PNG student’s passion for aircraft lands him a place at RMIT in Australia

Gideon Nero will be studying Aerospace Engineering at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in Australia in 2026. It's a four-year degree program (NBC News)

For young Eastern Highlands lad Gideon Nero, a lifelong fascination with aircraft is about to take him far beyond Papua New Guinea’s borders, all the way to Australia to study aerospace engineering at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology [RMIT].

Gideon, a former Port Moresby National School of Excellence student, was among a handful of STEM students selected under the Australia Awards PNG program to pursue studies overseas.

“I’ve always been fascinated with aircrafts, planes, helicopters, even rockets,” he said with a smile. “So, when I saw aerospace engineering, it was an easy choice. It’s something not offered here, and I’m really passionate about it.”

Gideon with fellow STEM scholars during the scholarship announcement last Friday at the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby. A total of 10 STEM students were selected under the Australia Awards program to pursue tertiary studies at various universities in Australia (NBC News)

Currently studying mining engineering at the PNG University of Technology, Gideon will travel to Australia early next year after completing pre-departure training. While he admits to feeling “excited but nervous” about the move, he’s determined to make the most of the opportunity and return home to contribute to PNG’s development.

“I come from a single-parent background,” he said. “It wasn’t easy, but I kept working hard. To other students, especially those in similar situations, don’t give up. The challenges will be worth it in the end.”

Gideon's story shows how hard work and belief can turn big dreams into reality.”