Pacific

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.

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.

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.

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.

#AustraliaAwards scholarships are valued for its unique characteristics: program quality and consistency of delivery, pastoral care and support for family. For father of two Nelson Sukwianomb, the choice was clear when he commenced his Scholarship at the The University of Queensland.

After a competitive selection process, 6 initiatives have been awarded funding totalling $116,721 for the inaugural round of The University of Queensland Global Partnerships Funding Scheme, launched in 2024.

For 30 years, The University of Queensland (UQ) has worked to upskill and empower future global leaders through the Australia Awards Scholarship (AAS).