Apply for Funding Now
A major grant initiative to strengthen academic collaboration between Papua New Guinea and Australia is now open for applications. The Higher Education Partnerships (HEP) Grants, funded through Australia Awards PNG, provide significant financial support for joint projects that drive innovation and excellence.
This grant program is a key opportunity for PNG universities and Australian universities to build lasting partnerships and work on high-impact activities.
What are the HEP Grants?
The HEP Grants 2025 are designed to support collaborative projects between registered higher education institutions in Papua New Guinea and Australia. The goal is to foster mutual growth in critical areas of university operations and student life.
Key Focus Areas for Funding
Eligible projects must focus on one or more of the following collaborative areas:
- Learning and Teaching: Enhancing curriculum development, pedagogy, and academic quality.
- Research and Innovation: Joint research initiatives that address shared challenges and create new knowledge.
- Student Welfare and Experience: Projects that improve student support services, mobility, and campus life.
- Leadership and Mentoring: Programs that build capacity for academic and administrative staff.
Grant Funding Details
Successful applications will receive substantial financial backing:
- For PNG Universities: Up to PGK 200,000 per project.
- For Australian Universities: Up to AU$ 200,000 per project.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for these university partnership grants, applying institutions must:
- Be a registered PNG university with the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST).
- Or, be a registered Australian university with the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA).
- Submit a comprehensive project plan with clear timelines and a detailed budget.
How to Apply for the HEP Grant
The application process is streamlined through an online portal:
- Create an account on the Smarty Grants portal using the official link. (https://shorturl.at/K6nlT)
- Complete the online application form in full.
- Submit your application before the deadline.
Application Deadline: All applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM (GMT+10) on Monday, 3 November 2025.
Application and Assessment Process
After the deadline, all submissions will be reviewed by an independent assessment panel. This ensures a fair and transparent selection process. All institutions will be notified of their application outcome by December 2025.
Contact Information for Inquiries
For more details about the HEP Grants guidelines or the application process, please contact the Australia Awards PNG team:
- Phone: 3211 766 / 7373 3800
- Mobile: 7304 4464 / 7933 4638
- Email: hep@australiaawardspng.org