In a landmark achievement for higher education in Papua New Guinea, the PNG University of Technology (PNGUoT) announced in April 2025 that its engineering programs have officially gained accreditation under the Washington Accord. This recognition opens the door for PNG engineering graduates to pursue international job and study opportunities on equal footing with peers from countries like Australia, the UK, the US, and Canada.
The Washington Accord is a prestigious international agreement among engineering accreditation bodies that acknowledges the substantial equivalency of accredited programs. With this inclusion, PNGUoT joins a select group of institutions whose engineering degrees are now globally recognised.
What This Means for PNG Students
For students, this is a game-changing opportunity. Graduates from accredited programs can now seek employment, internships, or postgraduate education abroad without having to undergo additional qualification reviews.
“I feel like the world just opened up,” said George Aigilo, a final-year mechanical engineering student. “Before, we always felt limited to local opportunities. Now, I can think about working on a project in Brisbane, studying in Canada, or joining a firm in Singapore.”
The accreditation is expected to boost student motivation, raise academic standards, and encourage more young Papua New Guineans to pursue engineering with confidence in its international value.
A Boon for PNG or a Brain Drain Risk?
While the announcement has been celebrated nationwide, it also raises a pressing question: Will this global recognition fuel a brain drain? With PNG’s infrastructure and industrial sectors already grappling with talent shortages, there’s growing concern that top graduates may now be lured abroad by higher salaries, better facilities, and more stable working environments.
“Of course we want our engineers to thrive globally,” said Dr. Lucy Kauba, a senior lecturer in civil engineering. “But the government and private sector must now work twice as hard to create conditions that keep our talent at home.”
Experts suggest that if PNG doesn’t improve job quality, salaries, and research investment, the Washington Accord might end up exporting more of the country’s brightest minds than it retains.
Opportunities for National Growth
Despite the concerns, this new status also presents major advantages for national development. Accredited engineers can now lead internationally funded projects, collaborate on cross-border research, and elevate the quality of engineering practices in PNG.
Local companies may also benefit, as they’ll have access to globally qualified talent without needing to recruit from overseas.
“We see this as a catalyst,” said Anthony Waine, CEO of a local construction firm. “Now that we’re producing engineers who meet global standards, let’s give them reasons to build PNG’s future right here.”
What’s Next for PNGUoT
The university is planning to expand its international partnerships, strengthen faculty training, and invest in lab and research infrastructure to maintain accreditation standards. It’s also launching mentorship programs to help students navigate global career pathways while contributing to national development.
The PNG Bulletin will continue to follow the impact of this accreditation on education, employment, and the engineering sector nationwide.
Final Thoughts
The Washington Accord recognition is a milestone for PNG’s higher education system and a proud moment for PNGUoT. But whether it leads to brain gain or brain drain will depend on how the nation invests in retaining and rewarding its talent.
For now, one thing is clear: PNG engineers have earned their place on the global stage.
