforms, including strengthening STEM education in the National Schools of Excellence, increased investment in higher education and expanded scholarship opportunities.
He said students are pursuing studies in strategically important fields including artificial intelligence, engineering, biotechnology, medicine, agricultural science, information technology, environmental science, renewable energy, aerospace engineering and data science.
PM Marape said Papua New Guinea’s economic future depends on developing highly skilled citizens capable of driving innovation across every sector.
“Our Vision 2050 and our long-term development aspirations require more than infrastructure and investment.”
“They require highly educated Papua New Guineans who possess the skills, creativity and confidence to solve complex challenges, establish new industries, improve healthcare, modernize agriculture, develop digital technologies and create jobs for future generations.”
The Prime Minister encouraged scholarship recipients to remain 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.”
PM Marape also thanked the governments and educational institutions of the United States, India, China, Malaysia, Fiji and other partner countries for supporting Papua New Guinean students through international education partnerships.
He said the partnerships strengthen both people-to-people ties and long-term cooperation 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.”