A delegation from the Jiwaka Provincial Administration travelled to Papua New Guinea's Divine Word University in Madang last week to hand over K198,000 worth of school fee assistance to 66 tertiary students from the highlands province.

The funding, released on behalf of Jiwaka Provincial Member Hon. Simon Kaiwi, was presented to members of the DWU Jiwaka Students Association as part of the Provincial Government's ongoing push to ease the cost of tertiary education for its people.

Leading the team was Deputy Provincial Administrator and Jiwaka School Fee Coordinator Stanley Wantkson, who was joined by Provincial Administration Financial Treasurer Siwi Takai, Deputy Chairman of the Jiwaka Provincial Education Board Willie Gari, and NBC Jiwaka broadcaster John Wena Dilu, known on air as Krai blo Tumbe.

Addressing the students, Mr Wantkson said the provincial government viewed the subsidy as a long-term investment rather than a handout, urging recipients to remain accountable and transparent with the opportunity given to them.

Mr Gari, speaking on behalf of Mr Kaiwi, told students that setbacks along the way should not discourage them, pointing to the Provincial Member's broader plan of widening access to higher education across Jiwaka.

DWU Jiwaka Students Association President Timothy Maika accepted the funds on behalf of his fellow students, telling university staff that the subsidy would go a long way in taking financial pressure off families and allowing students to concentrate on their studies.

University Registrar Ali Clare Aribi also addressed the gathering, thanking the provincial administration for standing behind its students year after year and urging recipients to use the assistance wisely while upholding the standards expected of a DWU graduate.

Lecturer in Tourism and Hospitality Management Theresa Kau rounded off the programme, telling students that the subsidy carried with it an expectation of dedication and academic excellence in return for the trust placed in them.

University officials described the visit as evidence of a growing partnership between DWU and the Jiwaka Provincial Administration, one aimed at producing graduates who can return home and contribute to the development of both the province and the country.

"We won't give you everything, but we are investing in you so that you can become somebody," Mr Wantkson told the students.

Headlines

• PNG TSC Opens 42,000 Teaching Positions for 2027 School Year
• PNG schools set for new behaviour policy under Australia partnership
• PNG's Western Pacific University Introduces AI Platform and Smart Tablets for University Students
• PNG Women Among First Beneficiaries as Lae Funds Pilot Training Program
  

The Papua New Guinea Teaching Service Commission has launched the recruitment process for the 2027 academic year, advertising 42,000 teaching positions across schools and national institutions throughout the country.
The nationwide exercise follows the release of Circular Instruction No. 8 of 2026, with teachers and eligible graduates being urged to submit their applications before the end of July as the Commission prepares for teacher appointments ahead of next year.
Acting Teaching Service Commission Chairman Maini Mike Ugaia said the vacancies comprise 25,147 base-level teaching positions and 16,853 promotional positions covering primary, high, secondary and vocational schools, including national institutions.

Mr Ugaia said the Commission has assumed full responsibility for all teacher appointments after receiving legal advice from the State Solicitor confirming that the Teaching Service Commission remains the sole employer responsible for teacher employment matters in Papua New Guinea.
He said the move also reflects directives from the PNG Prime Minister for the Commission to fully manage all teacher appointment processes.
According to Mr Ugaia, the vacancies were identified following an extensive review and cleansing of teaching positions undertaken by the Commission to address longstanding appointment issues and protect teachers' salaries.
He encouraged all serving teachers eligible for base-level appointments, along with certified 2027 graduates and 2026 admitted graduates holding a TSC Admission Certificate, to apply for the advertised positions.
Applications close on July 31, 2026, with completed forms required to be submitted to the relevant Provincial TSC offices before the deadline.
Teachers seeking promotional appointments have also been instructed to include their official inspection reports and eligibility certificates with their Form 30 before lodging applications through their Provincial TSC and Provincial Education Offices.
The Commission said retired teachers, those who have resigned, and officers currently on long service leave are not eligible to apply.
Provincial Education Boards have also been directed to comply with the timetable outlined in Circular Instruction No. 8 and ensure their memberships remain valid before appointment exercises begin.
Mr Ugaia said appointments in Hela, Manus and Gulf provinces were cancelled during 2026 after Provincial Education Boards failed to meet required administrative obligations, warning that similar failures would not be accepted during the 2027 appointment process.
He said provinces with expired Provincial Education Boards should immediately appoint or reinstate their boards, otherwise the Commission's head office in Port Moresby would take over and manage teacher appointments directly.
Mr Ugaia said immediate compliance was needed to ensure payroll records and school occupancy data were updated before the first teacher pay cycle of 2027, preventing unnecessary salary delays or suspensions.
"Teachers' welfare, terms, and conditions of employment are of paramount importance, and as such, the Commission will not tolerate administrative failures that affect all teachers."

