A Guide for Papua New Guinean Students Seeking Scholarships to Study Abroad

Navigating International Scholarships

Introduction

As the former Vice-Chancellor of the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (UNITECH), I remain passionate about helping students find opportunities to study abroad. I frequently receive requests for guidance, and this post aims to provide a clear, realistic starting point for your journey.

The dream of international study is achievable, but it requires dedication and thorough research from you, the applicant. This guide outlines the major scholarship pathways available. My goal is to help you focus your efforts, understand the landscape, and take ownership of your application process.

1. Traditional Partners: Australia and New Zealand

Australia and New Zealand have long-standing educational ties with Pacific Island nations and offer significant, well-established scholarship programs.

The Degree Dilemma: How AI Cheating & Stagnation Are Reshaping Higher Education and Careers

Bullet Point Summary:

• 🎓 Political Divide: College education levels are increasingly correlated with political affiliations, highlighting a societal schism (CNN, 2025).
• 🤖 AI & Cheating: Widespread use of AI for assignments (almost 90% of students) is devaluing traditional college work, with some students seeing tasks as "hackable" (Walsh, 2024; CNN, 2025).
• 🏛️ University Inertia: Academic institutions are struggling to adapt assessment methods, and AI detection tools are proving unreliable, leading to educator disillusionment (Walsh, 2024).
• 📉 Value Perception: The perceived value of college is declining, with high costs and questions about the relevance of traditional learning methods (Walsh, 2024; CNN, 2025).
• 💼 Job Market Transformation: AI is forcing a rethink of hiring practices, especially technical interviews, as tools emerge that can "cheat" traditional assessments (Walsh, 2024; Hard Fork, 2025).
• 🛠️ Trades on the Rise: Skilled trades offer a viable, debt-free alternative with high demand and earning potential, gaining renewed respect (CNN, 2025; Walsh, 2024).

---

The Degree Dilemma: AI, Political Divides, and the Job Market Revolution

The once-unquestioned trajectory from high school to a four-year college degree, and then into a stable career, is now fraught with complexities and re-evaluations. Only for those of us working in education, is education a goal in itself, for the rest of the world it is a means to an end. They want it to do an imporant job: offer a rewarding career, a satisfying life-style and possibly some personal satisfaction. In that order.

Creating Your Own Current: A Lesson in Resistance and Resilience

The Inherited Stagnation – A University Adrift

For the 22-year-old navigating a world of expectations, a world that often nudges you towards the well-trodden path, I offer this: dare to author your own journey. My story of being Vice-Chancellor in Papua New Guinea for 6 years, where I thrived going against the current, illustrates this principle.

Dedicated to my dear friend, the late Larry Orsak (PhD UC Berkeley) here in Lae on the 7th of July 2014 in the rain during the national march against corruption.

The Honest Truth About High Expectations and Feedback in Teaching

Introduction

Observing colleagues, and reflecting on my own practice through the lens of my teaching philosophy, brings two fundamental tensions into sharp focus: setting high expectations and academic standards for learning, and providing accurate, timely feedback. These two aspects cut across all subjects and all ages. After all, an effective teacher is a subject specialist and professional (high expectations and standards), as well as knowledgeable about how to make students learn or the ability to find a fitting pedagogical approach. We hold these as ideals, yet the daily realities of the classroom often force compromises.

1. The High Expectations Tightrope

We know setting high expectations is crucial. Students often rise (or sink) to the level we set. Yet, we also know students frequently seek the path of least resistance – perhaps it’s inherent in the role? 

The High School to University Transition: Essential AI and Human-Centric Skills for Success

​How to ​navigate the transition from IGCSE Business to the IB program and university choices, specifically considering the significant impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the future job market​?

The core principles remain, but the focus shifts towards adaptability, human-centric skills, and digital literacy.

Here are 10 points of advice for a IGCSE business student in the age of AI:

GenAI - A Tale of Two Uses: The Office and The Home

Introduction

The landscape of Generative AI adoption is evolving rapidly. A recent follow-up study published in Harvard Business Review sheds light on how usage patterns have shifted over the past year, revealing a notable divergence between professional and personal applications. While the technology permeates both spheres, the way it's being leveraged differs significantly.

1. The Rise of the Personal AI Companion

Perhaps the most striking finding from the 2025 HBR analysis is the surge in AI use for deeply personal needs. Forget coding assistance topping the charts; the number one use case is now "Therapy/Companionship." This is followed closely by "Organizing my life" and "Finding purpose." People are turning to AI for emotional support, self-reflection, planning personal tasks, managing health goals, and even exploring existential questions. 

