When embarking on a mid-career return to study, preparation and connection are key to successful completion.
In July 2024, Australia Awards scholars from Papua New Guinea spent time with UQ Sponsored Students Regional Coordinators Holly Peel and Rachel Panousis, who travelled to Port Moresby for the Australian Study Mission.
They held meetings with selected AA scholars from all over Papua New Guinea to offer access to information and face-to-face contact, with continuity in-built for those due to arrive at UQ in January 2024.
“The Australia Awards scholars (who are selected by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade) target middle management professionals who have an undergraduate degree, typically from a university in PNG. Most AA scholars undertake a master’s by coursework in Australia to further develop their skills to help bring change and capacity building within PNG,” said UQ's Holly Peel, Sponsored Students Regional Coordinator.
“UQ International Development also runs a pre-departure briefing for 3 weeks, preparing these scholars for academic and life in general in Australia. PNG is the only country offered such in-depth preparation. It means that they are ready for the journey ahead.”
Rachel Panousis manages the PNG cohort of Australia Awards scholars (18) currently studying at UQ. She will travel back to Port Moresby for the pre-departure briefing for the 2025 group in October 2024, advising potential students and managing expectations.
“I find, with my AA scholars, that their peers and family may say that it’s a wonderful opportunity, and you're so lucky, but the scholars are potentially leaving their families for 6 months to 2 years."
"They are leaving their support networks, their job, they are coming to another country, and they may be out of the habit of studying. It is a wonderful opportunity, but it's not always easy and the scholars may need support,” said Rachel.
Nelson Mandela Njeri Sukwianomb is part of the AA cohort who arrived from PNG in January 2023 and is studying a Masters of Environmental Management.
“I left my family in January 2023 and managed to bring them to Brisbane in July. I was faced with a dilemma as to how to continue to look after them while I launched into being a student again. However, the preparation provided gave me small hope to hold onto. I was looking for accommodation in Brisbane while completing my first assessment at UQ, and the stress of not knowing what was to come next was overwhelming. I persevered, believing in what I had been prepared for to get me through,” he said.
Now close to completion, he is confident that his degree will be positive for his future and looks forward to applying his learnt skills back in country.
“I want to contribute to nurturing the next generation of environmental professionals,” he said.
AA scholar from PNG Rose Kamuta has found Brisbane convenient and welcoming.
“There are a lot of Papua New Guineans residing here and most are relatives. They reach out to us and help as and when we need. The best thing about being here in Brisbane is that it brings us close to our homes.”
Before coming to Australia, Rose was working at a high level in planning and policy within the PNG Department of National Planning and Monitoring. She is studying a Masters degree in Governance and Public Policy and hopes to improve the governance within the public sector in PNG.
"I hope to mentor other women and men back home and be a role model as a leader and manager in my workplace."
UQ AA alum Noah Saruwa returned to PNG in July 2024. His UQ master’s has generated new opportunities for leadership in his position as scientist with the National Agriculture Quarantine & Inspection Authority (NAQIA).
“I am also a member of a recently established laboratory committee working to improve NAQIA laboratory services,” he said.
Noah found the support of Sponsored Students ‘massive’ while he was at UQ.
“I could not have completed my studies without their support. They helped with constant check ups and advice throughout the year to make sure we were progressing well with our studies.”
Sponsored Students also facilitates access to support networks for PNG AA scholars. Regional Coordinator Rachel was thrilled to see the resurgence of the UQ PNG Student Association in 2023.
“The Association really aids scholars to access new networks. Currently 3 of the 4 executive members are Australia Awards scholars at UQ,” said Rachel.
Activities include a regular market day stall, bushwalking and social groups, and connections to the Brisbane PNG community. Nelson Sukwianomb is current President.
“It has been a great voluntary role to bring together the PNG student body at UQ, with opportunities to get to know each other and scholars’ families.”
His advice to the 2025 cohort of PNG AA scholars is to make space around your study.
“Plan social activities so that you make the most of your scholarship and limit your chances of burning / stressing out,” Nelson said.
The UQ PNG Association will host an event to mark PNG Independence Day’s 49th anniversary (16 September), celebrating this milestone at UQ on Friday 13 September between 12 and 2 pm. Activities will include a live cultural performance from Bougainville Dancers, food and drink and a mini exhibition. All welcome.