 >> APPLY NOW

Schools across Papua New Guinea are expected to benefit from a revised national behaviour management policy aimed at improving student wellbeing and building safer, more inclusive classrooms with support from Australia.
The National Department of Education is updating its Behaviour Management Policy through the PNG-Australia Partnership as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen school environments and encourage positive behaviour among students nationwide.

The review comes as education authorities respond to issues affecting schools, including bullying, school-related gender-based violence, and the growing influence of digital platforms and social media on young people.
Rather than focusing solely on disciplinary action, the new policy will encourage schools to prevent behavioural problems through positive engagement and supportive learning practices.
Officials believe the updated guide will give teachers and school leaders practical direction on managing behaviour while promoting respect, safety and inclusion in classrooms.
When finalised, the 2026 Behaviour Management Policy and Guide for Schools will be rolled out across the country to help ensure every child has access to a secure learning environment where they can thrive.
"The updated policy responds to real challenges facing schools today, including bullying, school-related gender-based violence, and the growing impact of social media and digital technologies on young people."
"The revised policy focuses on preventing issues before they happen and promoting positive behaviour."

Headlines

Students at Western Pacific University are set to benefit from a major digital education upgrade after the institution launched an AI-powered knowledge platform alongside SmartX Digital Learning Tablets in PNG.
The project highlights the university's commitment to creating a technology-enabled learning environment designed to improve educational access and equip graduates with skills needed in a rapidly evolving digital world.

The new AI-Enabled Digital Knowledge Hub, branded LearnX, was officially launched during a virtual event officiated by Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology Minister Kinoka Hotune Feo.
University officials say the platform will support more interactive learning while encouraging innovation and improving the delivery of higher education services.
Addressing participants, Minister Feo said Papua New Guinea's universities must continue embracing digital transformation to ensure students receive internationally competitive education regardless of their location.
Western Pacific University President Professor Janet Bulumaris Rangou said the launch represented another important chapter in the university's development as it works towards expanding educational opportunities and strengthening digital learning.
Established as PNG's newest public university, WPU continues investing in technology-driven education to prepare graduates for the changing workforce and the growing digital economy.
"By 2035, every university student in Papua New Guinea should have access to world-class learning resources, modern digital technologies, quality teaching, and opportunities for innovation regardless of where they live or study."
"The future we seek is not one where technology replaces people. It is one where technology empowers people."

Headlines
​

• PNG Women Among First Beneficiaries as Lae Funds Pilot Training Program
• PNG Tuition Subsidy Reaches More Than 2.5 Million Students
• 92,596 Grade 10 Students to Sit Written Expression Exam
• NCD Governor Parkop Supports Marianville School with k260,000  funding

Two female university graduates are set to begin aviation training after a K500,000 contribution from the Lae City Authority strengthened the Manalos Aviation Cadet Pilot Training Program in PNG.
The financial backing is expected to increase the number of trainee pilots entering the industry while helping a locally based aviation school expand its operations and train students more efficiently.
The cheque was presented by Lae City Authority Chief Executive Officer Robin Calistus on behalf of Deputy Prime Minister and Lae MP John Rosso.

