How Many Universities in Papua New Guinea?

Papua New Guinea (PNG) is a country located in the Pacific region with a population of over 9 million people. It is home to eight universities, five of which are public and three private universities run by the Catholic and Seventh Day Adventist missions. 

In this article, we will provide you with a guide to these universities, their locations, and their affiliations.

Public Universities in Papua New Guinea

1. University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) - Port Moresby

Established in 1965, UPNG is the oldest and largest university in PNG. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a wide range of fields such as agriculture, business, law, medicine, and social sciences.

2. Papua New Guinea University of Technology (UNITECH) - Lae

UNITECH was established in 1965 and is the country's premier technological university. It offers programs in engineering, science, and natural resources management.

3. University of Goroka (UOG) - Goroka

UOG was established in 1967 and is a specialized teacher-training university. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in education, arts, and social sciences.

4. University of Natural Resources and Environment (UNRE) - Kerevat, East New Britain

UNRE was established in 1997 and is a specialized university focusing on natural resources management and environmental studies.

5. Western Pacific University (WPU) - Pangia, Southern Highlands Province

WPU is the newest public university, established in 2018, and offers undergraduate and graduate programs in agriculture, business, and social sciences.

Private/Agency Universities in Papua New Guinea

1. Divine Word University (DWU) - Madang

DWU was established in 1996 and is a Catholic university run by the Divine Word Missionaries. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in arts, business, education, health sciences, and natural sciences.

2. Pacific Adventist University (PAU) - Port Moresby

PAU was established in 1984 and is a Seventh-Day Adventist university. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in arts, business, education, health sciences, and theology.

3. International Business School (IBS) University - Port Moresby

IBS University is a private university that offers undergraduate and graduate programs in business, information technology, and hospitality management.

Proposed Lutheran University in Lae

PNG's Prime Minister, James Marape, has challenged the Lutheran Church to build a university in Lae. 

Talks are underway, but this has not yet come to fruition. If established, this university would be the 9th in PNG.

PROPOSED LUTHERAN UNIVERSITY IN LAE 

Final words

There are 8 universities in PNG, providing a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, from natural resources management to business and theology. 

The proposed 9th Lutheran University in Lae is still in the planning stages.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Churches and PNG Govt Partnership Vital for Development (MDGs & SDGs)

CHURCHES ARE IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS

IBS University and IBS College Student Applicationm Acceptance and Courses Info

The institution started as a revision centre for professional examinations in accounting and business in the late 1980s. By 2003, the IBS University has offered certificate courses in Accounting and Business for Grade 10 and 12 school leavers.

The certificate course (Cert in Accounting and Cert in Business) has formed the basis of the institution's core studies. Here is what IBS university said about the two courses at their inceptions:

'IBS developed and offered its Certificate in Accounting, based on the syllabus of Accounting Technicians of [the] United Kingdom in 2002. Certificate in Computing course was introduced in 2003.

These two courses evolved as the primary wheels of IBS then.' (IBS University website)

Check out the information about GPA and Selections in PNG, click here. 

Acronym: IBSU

Established: 1st December 2016

Location: Port Moresby, National Capital District

Website: http://www.ibsu.ac.pg/home

Vision:  To enrich lives through World Class Education, Training and Research.

IBS University - 12 Mile, Port Moresby

The IBS University (formally Institute of Business Studies, IBS) is located at the foot of Mt Eriama, opposite to Marianville Girls Catholic Secondary School just outside Port Moresby. It is about 30 - 45 minutes by PMV from Gordons Market (the bus stop), Port Moresby.

IBS University offers certificate, diploma and degree courses at its Saraga (6 miles) campus and Eriama (12-mile) campus. More course details for the IBS College of TVET and Career Development training are given below. 

First, here is a quick listing of programs offered at IBS University's 12-mile campus. 

IBS University Courses

IBSU had three faculties or schools offering four-degree programs:

• School of Business (Bachelor of Accounting and Finance)
• School of Accounting and Finance (Bachelor of Business and Management; and Bachelor of Economics and Development Studies)
• School of Information Technology (Bachelor of Information Technology)

The institution also offers other degree programs through its affiliation with the University of Southern Cross. It cost over K24,000 to enrol on one of the programs through this affiliation. 

The programs are:

• Bachelor of Business Major in Accounting (School of Business)
• Bachelor of Business Major in Management (School of Business)
• Bachelor of Information Technology Major in User Experience (School of I.T.)

IBS College of TVET, 6 Mile Port Moresby

The IBS college of TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) at 6 mile offers certificate and diploma courses for Grades 10 and 12 students wanting to pursue studies in business and accounting.

The IBS college of TVET  is an education and training focused on providing primary knowledge and skills for employment in areas of Accounting, Business, and ICT and computing. 

