Scholarship for Athletes through PNG Olympic

From Podiums to Classrooms — Empowering PNG Athletes Through Education

Overview

NFFE, in partnership with the PNG Olympic Committee, offers the Scholarship for Athletes to support Papua New Guinea’s elite sportspeople in balancing education and athletic careers. Through programs at IBS College of TVET and IBSUniversity, the initiative helps athletes transition from sporting achievement to academic, professional, and lifelong success.

Why This Scholarship Matters

The NFFE Scholarship for Athletes helps Papua New Guinea’s sports heroes balance competition and education, ensuring they are prepared for life beyond the field. By bridging gaps in qualifications and career readiness, the program enables athletes to excel both in sport and in their future professional lives.

Who Is Eligible

This scholarship is available to athletes endorsed by the PNG Olympic Committee or related national sporting bodies. Selection is based on:

Proven sporting achievements and national representation
Endorsement by PNGOC or affiliated association
Commitment to continue or complete studies
Readiness to balance sports and academic schedules

Applicants must meet the entry requirements of IBS College of TVET and commit to ongoing academic engagement.

What the Scholarship Covers

The scholarship covers education pathways that begin at the TVET level and extend to bachelor’s degrees, creating a full academic route for athletes.

Covered Programs:

At IBS College of TVET

Certificate Level 3 and Certificate Level 4 in Business, IT, or relevant technical areas

Pathway to IBSUniversity

Once the athlete completes Certificate IV successfully, they can progress to a Bachelor’s degree at IBSUniversity in:
- Accounting and Finance
- Business and Management
- Information Technology
- Economics and Development Studies

Costs Covered:

Tuition fees for Certificate III and IV programs
Subsidized fees for progression to IBSUniversity
Academic guidance and mentorship

Athletes may need to manage personal costs such as accommodation, textbooks, and travel, depending on individual arrangements.

Supporting Our National Stars

This scholarship is more than financial support—it is a formal recognition of athletes’ contribution to PNG’s identity and pride. It is also an investment in their post-sport future, helping them gain practical qualifications that can lead to employment, entrepreneurship, or continued higher education.

We currently support athletes from sports such as:

Taekwondo
Rugby League
Athletics
Weightlifting
Soccer
And other PNGOC-partnered disciplines

Our Impact

The program supports national-level athletes in pursuing Certificate programs while competing, resulting in successful transitions from sports to academics. Recipients gain confidence, communication skills, and career focus, while fostering strong partnerships between PNGOC, IBS, and the Foundation.