The article highlights AI's 24/7 availability, relative low cost, and non-judgmental nature as key drivers for these intimate uses, particularly where traditional resources like mental healthcare are scarce. This trend suggests AI is increasingly becoming a tool for self-actualization and managing the complexities of daily life outside the workplace.

Harvard Draws a Line: Financial Risk, Academic Freedom, and the Resistance

The Confrontation - Autonomy Under Siege

Tensions between the Trump administration and the higher education sector culminated recently when Harvard University formally rejected federal directives. The administration had threatened to withhold nearly $9 billion in federal funding, making these funds contingent upon modifications to Harvard's hiring protocols and its approach to addressing allegations of anti-Semitism. This specific confrontation underscores a critical, though potentially overlooked, long-term concern articulated by Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz. He observed that while international attention focuses on trade disputes and the restructuring of foreign aid, the administration's posture towards universities may ultimately yield the most profound and enduring detrimental effects globally.

Harvard's response, articulated by President Alan Garber and supported by faculty like Professor Cornell William Brooks, was unequivocal: refusal. They argued the demands constituted an "unlawful, unconstitutional, and profoundly unfair" attempt by the federal government to essentially take over the management, admissions, and intellectual direction of a private university. President Garber wrote: “No government—regardless of which party is in power—should dictate what private universities can teach, whom they can admit and hire, and which areas of study and inquiry they can pursue.” 

The administration's immediate retaliation – freezing $2 billion in federal grants and President Trump's suggestion of revoking the university's tax-exempt status – instantly escalated the conflict, framing it as a critical battle over institutional autonomy and academic freedom. 

Beyond Personal Choice: Political Climate and the Exodus of US Scholars

A High-Profile Departure

A notable shift is occurring in the academic landscape as three prominent Yale University professors, all known for their scholarship on fascism and critical perspectives on the Trump administration, have announced their departure for the University of Toronto. 

• Jason Stanley, a distinguished philosopher and author of "How Fascism Works"; 
• Timothy Snyder, a renowned historian and author of "The Road to Unfreedom"; and 
• Marci Shore, a historian specializing in European intellectual history and author of "The Ukrainian Night," 

are all moving to Toronto's prestigious Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy. This collective move by scholars deeply engaged with issues of democracy and authoritarianism raises significant questions about the current climate within American higher education. The exodus has begun.

Decoding China's Africa Playbook: It's More Than Just a "Debt Trap"

I recently had the opportunity to attend a fascinating lecture by Eric Olander, Chief Editor of the China Global South Project, on China's economic engagement in Africa. It was a deep dive into a relationship often painted with broad strokes, revealing a far more complex and nuanced reality. Forget simplistic narratives – this is a story of multifaceted interactions, opportunities, and challenges.

The Stagnant Sea: Why Education Struggles to Evolve

Henri Kissinger, the former Harvard professor, famously quipped, "Academic politics is so vicious because the stakes are so low." While the collective stakes in education might seem low, especially in monetary terms, the individual professor vying for a tenured position faces a high-stakes battle. After all, lifetime employment for a multiple of the average salary is something some people would kill for. 

This disconnect highlights a core problem in education: the tension between individual ambition and the need for systemic change. Remember the MOOC craze of 2012? Pearson's "A Tsunami is Coming" event predicted a revolution that never materialized. Why? Because the forces driving real change in education are often too weak to overcome deeply entrenched institutional inertia.

A Dream Realized: PNG University of Technology Achieves Engineering Accreditation

Introduction

As the former Vice-Chancellor of Papua New Guinea University of Technology (2012-2018), the news of the university finally achieving accreditation for all its engineering programs fills me with profound joy and satisfaction. Here is the official announcement from the University. This milestone represents not just an academic achievement, but validates our early vision of transforming UNITECH into a world-class institution. More importantly, it stands as a testament to the resilience of the university community and their unwavering commitment to excellence. As JFK famously said: "Victory has 100 fathers, and defeat is an orphan".

Predecessors: the journey begins

When I assumed leadership in 2012, UNITECH faced formidable challenges that went far beyond academic matters. The institution grappled with systemic corruption, deep-rooted maladministration, and a severe lack of accountability that had permeated every aspect of university operations. 

From Satellites to Success: Transforming Education through Leadership and Technological Innovation

Introduction

As an experienced educator and executive, my core values have always been leadership, education, and innovation. These principles have guided my career and led to a number of notable "firsts."

