Australia Awards PNG’s Higher Education Partnership Grants will provide funding for both Papua New Guinea and Australian universities that qualify for the scheme. The collaboration between PNG and Australian universities will improve various areas to ensure maximum student welfare and a conducive learning environment.
Some of the core areas this partnership will focus on include:
- Student welfare
- Improving research capacity
- Teaching and learning
- Innovation
- Capacity building
PNG universities that are duly registered with the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST) and Australian universities registered with the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) are eligible to apply.
Up to AUD 200,000 is available for applicants to qualifying Australian universities, and up to PGK 200,000 for applicants to PNG universities. Awards will be given to universities that show a detailed project proposal. They must show the project’s sustainability, timeline, capacity, budget, outputs, outcomes, and so on.
Applications are open now until October 17, 2026. All projects must have a maximum duration of one year for completion.
Australia Awards PNG’s Higher Education Partnership Grants Overview
| Item | Details |
| Grant Name | Australia Awards PNG’s Higher Education Partnership Grants |
| Funding Organization | Australia Awards |
| Amount Available | PGK 200,000 and AUD 200,000 |
| Country | Papua New Guinea and Australia |
| Deadline | October 17, 2026 |
| Eligible Applicants | PNG and Australian universities |
| Decision Timeline | Not specified |
Funding Benefits
The grant scheme will support both PNG universities and Australian universities that qualify. PNG universities that are successful in their applications will receive up to PGK 200,000, and Australian universities will receive up to AUD 200,000 in funding support.
The funding will seek to improve research capacity, student welfare, and learning and teaching, among other things. Funding is available to every university in the target areas, provided they qualify.
Who Can Apply?
- PNG universities are duly registered with the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST).
- Also, Australian universities registered with the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) are eligible to apply.
- Applications must include a one-year project proposal covering key areas such as teaching and learning, student welfare, research capacity, and professional development.
- Every project must focus on the inclusion of women, persons living with disabilities, and people from remote villages.
Read Also: ACS Graduate Student Success Grant 2026
Required Documents
- Proof of the university’s registration
- Proposed project
- Details of the academic faculty and department.
- Project contribution to the university and DHERST
- Formal approval letter from the university’s vice chancellor
How to Apply for the Australia Awards PNG’s Higher Education Partnership Grants
- To apply, participants must register on the SmartyGrants portal to access the application form.
- Fill the form and attach the relevant documents.
- Submit before the deadline of October 17, 2026, at 11:59pm.
- Applications will be reviewed based on their context and purpose, project scope, duration, capacity, sustainability and so on.
- Applicants can discuss their application with the award organisers by October 2, 2026, through email at hep@australiaawardspng.org.
- Successful applicants will receive notifications at the end of the review period.
Apply now: https://australiaawardspng.smartygrants.com.au/heppng26
