PNG’s Higher Education Needs PhD Academics and Research Funding, Not Solomon Islands Scholarships

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PNG’s higher education sector faces significant challenges that require urgent attention. One of the most pressing issues is the lack of PhD-qualified academics across various disciplines, including political science, international relations, education, journalism, anthropology, business management, public health, physiotherapy, education, law, environmental health, rural health, civil engineering, computer science, mathematics, geology, surveying, land administration, mining engineering, architecture, social work, religious studies, nursing, literature, and history. Despite numerous academic audits conducted by the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST), which have highlighted the need for more research and staff development, little has been done to address this crisis. The government must prioritize funding to support academic growth and research output before extending scholarships to foreign students.

The recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between PNG and the Solomon Islands to facilitate scholarships for Solomon Islands students to study in PNG universities and colleges raises serious concerns. While regional cooperation and educational exchange are valuable, this move overlooks the pressing need to develop PNG’s own higher education sector. PNG institutions continue to struggle with inadequate research funding, outdated resources, and a shortage of PhD-qualified staff. Granting scholarships to international students without first strengthening the foundation of PNG’s universities could further strain an already struggling system.

Screenshot of the news article on The Sunday Bulletin website.

DHERST has conducted academic audits and compiled data on the qualifications of university staff, confirming that many courses are still taught by master’s degree holders. This raises an important question: should Solomon Islands students be taught by lecturers who have not conducted groundbreaking research or published in reputable academic journals? If PNG universities aim to attract international students, they must first ensure that their academic programs meet global standards, which requires significant investment in faculty development and research funding.

One of the major concerns is the lack of research productivity within PNG’s universities. Without sufficient funding, faculty members struggle to conduct research, publish their findings, and contribute to knowledge production. Research is essential for national development, yet PNG’s higher education institutions receive minimal government support for research projects. Encouraging Solomon Islands students to study in PNG without addressing these fundamental issues could result in subpar academic experiences for both local and international students.

Rather than allocating funds to support foreign students, the government should focus on creating a long-term internationalization strategy that prioritizes collaboration with bilateral partners such as Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan, and the United States. This strategy should focus on increasing the number of PhD-holders, building research capability, and expanding publishing opportunities before offering scholarships to international students. By fostering international partnerships, PNG can strengthen its higher education sector and create an environment where both local and foreign students can thrive.

Another critical area that requires attention is research funding. Universities in PNG lack the financial resources to support academic research, leading to low publication rates in both national and international journals. Increasing research grants and institutional support will help academics produce high-quality research that can inform policy decisions and contribute to PNG’s socio-economic development. Strong research output will also enhance PNG universities' reputations, making them more attractive to both domestic and international students.

PNG’s higher education institutions should not be used as a short-term political tool to gain regional influence. Instead, the focus should be on strengthening the higher education sector so that it can genuinely support both local and international students in the long run. If PNG universities become recognized for their academic excellence and research output, they will naturally attract students from the Pacific region and beyond. However, until this foundation is built, prioritizing foreign students over domestic academic development is a flawed approach.

In conclusion, PNG needs to redirect its focus toward developing its higher education sector by increasing the number of PhD-qualified academics and investing in research funding. Only after addressing these issues should the government consider extending scholarships to foreign students. The MoU with the Solomon Islands may be well-intended, but it fails to address the deeper problems within PNG’s education system. The government must take decisive action to support PNG’s academics and researchers before committing resources to international scholarship programs.

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