Simbu secures record STEM scholarship intake for studies abroad

137 students across the country's national high schools selected for the STEM program *(Image: Supplied)*

14 high-achieving Grade 12 students from Simbu Province have been selected to pursue overseas tertiary studies under the national Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics [STEM] scholarship program.

The cohort is part of a total 137 students selected nationwide for the 2026 program, marking one of Simbu's largest intakes to date under the government initiative.

The selected students completed their specialized STEM curriculum across Papua New Guinea's six designated National Schools of Excellence in Aiyura [Eastern Highlands], Sogeri [Central], Port Moresby [NCD], Wawin [Morobe], Kerevat [East New Britain], and Passam [East Sepik].

STEM curriculum developer Dr Clement Waine commended the achievements, stating that the results reflect a growing academic standard in the province.

"We have finally lifted Simbu's numbers. This is a proud moment," Dr Waine said. "I encourage our students to uphold the standard and make the province proud."

The national STEM program aims to strengthen Papua New Guinea's technical workforce by placing top secondary graduates in reputable universities in the United States to complete degrees in science and technology fields.

Local education stakeholders and provincial leaders have welcomed the announcement, urging the incoming scholars to return upon completion of their studies to contribute to national development in health, infrastructure, and technology sectors.