Mr Calistus said the funding formed part of ongoing efforts to invest in education and practical skills programs for young people in Lae.
The support has been welcomed by Manalos Aviation, with CEO Jurgen Ruh saying it represents the first occasion that government funding has been directed towards the institution’s pilot training activities.
Mr Ruh said previous budget limitations had affected the speed at which cadets could progress through training, but the latest contribution would allow the organisation to scale up its operations.
He added that expanding the program would ultimately benefit both Lae and the wider country by producing more qualified Papua New Guinean aviation professionals.
At the same time, the program is celebrating the enrolment of its first female cadets.
Angela Wycliffe and Shiloh Tugula, both graduates of the Papua New Guinea University of Technology, have been accepted into the training scheme and are scheduled to commence studies in July.
Their training pathway will begin with a private helicopter licence course before moving into aviation theory and commercial pilot qualifications.
Industry observers have described the development as a positive sign for gender inclusion in PNG's aviation sector, which has traditionally been dominated by men.
The cadet pilot program remains fully funded by the taxpayers of Lae, with organisers anticipating additional applicants from the city in future intakes.
“This cheque of K500,000, on behalf of the Deputy Prime Minister, Member for Lae and Chairman of the Lae City Authority, will support and help the Manalos Aviation in the cadet training programs,” Mr Calistus said.
“This is the first time the PNG Government, or any government, has come forward to support us through pilot training. We have received support from the Lae City Authority and we are very thankful,” Mr Ruh said.
“In the past, we had to conduct training at a slower pace due to cash flow challenges. With the support from the Lae City Authority, this funding will help us double and even triple our efforts to train more students in Lae at a faster rate. It means a lot to know that someone is supporting us.”
“By helping us, you are helping Lae and the country. I have been training Papua New Guineans for 11 years and this is the first time I have received such support from the Government, especially the Lae District. Thank you very much, and hopefully other people will do the same.”

Headlines

• PNG Tuition Subsidy Reaches More Than 2.5 Million Students
• 92,596 Grade 10 Students to Sit Written Expression Exam
• NCD Governor Parkop Supports Marianville School with k260,000  funding
• EduNeX digital learning system now compulsory for all schools

More than 2.5 million students throughout Papua New Guinea are now benefiting from the Government's tuition fee subsidy program, with nearly K877 million committed to easing the cost of education for families across the country.
Prime Minister James Marape revealed the figures while presenting the Government's seventh performance report to Parliament on Friday, describing education and healthcare as key priorities under the Marape-Rosso administration.
Mr Marape said the Government continued to invest heavily in education because it remained one of the strongest drivers of national development and economic growth.

Delivering a summary of achievements between 2019 and 2025, the Prime Minister told Parliament that the tuition fee subsidy scheme had expanded access to learning opportunities for children in every province.
He said support had also been extended beyond schools through the Higher Education Loan Program (HELP), enabling more students to pursue studies at universities and colleges.
In addition to student assistance, the Government has invested in improving educational facilities across the country, including the construction of classrooms, laboratories, libraries and teachers' houses.
The Prime Minister said strengthening educational infrastructure and supporting students remained essential to building a skilled workforce and improving future opportunities for Papua New Guineans.
"Education is the most powerful investment a government can make because it is the multiplier of all other development interventions."

Headines
​

• 92,596 Grade 10 Students to Sit Written Expression Exam
• NCD Governor Parkop Supports Marianville School with k260,000  funding
• EduNeX digital learning system now compulsory for all schools
• PNG Students Graduate in US Through Yer Foundation Support

Papua New Guinea's Grade 10 students will tomorrow take part in the first national examination for 2026, with education authorities confirming that preparations have been completed nationwide.
A total of 92,596 candidates from 554 secondary and high schools, including approved private schools, are expected to sit the Written Expression Examination as part of their English assessment.
Secretary for Education Dr Uke Kombra announced that examination materials had already reached all provinces and were awaiting final distribution to schools.

The Department of Education, through its Measurement Services Division, has finalised logistics and administrative arrangements ahead of the examination.
The Written Expression Examination is a major assessment for Grade 10 students and contributes 30 per cent towards the final English subject score.
Education officials have emphasised the need for strict compliance with examination procedures to ensure the process remains secure and transparent.
Provincial education advisers, examination supervisors, inspectors, guidance officers, principals and school governing bodies have been directed to exercise caution in the handling and supervision of examination papers from storage through to the completion of the test.
Measures have also been put in place to assist students with special needs so they can participate under suitable conditions.
Dr Kombra encouraged students to approach the examination with confidence while calling on families and teachers to provide support during the examination period.
“All examination materials have been dispatched and received by the provinces, including National Capital District and Central Province, for distribution to schools,” Dr Kombra said.
“WEX is important as any other lower secondary certificate exams to be held in October, later this year.”