One of my most significant global achievements occurred in 2015 when, as Vice-Chancellor of the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNGUoT), I spearheaded the initiative that made the university the first in the world to have broadband internet through the O3B satellite system (see https://bit.ly/O3Bfirst)




Traditional dance around the satellite dish


This groundbreaking accomplishment took place four years before Starlink became operational, underscoring my commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in education and technology, even when specific funding is not available.

The implementation of the O3B satellite system, combined with the introduction of Linux based notebook computers, Google Classroom learning management system, and blackberris for the senior leadership and heads of departments, had a transformative impact on the university. It provided high-speed, reliable internet access to students, faculty, and staff, enhancing the overall educational experience.

This improved connectivity facilitated better access to online resources, enabled more effective communication and collaboration, and supported advanced research activities. The initiative not only bridged the digital divide but also attracted global attention, positioning PNGUoT as a forward-thinking institution at the forefront of educational technology. Most importantly, it forget a whole new generation of IT savvy engineers and scientist, who are now contributing in the public as well as the private sectors, as manager or entrepreneurs.

In addition to this milestone, my career is marked by several other innovative "firsts" that have had a lasting impact, and were a prelude to it.

My notable "firsts"

Here is the list of minor first, that put together hopefully made some impact. In 1988, while serving in Gilze Rijen, Netherlands, I initiated a significant first by buying a Compaq LTE, the first notebook, using a literature database for archival research. It had just come out. I was able to buy it second-hand for $2000, 25% of the price, because a company had returned it seeing no use for a similar machine. The dominant mentality at the time was the computers are a fad, and the typewriters can last a few more years.


Compaq LTE, the world's first notebook computer


This innovation for my personal work was crucial as it allowed for the efficient production of doctoral thesis proposals, my thesis itself and many papers, ensuring they were all well-cited and comprehensive. The impact of this first was immediate, as it streamlined the research process and enhanced the quality of academic outputs.

While a doctoral candidate, I also became the first economic historian to use a Geographical Information System and the internet since 1993 to analyze railway traffic, demographic, health and education statistics. In 1993, the mentality was still that maybe computers are useful, but the internet may be a fad. How things change.

Carrier pidgeons traveling by train in the 1880s

In my thesis, I was the first historian to describe how a lot of carrier pidgeons where still being transported by rail. Old technology does not disappear, it slowly fades out.

Costa Rica 1994-2003

In 1995, during my tenure in San José, Costa Rica, I played a pivotal role in strengthening environmental management for private sector companies. I introduced an Environmental Audit scheme in preparation for the Ecological Flag (Bandera Ecológica) programme, run by the Ministry of the Environment. This first was instrumental in improving the environmental practices of the participating companies, leading to more sustainable and responsible business operations.

In 1997, I continued my environmental efforts in San José, Costa Rica, where I again represented the Environmental Auditors for the private sector at the Ministry of the Environment but also with the national standards organization INTECO in the ISO working committee TC207. At the time, I was working as Professor at the Latin American University of Science and Technology. The impact was significant, as it fostered a culture of environmental responsibility among the businesses involved. In 1998, I worked for the School for Field Studies (SFS) in Atenas (Costa Rica), and with a wonderful teaching assistant we were able to set up an electronic catalogue and lending system for the library, the first such library system for this Organization.

In 2000, while in San Pedro Montes de Oca, Costa Rica, I continued to advocate for environmental audits and sustainable practices. In 2000, while serving as a Supplemental Expert and Professor at the University of Costa Rica in San Pedro Montes de Oca, Costa Rica, I undertook a significant initiative to address wastewater management. This achievement involved the design of the first wastewater decree, applying a charge on any company or organization discharging water into a river,  a crucial step in improving environmental standards and sustainability practices in the region.

The unique aspect of this project was that it was executed through the collaborative efforts of two doctoral students and the Minister of the Environment at the time. This ongoing effort ensured that businesses and local governments adhered to higher environmental standards, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable environment.

The year 2005 was particularly notable for my career, marked by several significant achievements while serving as the Acting Director of the SFS Center for Marine Resource Studies in Cockburn Harbour, Turks and Caicos Islands. These accomplishments not only addressed immediate challenges but also laid the groundwork for long-term improvements in environmental management, educational delivery, and financial accountability.

