The National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA) has announced two fully funded Girls in ICT Tertiary Scholarships for 2026, continuing its push to get more young women into technology, gaming, and STEM-related careers in Papua New Guinea.
Since 2016, NICTA has supported over 40 women to study Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses at tertiary institutions across the country.
Some of these graduates have already entered the workforce, contributing skills to PNG’s growing digital and technology sectors.
The scholarship program is part of NICTA’s commitment to the global Girls in ICT campaign led by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), focusing on closing the gender gap in technology participation.
Over time, the initiative has been adapted locally to align with Papua New Guinea’s education and development priorities.
The program supports key national policies, including the National Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) Policy, the PNG Digital Transformation Policy, and the National ICT Roadmap.
These frameworks highlight the importance of building digital skills, especially among women and girls, to meet future workforce demands.
With technology now shaping how young people learn, game, create content, and build online careers, developing ICT skills early is critical.
A skilled and inclusive workforce is needed to tackle challenges in connectivity, affordability, access, and digital capability nationwide.
The Girls in ICT Tertiary Scholarship is a collaborative effort involving multiple stakeholders, with success driven by the academic excellence of young women who have taken on the demanding fields of ICT and STEM.
Currently, eight students are benefiting from the program, with seven studying at the Papua New Guinea University of Technology and one at Divine Word University.
The addition of two new scholars in 2026 will bring the total number of active scholarships to 10.
The scholarship covers full tuition fees, boarding and lodging, and stipends, removing major financial barriers for students who may otherwise miss out on tertiary education in technology-related fields.
NICTA is now calling for applications from female students who completed Year 12 in 2025 and have secured a place at a recognized higher education institution in Papua New Guinea.
Applicants must be enrolled in an ICT or STEM-related course and the applications for the 2026 Girls in ICT Tertiary Scholarship close at the end of February 2026.
Empowering young women with digital skills not only builds future-ready careers in gaming, software development, cybersecurity, engineering, and online entrepreneurship but also strengthens PNG’s path toward inclusive digital transformation.