The IBS college is the pathway to the IBS University's diploma and degree courses offered at their Eriama 12-mile campus.

Affiliate - Southern Cross University

IBS University created a diploma pathway for its certificate courses. And has affiliated with the Southern Cross University in Australia to further its Technical and Vocational Education and Training.

Certificate Programs Info

These three certificate programs are offered at the IBS College of TVET. Each certificate program is classified as Certificate 3 and certificate 4. 

That means that if you are a Grade 10 or 12 student, you’ll have to start with certificate 3, and then do certificate 4.

After completing the certificate programs, you can move on to the diploma courses at the IBS university at 12-mile. 

IBS Certificate Programs for Grade 10 and 12 students

The 3 certificate programs are:

1. Accounting 

• Certificate in Accounting 3
• Certificate in Accounting 4

2. Qualification in Business 

• Certificate in Business 3
• Certificate in Business 4

3. Information Technology

• Certificate in Information Technology 3
• Certificate in Information Technology 4

IBS College of TVET Career Development Training

The IBS college takes the initiative to provide on-the-job training for its students. Here is what the college said about Career Development and Training:

'IBS College of TVET offers Career Development Trainings programmes for the students who are looking for further practical exposure to be work-ready. 

These programmes are focused on Certificate 3 and 4 graduates from IBS or any other institutions who would like to enhance their skills prior to joining new employment. 

Our trainees are trained on essential skills that are required in their related field and IBS Team will guide them up to the interview process of potential employers. 

IBS College of TVET Certificate 3 and 4 students are entitled to receive a special discount on Career Development Programmes offered by IBS College of TVET.' (IBS College Website)

How to Apply - IBS University & IBS College of TVET

Potential students can apply either online or by filling in the IBS Application Form. Here is some important information to consider before (and when) filling out the IBS Application Form:

• A soft or hard copy of your certificate: If you are applying online, you will be required to upload the soft copy as an attachment.  
• Photo ID: this can be a driver's license, passport, or National ID with a file size of less than 1 MB.
• Supporting ID such as old school ID, pastors reference letter  with a file size  less than 1 MB

The online application does not require applicants to create an online account. You have to complete an open application by only submitting your personal details and supporting documents.

That means that applicants must have all the requirements available at the time of completing the application form so that all details are captured and sent online. 

However, the best way to apply if you are in Port Moresby is to complete and manual application form and submit it yourself, either at IBS University or IBS College of TVET.

Find out about other PNG Universities and Colleges HERE.

PNG Universities School Leavers and Non-school Leavers Registration Dates

The school leavers and non-school leavers whose names are on the selection list would know by now the starting dates for registration and orientation. Take note of the expected day to arrive at your university for the 2024 academic year.

If you have any questions about the 2024 Grade 12 selection process, PDF list, etc., please leave a comment below or check out this latest update on PNG Universities Non-School Leavers Selection 2024.

Note that the 2024 dates are based on past orientation dates, this is old registration information, so read it for guidance ONLY. Or follow the link for the latest information.

DHERST would have, also, made all the travelling arrangements and provided needed logistical support. Contact your reliable friends, relatives or university if there are any changes to the dates.

Generally, all should be according to plan, so arrive at your university at the start of the registration week. For those whose names are on the non-school leavers’ acceptance list, be reminded of the following starting dates.

1. UPNG

The University of Papua New Guinea has *not* clearly marked the start of registration and orientation week. PNG Insight understands that all fees are to be paid by February before you can be cleared for registration.

2. UNITECH

PNG University of Technology's first semester, registration will be conducted from January to February. You should plan to be on campus for the registration on the morning of January 28th.

3. DWU

Student Registration and Orientation Week commences in February. The first and second-year students will commence their Registration process on February 4th. 

The third and fourth-year students will commence registration on February 5th. Registration will be at St. John Paul II Hall. Thus, all students must be on campus by February 3rd.

4. PAU

Check the Pacific Adventist University website for the latest details. No info for registration was available (or I may have missed it) at the time of this compilation. 

Last year, the registration and orientation took place in the second week of February. Please confirm if you need if you still need to know when PAU registration for new and continuing starts.

5. UNRE

PNG University of Natural Resources and Environment registration and orientation start in March. The first semester lectures begin in April. 

Students should be at the campus starting March 20th.

6. UoG

The University of Goroka *orientation* for all new students will be from February 11th to February 15th.

*Registration* for all students - both school leavers and non-school leavers - will be from February 18th to February 28th.

Late Registration is only on March 1st, and a fee of K200 is charged for late registration.

Make fee payments to universities as instructed in letters you may have received. Also, travel to the universities on the date given to you.

You must speak to your university admin directly if any pressing issues need ironing out before the commencement of the lectures.

7. WPU

Western Pacific University's registration and orientation take place around the same time as the other universities. Please, visit the WPU website for the latest.