The government of Vanuatu has secured space for 100 students to access high-performing education institutions across Papua New Guinea starting next year.

This milestone marks a new chapter in expanding education opportunities for Vanuatu citizens pursuing scholarships or university studies abroad.

The opportunity was officially sealed this week through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the governments of Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea.

Minister of Education Simil Johnson said the MOU will strengthen collaboration between the two nations in higher education and human resource development.

“Through this partnership, Vanuatu students will have the opportunity to pursue higher education in PNG, accessing qualified institutions and diverse disciplines to empower them to become agents of change,” Minister Johnson said.

PNG’s Minister for Higher Education, Kinoka Hotune Feo, said the MOU paves the way for 100 students to study at any higher education institution in PNG.

“It is a joy to sign this MOU paving the way for 100 Vanuatu students to study in PNG,” he said, adding that students must perform well as the scheme is competitive.

Minister Johnson expressed deep gratitude to the PNG Government for its generous support in education, describing the MOU as the beginning of a long-term partnership.

The education partnership will be active for six years, from 2026 to 2031.