Legal Scholarship

LEGAL SCHOLARSHIP 2027Calling all Third-Year Law Students at UPNG!

New Porgera Limited (NPL) invites applications from Papua New Guinean citizens currently in their third year of study for a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) to apply for the New Porgera Limited Legal Scholarship.

1. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA To be eligible, applicants must:
   1. Be a Papua New Guinean citizen currently studying at UPNG for a law degree.
   2. submit an essay on the topic set out in Part 2. below together with your curriculum vitae (include three referees with contact details);
   3. Be of good standing and repute in the community.
   4. Submit an updated academic transcript; and
   5. Submit the essay and all accompanying documents by 24th December 2026. Hard copies will not be accepted.

2. ESSAY TOPIC

“Freedom of Contract in Papua New Guinea: Its Scope, Limitations and the Role of Fairness”

The principle of freedom of contract holds that parties should be free to determine the terms of their own agreements. Critically discuss the extent to which Papua New Guinean law respects this principle and the circumstances in which it is justifiably limited. In your essay, consider statutory interventions (such as the Fairness of Transactions Act 1993) and the doctrine of unconscionability and evaluate whether the law achieves an appropriate balance between protecting weaker parties and preserving freedom of contract in Papua New Guinea.

• Word limit: 2,500–3,000 words
• Referencing: Use proper reference

JUDGING The Judging Panel comprises of:

1. Ms Sumassy Singin – Deputy Dean of Planning, UPNG School of Law

2. Ms Cathy Magalu – General Manager – Corporate Services, Kumul Minerals Holdings Ltd

3. Ms Karo Maha – Country Manager, New Porgera Ltd

4. Ms Ethel Heagi – Head of Legal, New Porgera Ltd

SELECTION PROCESS

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to participate in an interview with the Judging Panel before the final decision is made.

The decision of the Judging Panel is final.

APPLICATION DEADLINE - 24 December 2026

If you do not hear from New Porgera Limited within three (14) days following the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful for this opportunity.

Take the opportunity to demonstrate your legal knowledge, critical thinking and understanding of the Papua New Guinean legal system.

New Porgera Limited – Investing in Papua New Guinea’s Future Legal Professionals.