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Faculty of Postgraduate Studies – Scholarships

HomeFaculty of Postgraduate Studies – Scholarships

Postgraduate Scholarships

The Faculty of Postgraduate Studies, Research & Innovation at the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNGUoT) offers competitive scholarship opportunities designed to support high-achieving postgraduate students. These scholarships help reduce financial barriers, encourage advanced research, and strengthen capacity development across PNG and the region. Currently, two major scholarship pathways are available to master’s and doctoral students: the Graduate Assistantship Program (GAP) and the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship (QECS).

Graduate Assistantship Program (GAP)

The Graduate Assistantship Program (GAP) was established at the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNGUoT) in 2001 to address the deficiencies of the prior Assistant Lectureship (AL) Program, which had been operational since 1974. The primary aim of GAP is to attract graduates with first and Master’s degrees who have demonstrated strong academic performance or relevant industrial experience. The University offers 15 GAP scholarship slots annually for Master’s and PhD studies. The GAP serves a dual purpose: cultivating potential academic staff for PNGUoT while fostering a well-trained workforce for the rapidly expanding industries in Papua New Guinea. Ultimately, the program is designed to enhance human capacity across various sectors within the country, particularly in academia at PNGUoT. Upon completion of their advanced studies, graduates may be employed by the University, contingent upon available opportunities and meeting departmental requirements; alternatively, they may pursue careers in other relevant sectors.

GAP REQUIREMENTS

  1. Must be a PNGUoT graduate.
  2. Applicants must have graduated with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.70 out of 5.00, or an equivalent percentage, in their previous program of study.
  3. Students will be eligible for GAP scholarships within four (4) years of graduation.
  4. Students enrolled in business mode programs are not eligible for GAP scholarships.
  5. Non-GAP students enrolled in coursework-based programs may apply for GAP after one (1) year of study, subject to:
    • * A positive recommendation from both the Principal Supervisor and the Head of School (HoS), and
    • * Achievement of a weighted average mark of 80% or above, or a cumulative GPA of 4.25 out of 5.00 or higher.
  6. For research-based degrees (MPhil and PhD), Non-GAP students may also be considered for GAP after one (1) year, provided they meet the following criteria:
    • * Have at least one (1) research publication in a peer-reviewed journal, and
    • * Receive positive recommendations from both the Principal Supervisor and the Head of School.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF GRADUATE ASSISTANTS

• Enroll full-time in a Master’s (2 years) or PhD (4 years) program.
• Teach up to 6 hours per week.
• Present at least one seminar annually.
• Commit to full-time study with no extensions beyond the set duration.

APPLICATION PROCESS

  1. GAP scholarships are advertised with other postgraduate programs online.
  2. Application Submission:
    * New students: Complete the GAP form with your PG application online.
    * Continuing students: Complete the GAP form and email to info.pgs@pnguot.ac.pg.
  3. Schools vet applications and recommend to the Faculty of Postgraduate Studies, Research & Innovation (FoPSR&I).
  4. The Postgraduate Studies, Research & Innovation Committee (PSR&IC) reviews and endorses school recommendations.
  5. Academic Board approves by endorsing PSR&IC resolutions.
  6. Successful candidates receive Appointment Letters and the GAP Bond agreement.

BENEFITS

  • Stipend.
  • Annual book and equipment allowance.
  • Tuition fee waiver (compulsory fee applies).
  • University accommodation (rental deducted from stipend).
  • For PhD scholars: one biennial return ticket from Lae to home province.

IMPORTANT NOTES

  • Scholars must not accept other scholarships or employment during their study. Breach of this condition will require full repayment of scholarship funds.
  • Termination may occur due to:
    * Unsatisfactory academic progress
    * Acceptance of another scholarship
    * Disciplinary issues
GAP Scholars Testimonials

“As a GAP Scholar in Electrical and Communications Engineering, the program was one of the best experiences of my academic journey. Balancing study and teaching enhanced my confidence, communication, and research skills while sharpening my problem-solving abilities. Though time management was a challenge at first, it taught me discipline and resilience. I highly recommend the GAP program to graduates who want to grow both academically and professionally.”

Gau Tamayaku

GAP Scholar 2023 - 2024

"The PNGUoT Graduate Assistant Program (GAP) Scholarship has been transformative for me. It fully supported my MPhil in Geomatics studies while giving me hands-on teaching experience, professional skills, and confidence in GIS and remote sensing. Being part of the school activities and staff meetings also enriched my teamwork and academic experience. GAP has truly shaped my growth as a student and aspiring professional.”

