Ten students from the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG), Pacific Adventist University (PAU), and the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNGUoT) have been awarded the 2024 Undergraduate Scholarship Scheme (USS) by Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML), marking a significant funding commitment exceeding K300,000.
The 2024 USS recipients, hailing from UPNG (1), PAU (2), and PNGUoT (7), are currently in their third year of study across diverse disciplines such as Geology, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, Civil Engineering, Electrical & Communication Engineering, Applied Physics, Mining Engineering, Mineral Processing, Surveying, and Geotechnical Engineering.
Under the USS program, OTML has disbursed a total of K310,307.54 to the three universities. Specifically, UPNG received K18,515, PAU received K78,172, and PNGUoT received K213,620.54. The selection of awardees is based on the alignment of their study disciplines with OTML's operational needs.
The scholarship encompasses full coverage of tuition and boarding fees for the academic year, a stipend, a book allowance, travel assistance, and industrial training. Furthermore, upon successful completion of their studies with outstanding academic and behavioral performance in the final year, recipients are guaranteed automatic entry into the two-year Graduate Development Program.
Initiated by OTML, the Undergraduate Scholarship Award Scheme aims to provide financial support to high-achieving students pursuing tertiary education in Papua New Guinea, focusing on disciplines relevant to OTML's work domains. The program not only assists students with academic costs but also fosters a strong industry-institution relationship between OTML and the participating universities, ensuring a skilled pool of graduates for the company's training programs and workforce.
The USS program, reintroduced in 2023 after a hiatus since 2014, builds on a legacy that began in 2007. OTML's commitment to the initiative has resulted in an investment exceeding K830,000, supporting a total of 60 undergraduate students to date.
Next : Empowering Papua New Guinea: K92 Mining Launches Pre-Vocational Program for Local Talent Development