One of my key achievements in 2005 was the installation of a UV filter in the conch and lobster processing plant, as a result of a research project of a student. This initiative was crucial for improving the quality of processed seafood and ensuring food safety. The UV filter effectively reduced the use of chlorine in the processing water, which had previously been a significant environmental and health concern. By implementing this technology, we achieved a substantial reduction in chemical usage, leading to a gradual restoration of the local ecosystem. This fix not only enhanced the quality of the processed seafood but also contributed to a cleaner and more sustainable marine environment.

Another significant achievement in 2005 was the installation of WiFi and a water testing lab at the SFS Center for Marine Resource Studies. The introduction of WiFi significantly improved the delivery of courses, enabling more efficient and interactive learning experiences. Students and faculty could access educational resources and communicate more effectively, leading to more engaged and happier students. The water testing lab, on the other hand, allowed for on-site analysis of water quality, ensuring that the marine resources were monitored and managed effectively. This dual installation enhanced both the educational and research capabilities of the center, fostering a more dynamic and informed academic environment.

Maastricht University 2007-2011

In 2010, while serving as the Director of the Development and Research University department in Maastricht, The Netherlands, I achieved a significant milestone by successfully securing funding for Marie Curie fellowships. These fellowships, part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) created by the European Union, are highly competitive and prestigious, supporting innovative and impactful research across the European Research Area.

Securing this funding involved a rigorous and competitive application process. I worked diligently to prepare comprehensive and compelling proposals, coordinating extensively with researchers to ensure their projects aligned with the goals and criteria of the Marie Curie Actions. The success of this initiative resulted from meticulous planning, strong advocacy, and a deep understanding of the research landscape.

The achievement had a profound impact on the researchers who received the funding, providing them with the financial support and resources needed to conduct cutting-edge research, advance their careers, and contribute to their respective fields. The funding enabled researchers to focus on their projects without financial constraints, fostering an environment of innovation and discovery.

The long-term benefits of this achievement extended beyond individual researchers. The research conducted through the Marie Curie fellowships contributed to the broader academic and scientific community, leading to new discoveries, technological advancements, and policy insights. The fellowships also enhanced the university's reputation, attracting top talent and fostering collaborations with other leading institutions.

In addition, I secured the participation of the School of Business and Economics, in the EU Green Buildings program, which led to the real estate group having significant resources to fund a series of post-doc and PhD researchers. In fact, they were so successul that they received funding for the BEEM-UP project twice in a row.

Another first was the organization of the European Researchers night in 2008, aimed at enhancing the impact of research, the first time this was held in Maastricht, and only the second university to do so in the Netherlands.

These accomplishments underscored the importance of perseverance, strategic planning, and effective communication in securing competitive funding. It highlighted the value of investing in research and the significant impact such investments can have on individual careers and the broader academic community. The success of this initiative served as a model for future funding applications and reinforced the university's commitment to supporting innovative and impactful research.

Vice-Chancellorship 2012-2018

My achievements as Vice-Chancellor of PNGUoT underscore my commitment to innovation, financial accountability, and infrastructure development. These milestones not only addressed immediate challenges but also laid the groundwork for long-term success and sustainability, positioning PNGUoT as a leading institution in education and technology.

In 2017, my tenure as Vice-Chancellor of PNGUoT continued to be marked by significant achievements, particularly in the areas of financial management and infrastructure development. One of the key milestones was securing a clean, unqualified financial audit and a balanced budget for the university (see https://bit.ly/hooray0). This accomplishment was a testament to the financial transparency and accountability that I had worked diligently to establish. A clean audit and balanced budget not only enhanced the university's credibility but also enabled more efficient and effective use of resources, ensuring that funds were allocated appropriately to support the university's mission and goals.

In addition to financial achievements, I oversaw the first succesful execution of 13 infrastructure projects in 2017. These projects were crucial for improving the physical infrastructure of the university and enhancing its operational capabilities. The completion of these projects addressed immediate needs and positioned the university for long-term success and sustainability. The infrastructure developments included upgrades to facilities, improvements to campus amenities, and enhancements to research and teaching spaces.

These projects not only improved the overall campus environment but also increased the university's ability to attract financial support from the private sector, as potential donors and partners could see the tangible improvements and the university's commitment to growth and development. I was also the first Vice Chancellor to visit the neighbours who live in the slums with the UNDP and Japanese Ambassador, the first to inspect the dormitories on my bicycle, and eat in the student canteent.

