Education Support
Full-tuition scholarships at Divine Word University, removing the financial barrier that keeps talented PNG students from higher education.
Fully Funded
The Old Dart Foundation
Transforming Lives Through Education.
For over a decade, the Old Dart Foundation has partnered with Divine Word University to support students from rural and remote Papua New Guinea — building the next generation of community leaders, healthcare workers, and educators.
A Partnership Rooted in Service to Papua New Guinea
Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, DWU
In partnership with DWU
Scholars across every PNG province
Long-term community impact
Founded to remove financial barriers for talented students from remote PNG villages, the ODF Scholarship at DWU has supported hundreds of scholars — nurses, doctors, teachers, engineers, and public servants — who return home to serve their communities. This is their story.
Strategic Focus
Five Pillars of Lasting Impact
The Old Dart Foundation works across five strategic areas to support Papua New Guinea's long-term human-resource development.
The Journey
Three Steps to Changing Your Life
We've made the path from aspiring student to funded scholar as clear and simple as possible.
Apply in Minutes
Complete our simple online application in under 5 minutes. Tell us about your academic goals, financial situation, and why you deserve this opportunity. No complicated forms, no unnecessary barriers.
Get Personally Reviewed
Our scholarship committee personally reviews every application. We look beyond grades — we look for potential, character, and a commitment to community. You're not just a number to us.
Start Your Journey
Successful applicants receive full scholarship funding and a warm welcome into the ODF scholar community. Mentorship, events, and a network of people who want to see you win — it starts on day one.
Partnership
A Decade of Partnership with Divine Word University
For over ten years, the Old Dart Foundation has worked alongside Divine Word University's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences in Madang. Together we identify, fund, and support students from rural and remote PNG provinces who would otherwise be unable to pursue tertiary education.
- Joint selection committee. ODF and DWU faculty review every candidate together.
- Embedded academic support. Scholars receive guidance from DWU faculty throughout their studies.
- Focus on health & community service. Scholars commit to returning home to serve their communities.
With special thanks to Professor J. Kuzma and Kossy Sindek for leading the partnership at DWU.
10+
Years of partnership
DWU
Madang, PNG
FMHS
Medicine & Health Sciences
Why It Matters
The Difference It Makes in Your Life
Beyond the funding, this is about who you become.
Benefit 01
Study Without the Weight of Financial Stress
Imagine showing up to every lecture fully present — not calculating whether you can afford next semester's fees. Financial stress is one of the biggest reasons talented students drop out before they ever reach their potential.
Our scholarship completely removes that barrier. You focus on learning, growing, and achieving. We handle everything else. This isn't just financial aid — it's the freedom to become who you're meant to be.
Learn MoreBenefit 02
A Network That Lifts You Up — For Life
When you join the ODF program, you don't just receive funding — you enter a community. A community of driven scholars, experienced mentors, and successful alumni who are genuinely invested in your success.
The connections you make here extend far beyond university. Our alumni network spans industries across Papua New Guinea and beyond — opening doors that no textbook ever could.
Join Our Community
DWU ODF Alumni Executive Committee
Divine Word University ODF Executives
The elected executive committee leading the DWU ODF Alumni Foundation — committed to serving communities across Papua New Guinea.
Common Questions
Everything You Need to Know
Can't find your answer here? Contact us directly and we'll respond within 24 hours.
The ODF Scholarship is open to all Papua New Guinean citizens who are currently enrolled at Divine Word University (DWU) or have received an offer of admission. You must be studying full-time and demonstrate financial need. Academic merit is considered, but it is not the only factor — we look at your potential, your story, and your commitment to serving your community.
Yes. The ODF Scholarship is a full-tuition scholarship. This means all compulsory university fees are covered for the duration of your studies, provided you maintain satisfactory academic progress and remain enrolled full-time. There are no hidden costs, no partial funding, and absolutely no repayment required — ever.
The initial online application takes under 10 minutes to complete. After submission, our scholarship committee personally reviews every application within 2–3 weeks. Shortlisted applicants are then contacted for a brief interview. The total process from application to decision typically takes 4–6 weeks. We move as quickly as we can because we know your future shouldn't be kept waiting.
We understand that university life isn't always smooth. If you encounter academic difficulties, you will not immediately lose your scholarship. Instead, you will be connected with your mentor and our academic support team to create a plan to get back on track. We believe in our scholars and we do not abandon them at the first sign of difficulty. Our goal is your success — and we're with you every step of the way.
Still have questions?
Contact Us
Partners & Supporters
Working Together for Papua New Guinea
The Foundation works alongside academic institutions, community organisations, and donors who believe in long-term investment in PNG.
DWU
Divine Word University
Academic Partner
ODF
Old Dart Foundation
Founding Funder
FMHS
Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences
Academic Host
+
Community Partners
Local Stakeholders
Interested in supporting the Foundation? Reach out through the Contact page. Get in touch →
Stay Connected
Follow the Foundation's Journey
Get news from scholars, alumni, and the Old Dart Foundation. Scholarship announcements are made through Divine Word University official channels and this website.
Scholarship applications Scholarship applications will be announced through official channels when available. Subscribe via the newsletter in the footer to receive updates.
Hundreds of ODF scholars and alumni serving every province of Papua New Guinea.
Scholar Stories
Real People. Real Results. Real Change.
Don't take our word for it — hear it from the scholars whose lives were transformed.
Watch Their Stories
Hear from Kenneth on how the ODF Scholarship changed his trajectory at DWU.
Rated 4.9/5 by our scholars