Headlines

• NCD Governor Parkop Supports Marianville School with k260,000  funding
• EduNeX digital learning system now compulsory for all schools
• PNG Students Graduate in US Through Yer Foundation Support
• ​DHERST Advances Higher Education and TVET Initiatives Nationwide

Marianville Secondary School has received a funding boost from National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop during celebrations to mark the school’s 60th anniversary in Port Moresby.

Governor Parkop committed K260,000 towards development projects at the school and praised Marianville for producing generations of educated women who continue to contribute to the country in various professions.
​

The governor joined church leaders, teachers, alumni, parents and students at the Diamond Jubilee celebrations held on Saturday, where the school’s achievements over six decades were recognised.

Of the total support announced, K200,000 will go towards building a security boundary fence while K60,000 has been allocated for school development purposes.

Governor Parkop said Marianville had maintained its reputation as one of the country’s top-performing schools and commended the efforts of teachers and families in guiding students towards academic excellence.

He said many former students of Marianville are now serving as nurses, lawyers, judges, engineers, teachers, entrepreneurs and community leaders throughout Papua New Guinea.

Governor Parkop reflected on the school’s beginnings before Independence and acknowledged the vision of the Catholic Church and the Sisters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in establishing an all-girls secondary school at a time when educational opportunities for girls were limited.

He also urged the school to focus on areas such as STEM education, digital literacy, mental health awareness and leadership development as Papua New Guinea moves towards its Vision 2050 goals.

“Marianville’s influence extends far beyond the classroom,” Governor Parkop said.

He thanked the school community, missionaries, principals, staff, parents and alumni for their contribution over the last 60 years.

All schools across the country must immediately implement the new artificial intelligence-powered digital learning management system called EduNeX, Acting Education Minister Hon. Kinoka Feo, MP, announced recently.
In a ministerial policy statement issued under Section 27 of the Education Act 1983, Feo said the digital reform is necessary to address significant challenges in delivering equitable education due to PNG's rugged geography, dispersed population, and limited digital infrastructure.

Four young Papua New Guineans have proudly graduated from a tertiary institution in the United States under a scholarship program funded by the Yer Foundation, opening a new chapter for students from less privileged backgrounds in PNG.
The students completed their studies at Southern Maine Community College in the United States last Sunday, becoming the first group to graduate under the foundation’s overseas education initiative.
Graduates David Wasun completed studies in Radiation Therapy while Dickson Paki graduated in Health Management. Lilian Simon and Joyce Pindipia both completed studies in Health Management and Nursing.

The achievement has been described as a milestone for the foundation, which was established to give struggling but capable students an opportunity to continue higher education overseas.
Yer Foundation founder Jackson Yer said the program was created with the belief that students from disadvantaged backgrounds also deserve access to quality education.
“Securing a tertiary institution outside of the country is not only for the fortunate students,” Mr Yer said.
“The less privileged ones can be given a second chance to further their studies if they match all requirements of the Yer Foundation.”
Mr Yer said many intelligent young Papua New Guineans miss out on opportunities because of financial hardships and lack of support.
“One of the ways that I can help as a concerned citizen of the country is to provide a second chance in education to the US for the less fortunate students to further their studies,” he said.
Mr Yer, an educationist based in Maine in the United States, launched the foundation in Mendi, Southern Highlands Province, in 2018.
He said the graduates had represented PNG well during their time abroad and balanced their studies with part-time work on campus to support themselves.
Mr Yer said the knowledge and experience gained by the students would help them contribute meaningfully to the country in future.
“We are confident that the knowledge, skills, and exposure they have gained will enable them to contribute positively to the development of our beloved country,” he said.
“They are not just degree holders, they are nation builders in the making.”


Headlines

• DHERST Advances Higher Education and TVET Initiatives Nationwide
• PNG Nursing Graduates Told to Raise Standards in Health Service
• Divine Word University Non School Leavers Application for 2027 Academic Year
• Usino-Bundi DDA Rolls Out K1.5 Million Tertiary Tuition Support Nationwide