Since 2016, the National ICT Authority (NICTA) has supported more than 40 women to study Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)-related courses in-country.
The NICTA Girls in ICT Tertiary Scholarship Programme has been a cornerstone of development, contributing to government policies and national development goals.
This initiative, which began as NICTA’s commitment to a global campaign to bridge the gender gap in ICT participation, has since been domesticated and is well aligned with national goals and priorities in education and human capital development, providing opportunities for Papua New Guineans.
NICTA Acting Chief Executive Officer Polume Lume, when addressing the media at a press conference today, stressed the importance of the programme and how it aligns with government policy directives.
“This initiative directly addresses key national policies and agendas, including the National Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) Policy, the PNG Digital Transformation Policy and the National ICT Roadmap, which underline the need to address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by women and girls in the ICT and digital ecosystems.
“The Girls in ICT Tertiary Scholarship strongly underpins the Government’s education policy by ensuring that girls have equal access to quality education, safe learning environments and opportunities to complete their schooling, aligning with PNG’s Vision 2050 and national development goals.
“It aims to empower graduates to contribute to the implementation of current ICT policies focused on cyber and digital transformation, including the Digital Transformation Policy (2020), the Digital Government Act (2022) and the Cybersecurity Policy (2021).
“These frameworks seek to modernise government services, strengthen cybersecurity and build digital skills—areas where new graduates, such as Girls in ICT scholarship recipients, can actively contribute through innovation, technical expertise and community engagement,” Mr Lume said.
NICTA remains committed to creating an enabling environment where girls and women have equal access to ICT education, training and career opportunities.
The scholarship demonstrates NICTA’s shared commitment to inclusivity, encouraging socio-economic growth.
Applications for this year’s scholarship close at the end of February 2026.