In 2017, while serving as Vice-Chancellor of PNGUoT in Lae, Papua New Guinea , I achieved a significant financial milestone. I secured a clean, unqualified financial audit and a balanced budget. This fix was crucial as it demonstrated financial transparency and accountability, enhancing the university's credibility and enabling more efficient government spending.
Recent years

In 2018, I took on the role of Adjunct Professor at UMGC in Vicenza, Italy, mostly working from home in Mazzano. My role here allowed me to share my expertise and experiences with a new audience, furthering my impact on academic and environmental fields.

In 2020, I assumed the position of Head of Department at NISS in Singapore. One of my notable achievements during this time was the implementation of a business simulation on strategic decision-making mediated by a large language model (LLM). This "first" promoted deeper understanding and critical thinking among students, enhancing their learning experience and preparing them for real-world challenges.

Final Remarks

None of these "firsts" came about easily, nor do they look so impressive from today's perspective. At the time though, all of them seemed impossible to do, until I did it. Throughout my career, I faced numerous challenges, including lack of interest from superiors, constraints in funding, and limited time to execute my initiatives. Moreover, some of my efforts were strongly opposed for political or arbitrary reasons.

However, the lesson I have learned is that change never comes easy, but it is necessary. Despite the obstacles, I have always believed in the importance of innovation and perseverance. In part this is driven by my own personality, but I must acknowledge the involvement of many co-conspirators. 

What had a profound effect on my own learning and development, was the decision of the Dutch Ministry of Education to introduce coding into the school curriculum in 1977, before computers were widely available. My father, who was in the parents committee, encourage the acquisition of computers when they became available. Moreover, he bought an IBM PC for private use, so I am one of the few of my generation who never used a typewriter. I can only encourage, therefore, to start preparing school age children by forward thinking interventions in the education system, with parental support.

Necessary change will only occur when somebody on the work floor starts to do something new that support the vision of the organization, and helps it adapt to a changing environment. My advice to anyone facing similar challenges is to never give up. With determination and a commitment to your values, you can overcome any hurdle and make a lasting impact.

Summary Table of Career Achievements

Year	Location	Role	Achievement	Impact
1988	Gilze Rijen, Netherlands	Officer / Instructor at Royal Air Force	Purchased a Compaq LTE, the first notebook, for archival research	Efficient production of doctoral thesis proposals with comprehensive citations
1993	Fiesole, Italy	Doctoral candidate at EUI	First economic historian to use GIS and the internet for data analysis	Enhanced research capabilities and data analysis
1995	San José, Costa Rica	Representative of Environmental	Introduced Environmental Audit scheme for the private sector	Improved environmental practices and sustainability among businesses
1997	San José, Costa Rica	Professor at Latin American University of Science and Technology	Represented Environmental Auditors at the Ministry of the Environment and INTECO	Fostered a culture of environmental responsibility among businesses
2000	San Pedro Montes de Oca, Costa Rica	Supplemental Expert / Professor	Designed wastewater decree through collaborative efforts	Created an incentive for companies to treat their water, improving environmental standards
2005	Cockburn Harbour, Turks and Caicos Islands	Acting Director of SFS Center for Marine Resource Studies	Installed UV filter in conch and lobster processing plant	Reduced chlorine use, restored the ecosystem, and improved seafood quality
2005	Cockburn Harbour, Turks and Caicos Islands	Acting Director of SFS Center for Marine Resource Studies	Installed WiFi and water testing lab	Enhanced course delivery, student engagement, and water quality monitoring
2010	Maastricht, The Netherlands	Director of Development and Research University department	Secured EU funding for Marie Curie fellowships and BEEM-UP project. EU Researchers Night	Supported innovative research, advanced careers, and enhanced university reputation
2015	Lae, Papua New Guinea	Vice-Chancellor of PNGUoT	Implemented broadband internet via O3B satellite system	Pioneered advanced internet connectivity, enhanced educational experience, and global recognition
2017	Lae, Papua New Guinea	Vice-Chancellor of PNGUoT	Achieved a clean, unqualified financial audit and balanced budget	Demonstrated financial transparency and accountability, enabled efficient resource allocation
2017	Lae, Papua New Guinea	Vice-Chancellor of PNGUoT	Executed 13 infrastructure projects	Improved campus infrastructure, increased ability to attract financial support, and positioned the university for long-term success
2018	Vicenza, Italy	Adjunct Professor at UMGC	Created video based history course on WW1	Furthered impact on academic and environmental fields
2020	Singapore	Head of Department at NISS	Implemented business simulation on strategic decision-making mediated by LLM.	Promoted deeper understanding and critical thinking among students, enhanced learning experience