First published 10 July 2026
QUT and the Papua New Guinea Government have extended an ongoing partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support education, digital capability, research and innovation initiatives across PNG.
The agreement, signed yesterday in Brisbane during a government visit, builds on many years of collaboration, and has been developed through extensive engagement between university leaders, researchers and senior PNG Government representatives.
The MoU, signed by QUT Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Sheil AO and PNG Minister for Information and Communications Technology Peter Tsiamalili Jr with the PNG Prime Minister James Marape in attendance, provides a framework for collaborative projects involving digital transformation, workforce capability, higher education modernisation and translational STEM research.
The projects developed as part of the agreement include:
- Modernisation of IT curriculum at PNG University of Technology and support for teaching.
- Digital transformation training including micro credential pathways and leadership engagement.
- Research consultancy for whole of government service platform.
- Translational STEM Research Innovation, including applied research on agriculture and food security, sustainability and digital infrastructure.
“The agreement recognises the longstanding connections between QUT and PNG and our shared commitment to future-focused education and innovation,” Professor Sheil said.
“This agreement provides a platform to deepen collaboration in areas where QUT has significant expertise, including digital transformation, workforce capability, technology and applied research.
“At QUT, we believe universities have an important role to play in building knowledge, capability and opportunity.
“We look forward to continuing to build on our partnership with PNG and supporting the next generation of leaders, professionals and innovators.”
Prime Minister Marape welcomed the signing of the MoU, describing it as an important step in Papua New Guinea’s drive to modernise Government systems, strengthen human capital and prepare the country for a more digital future.
“This partnership with QUT is timely and important for Papua New Guinea as we move beyond 50 years of Independence and look to the next phase of our national development,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“Digital transformation must become the way Government serves our people. We must embrace artificial intelligence, digital government and modern ICT systems to improve efficiency, remove unnecessary bureaucracy, strengthen transparency and accountability, and build a Public Service that rewards merit and delivers quality services to every Papua New Guinean.
“We want our public servants, students, researchers, universities and young professionals to be connected to world-class knowledge and practical innovation. Through this partnership, we want to strengthen digital skills, improve curriculum, support research, and build a stronger bridge between Government, universities and industry.”
QUT has established pathways for PNG students through an articulation agreement with the University of PNG, enabling eligible business students to complete their degree at QUT.
The university maintains strong relationships with schools in Port Moresby and regularly engages with prospective students.
Of all Pacific nations, PNG has the largest number of students currently studying at QUT, with approximately 170 students enrolled across disciplines including business, law, engineering and health.
QUT is also helping thousands of PNG school teachers transition to a new national school system by supporting the co-design of a diploma course to upskill early grade teachers, formerly elementary teachers, to teach all primary school years.
Top image, from left: QUT Deputy Vice-Chancellor International and Vice-President Business Development Professor Mark Harvey, QUT Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Margaret Sheil, Minister for Information and Communication Technology Hon. Peter Tsiamalili, Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science & Technology and Sports Hon. Kinoka Feo.
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