Diandra-Joy Oli

GAP Scholar 2023–2024

“The GAP program was a truly rewarding and transformative experience. It strengthened my academic, leadership and communication skills while providing valuable teaching and research opportunities. Although balancing duties was sometimes challenging, I gained significant professional growth. I highly recommend GAP as a vital bridge between study and real-world academic experience.”

Kenson Tony

GAP Scholar (MSc in Applied Physics, 2020–2021)

The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships

The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS) offer fully funded Master’s scholarships, enabling you to study in a different Commonwealth country. Experience diverse cultures, gain valuable qualifications, and develop new skills at leading universities.

Eligibility for Papua New Guineans:
Papua New Guineans are invited to apply for the QECS scholarship to study at various Commonwealth member institutions, including:
🇫🇯 Fiji
🇲🇺 Mauritius
🇿🇦 South Africa
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka

For International Students:

If you are interested in pursuing a postgraduate program at PNG University of Technology (PNGUoT), please note:

  • You must first apply for the QECS scholarship.
  • If awarded the scholarship, contact the university admissions team with your QECS offer letter to secure your admission to PNGUoT.

 

Explore Postgraduate Programs at PNGUoT for QECS Scholarship Recipients:

  1. Master of Architecture (MArch)
  2. Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering (MEng)
  3. Master of Engineering in Communication Engineering (MEng)
  4. Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering (MEng)
  5. Master of Science in Agriculture (MSc)
  6. Master of Science in Applied Physics (MSc)
  7. Master of Science in Climate Change and Renewable Energy (MSc)
  8. Master of Technology in Exploration Geophysics (MTech)

QECS Scholars Testimonials

"My journey to the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (Unitech) as an International Student was filled with mixed feelings. The thought of embarking on such an incredible journey, perhaps, one of the farthest journeys, away from families, friends, and the comforts of home, haunted me like a ghost. But I am glad I made the right choice to come to Unitech. Graduating from this great citadel of learning was truly a milestone in my life. My time at the university allowed me to expand my horizons and acquire knowledge and skills that have not only shaped my academic path but also prepared me for the challenges of the real world. The dedication of the faculty and non-faculty staff, coupled with the comprehensive curriculum, played a pivotal role in shaping my personal and professional paths. Also, the university's collaboration with industries and other institutions such as NARI, gave me the opportunity to gain hands-on experience. My engagement with NARI was quite rewarding, as it gave me exposure to different regions of the country where I had amazing interactions with farmers and locals. The adventure also exposed me to the cultural heritage of the good people of PNG, contrary to the false narrative peddled on the internet about the people of PNG. I had an unforgettable hospitality treat and enjoyed the great friendliness and companionship of the locals. Thank you, Unitech, for fostering an environment of learning, growth, and camaraderie. I am proud to be an alumna and will always carry the lessons and memories with me as I venture into the next phase of my life."

Esther Onyinyechi EZE

MSc, Agriculture

"It has been a wonderful experience undertaking a Master of Science in Agriculture at the Pacific's most prestigious Papua New Guinea University of Technology. Having been admitted in 2022 under the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship. I have ever since found a home, family, and a citadel to garner knowledge and worthwhile skills I doubted I would have found elsewhere if not at the Papua New Guinea University of Technology. The university has instilled in me a great gesture to forever treasure, with its qualified faculty members and world-class academic curriculum, coupled with the global standard research facilities at the university. Reminiscing on the memories still gives me goosebumps, of how amazing these people of many languages, tribes, and clans could unitedly uphold the country together, which has also reflected on the diversity conquest amongst the enthusiastic academic students of the ever-bobbling Taraka campus. I am glad that my path crossed this citadel of knowledge, mi feelim hamamas olgeta time bai mi sanap lo ceremonial ground lukim tok blo Chief Kondom Agaundo em tok "tomorrow my sons and daughters will come" mi tintin aiyo, afrika mangi stap, mi com lo ples. On this note, I would gladly say that PNG University of Technology surpassed my expectations and gave me unending hope for a greater future, with a bidding farewell that indeed a global technocrat has been made.
Mi tok tenku tru lo yupla olgeta.
Long live Unitech, Long live Papua New Guinea.
Viva. Simbu angra."

Josiah Oluwatobi

MSc, Agriculture