From good neighbours to strategic partners
As our closest international neighbours, UQ and the diverse countries of the Pacific share longstanding relationships. With an emphasis on medicine, health, science and international development, we are working together to strengthen economic , governance, health and social systems throughout the Pacific. One of the world’s most biodiverse regions, our collaborative efforts also contribute to understanding and protecting the oceans, crops and animals that its communities rely on.
Fast facts
Excludes Australia.
144
Students from the Pacific enrolled at UQ
311
Pacific-UQ co-publications
85
academic staff born in the Pacific
63
research project collaborations
2,148
alumni in the Pacific
9
agreements with 8 official partners
Fast facts show full year 2024 data.
Collaboration in action
- The University of Queensland (UQ) International Development unit and experts from UQ’s School of Education are partnering to support Somare Institute of Leadership and Governance (SILAG) to become Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) newest university by 2027.
- Education has not come easily to Cedric Cotu Kengi, who arrived at UQ in January 2025 from his home in Papua New Guinea with a prestigious Australia Awards Scholarship to undertake a Master of Governance and Public Policy (2025-27). It is a long way from his beginnings.
- UQ’s most successful and largest NCP Scholar cohort to date was announced by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) today. All 11 shortlisted UQ students were awarded NCP Scholarships.
- This year’s UQ New Colombo Plan Scholar Liam Lyttle has recorded a video from where he is currently studying at the Laucala campus at the University of the South Pacific, Fiji.
- UQ New Colombo Plan Scholar Liam Lyttle is Australia’s inaugural Pacific Fellow, currently studying at the University of the South Pacific in Fiji. Among other significant experiences, his short documentary Mudgumbo – Bikini recently premiered at the 4th Pacific Human Rights Film Festival in Suva. In this film he explores the scale and impact of more than 300 nuclear tests conducted by the US, UK and France in the Pacific region between 1949-1996.
- After a competitive selection process, 17 initiatives have been awarded funding totalling $217,174 for the second round of The University of Queensland (UQ) Global Partnerships Funding Scheme, launched in 2024.
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Alumni
UQ has more than 2,148 alumni in the Pacific (excluding Australia). Alumni with strong links to the region include: