TOP Papua New Guinean University graduates have been awarded a prestigious Chevening Scholarship this year and will travel to the United Kingdom to begin their master’s degree studies later this month.
On 4 September 2026, British High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, His Excellency Paul Eastwood, hosted a farewell event for the new Chevening scholars ahead of their departure.
During the event, the High Commissioner congratulated the scholars and emphasised that they will be studying in fields critical to Papua New Guinea’s future.
“I warmly congratulate our five Chevening Scholars who were able to secure these highly competitive
scholarships from the seven places offered. Their achievement reflects not only academic excellence but also their leadership potential. I wish them every success in their studies and encourage them to use the knowledge, skills and networks they gain to contribute to Papua New Guinea upon their return,” he said.
The five successful scholars will study at leading UK universities, undertaking worldclass postgraduate programmes in data science and analytics, sustainability and development, sustainable engineering, corporate governance and financial regulation, and sustainability management.
Mr Eastwood further highlighted the impact of the programme over the past 40 years and reaffirmed the UK Government’s commitment to building Papua New Guinea’s human capital through scholarships.
“Over the past 40 years, the UK Government has supported more than 100 Papua New Guineans to undertake master’s studies in the UK through Chevening. We are immensely proud to have done so. Today, nine Papua New Guinean scholars are studying in the UK, while three have recently returned home after successfully completing their degrees.
Together, they form part of a growing network of future leaders helping to drive positive change across the country,” he said.
“We hope to see this number continue to grow. Applications for 2027-2028 Chevening Scholarships are now open and will close on 6 October 2026. I encourage talented individuals from all sectors to consider applying if they meet the eligibility criteria”.
The United Kingdom has a global reputation for excellence in higher education. Through Chevening, scholars have the opportunity to complete a fully funded oneyear master’s degree at a UK university, equipping them with the knowledge, skills and networks needed to make a meaningful contribution to Papua New Guinea’s development.