With PNG University of Technology’s (PNGUoT) engineering programs now recognised under the prestigious Washington Accord, students are facing a life-altering decision: build their futures at home—or follow career paths in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
To understand what this international accreditation truly means on the ground, the PNG Bulletin spoke to graduating students and university leaders about how job prospects compare between PNG and abroad—and whether the global door is worth walking through.
“Why Shouldn’t I Go Where I’m Valued?”
For Julius Mek, a final-year civil engineering student, the pull to leave is strong. “In PNG, even if you’re top of your class, you’re waiting months just to get an internship,” he said. “But in Australia, there are structured graduate programs and research roles with clear paths.”
Samantha Kila, studying electrical engineering, echoed the sentiment. “Here, it’s a struggle to find stable work with good pay. In Canada, you can apply for permanent residency as an engineer and have access to modern labs and mentorship. It’s hard not to consider that.”
University Leadership Urges Balance
Inside the PNGUoT administration, leaders are proud of the global recognition—but cautious about what comes next.
“This is a win for PNG. It proves our graduates are world-class,” said Deputy Vice Chancellor Dr. Matthew Gerea. “But now we must invest in our job market, or we risk losing them. The goal is not just to export engineers—but to keep enough of them building PNG’s future.”
According to Dr. Gerea, a third of surveyed final-year students expressed serious interest in moving abroad within the next two years. While this signals growing ambition and global readiness, it also raises concerns for local infrastructure, mining, and energy projects that rely on fresh engineering talent.
Job Markets: PNG vs. Australia, Canada, and NZ
Here’s how students compared job prospects across regions:
| Aspect | PNG | Australia / Canada / NZ |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level Pay | Low to moderate | High (AUD 65K–90K starting) |
| Job Availability | Limited, highly competitive | High demand for engineers |
| Training & Mentorship | Inconsistent | Structured graduate programs |
| Project Scale | Smaller, local scope | Global, high-tech projects |
| Work-Life Balance | Culturally familiar | Structured, with better benefits |
Students say it’s not just about money—it’s about career growth, stability, and being part of cutting-edge innovation. “I want to work on major infrastructure, smart cities, and energy tech,” said Samantha. “Those projects just aren’t here yet.”
The National Response: Still Catching Up
Some government agencies and private companies have started discussing retention strategies—including graduate programs, industry-sponsored scholarships, and pay upgrades.
But students say change isn’t coming fast enough.
“We get emails from recruiters in Queensland,” said Julius. “We never get that kind of outreach from PNG companies.”
The university is now lobbying for industry-academia partnerships to help fast-track job placements for graduates before international companies take the lead.
Hope on Both Sides
Despite the allure of global markets, many students still express a deep desire to contribute to PNG—if given the right support.
“I’ll go abroad if I have to,” Samantha said, “but I want to come back one day and help improve how we train and build here.”
The PNGUoT leadership hopes that these internationally certified graduates won’t just leave—but return with skills, experience, and leadership to uplift their homeland.
