Education Subsidy Program 2025 Now Open

The 2025 Education Subsidy Program provides tuition subsidy to students from mining, gas and petroleum project areas. Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC) oversees the program, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process that adheres to board-approved policies and regulations. Since 2022, the program has supported 8,848 students.

Key Dates:

  • Applications Open: 15 November 2024
  • Applications Close: 03 January 2025
  • Vetting and Selection: 06 January to 24 January 2025
  • Announcement of Successful Candidates: 27 January 2025
  • Payment of Fees to Institutions: 03 February 2025

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Be a direct beneficiary (as defined by project MOAs/Tribe of origin/ILG or Clan).
2. Complete Grade 12 with a GPA of 2.5 or above for undergraduate programs.
3. Submit a fully completed application form before the closing date.
4. Answer short essay questions (assessed).
5. Obtain endorsements from recognised endorsers.
6. Be an existing student or accepted to a DHERST-sanctioned tertiary institution (list on page 3-4)
7. Attach a copy of the offer letter, fee structure, and other supporting documents.
8. For technical, trades, and vocational training, have a minimum entry-level qualification.

Application process:

  • Form Availability: Electronic (PDF) forms at www.mrdc.com.pg or email scholarships@mrdc.com.pg. Hard copies will be delivered to communities from November to January 2024.
  • Submission: Ensure all e-copies are in PDF format and clear. Incomplete forms are ineligible.

Students from the following regions under the trustee companies are eligible for the tuition subsidy.

Petroleum Companies

Gas Companies

Mine Companies

Selection process:

• Registration: Submit applications before the closing date on January 03, 2024, for registration and data entry.

• Vetting: The Education Subsidy Selection Committee will vet applications. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. An Offer Letter and Student Detail Form will be sent to the successful candidate. Candidates must be contactable via email or phone calls.

• Payment: Fees will be credited directly to the respective institutions’ bank accounts.

Continuing Awardees: Students supported under this program since 2022 and will continue to 2025 program are required to ensure you submit completed Student Bio Data Form. Contact scholarship office to verify records if unsure of your status.

• Students on termination, withdrawn or suspended by their study institution based on disciplinary and academic matters will lose this award. Contact scholarship officers for further information.

Note: The subsidy program does not cover travel tickets, off-campus accommodation, book and laptop allowances, or stipends.

The trustee companies and its board recognise all accredited institutions under the Department of Higher Education Research, Science and Technology (DHERST). 

Contact Information:
For more details:  www.mrdc.com.pg
Email: scholarships@mrdc.com.pg
Phone: +675 302 9600
Visit: Level 2, Pacific MMI Building, Champion Parade, Down Town, Port Moresby.