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.

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

CHURCHES ARE IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS

PNG 8th Uni: PM Marape Pledges Support for Lutheran University - Press Release

Prime Minister Hon. James Marape, MP, has pledged Government support for the establishment of the long-overdue Lutheran University in Lae.

Here is the latest update on this story, click here to find out.

Image: Facebook | PM & NEC page

Key points added for clarity

• Lutheran Church in PNG, the second largest church behind Catholic Church, does not have a university yet.
• PNG has 6 operating universities.
• Two universities are run by the churches in PNG (Pacific Adventist University run by the Seventh Day Adventist Mission and Divine Word University run by the Catholic Mission)
• UPNG, Unitech, UoG and UNRE are public universities.
• Western Pacific University in the Southern Highlands Province. Its first intake was in 2020.

Recommended read

How PNG's Social and Economic Development Trends Changed 20 Years after Independence 

Press release cont...

He announced this in front of thousands of Lutheran faithful at the 32nd Evangelical Lutheran Church of PNG Synod at Boana in Nawaeb, Morobe, today.

PM Marape urged the Synod to continue working on the concept of the Lutheran university.

"Please refurbish this concept of a Lutheran-based university," he said.

"We have talked about this previously, but it has slowed down.

"The Lutheran University must come to pass, as a memorial of this 32nd Synod.

"I want to throw it on the floor here, that someone in the crowd pick it up.

"Lutheran is the second-biggest church, so I ask you please, let's work on this.

"National Government will pick up the university that the church wants, and we'll get it going.

"Starting 2020, we'll work on it and Hopefully by 2025, when the nation celebrates 50 years of Independence, our Lutheran University can lift its flag up and fly, and take students in by that time.

Prime Minister Marape supported a call by Morobe Governor Hon. Ginson Saonu for the establishment of a Lutheran elementary teachers' college.

He said the Government had allocated K1 million for this. He also told the Lutheran Church to come up with a plan for a university to get Government assistance.

"We will start a 10-year programme that will create the genesis of a Christian-based education system being run in our country.

"To make this country truly identified with Christian principles, our education system must be run by Christian churches,” the Prime Minister said

He (the Prime Minister) called for closer partnership between churches and the Government in education and health.

"The Lutheran Church is the second-largest church in the country," Prime Minister Marape said.

"We (Government) are ready to work in partnership with you in the areas of health and education.

"You are already established in society; you are with the people."Our Government stands ready to embrace churches in the areas of health and education.

"These are two key services in the country that I want churches to play a bigger role in,” PM Marape said.

Source: Facebook, released Sunday 12th January 2020

We also provide some background information about the 6 PNG universities here. Find out about the selections lists for UPNG, UOG, UNRE, Unitech, DWU and PAU:

• UPNG, University of Papua New Guinea
• UOG, University of Goroka
• UNRE, University of Natural Resources and Environment
• Unitech, University of Technology
• DWU, Divine Word University and 
• PAU, Pacific Adventist University.

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.

Non-school Leavers Applications: UPNG, UOG, UNRE, PAU, DWU, WPU and UNITECH

The PNG Universities application forms for entry into the 2025 academic year should be available online, or in pdf, anytime from June/July 2024. New Non-school Leavers and discontinued students should consider applying for study next year. 

The dates for the release of the non-school leavers' application forms for 2025 are usually released by the institutions. Below is some information and links to point you in the right direction.

THE FORMER DHERST MINISTER, DON POLYE ANNOUNCED AN ONLINE NSL SELECTION TO TAKE EFFECT IN 2024/2025 (SEE VIDEO HERE). BUT, THE DETAILS ARE NOT CLEAR YET. STAY IN TUNE FOR MORE OR CHECK THE DHERST WEBSITE FOR THE LATEST ON THE NSL APPLICATION FOR 2025. YOU CAN ALSO GET THE LATEST UPDATES ON NSL APPLICATIONS (FORMS & ONLINE APPLICATIONS)  FOR PNG UNIVERSITIES ON THE PNG INSIGHT BLOG OR OUR WEBSITE HERE

2025 Non-school leavers (apply directly to the universities)

Be reminded that at the beginning of a new academic year, many of the undergrad study programs in-country would have been filled by the  Grade 12 intakes.

That means that any Grade 12 students from the last five years (with good grades, or upgraded grades, who wish to apply directly to the universities) may have to wait until June or July 2024 to apply to the universities for consideration in the 2025 academic year. 

The post-grad students - both part-time and full-time - have this time before the academic year 2025 starts to apply. To download application forms or apply online to one of the six universities in PNG, follow the quick and direct links.

2025 PNG Universities Acceptance List - General  info

Application info such as the tuition fee and application due dates for 2024/2025 can be obtained from the universities. 

You must check with the university of your choice for the 2025 non-school leavers application forms, acceptance list, admittance, registrations and academic calendar.

Applications for PNG Universities 

Perhaps it is important to note that UPNG, Unitech, DWU and WPU are accepting new applications online. Applicants must use the online portals to apply.

The other PNG universities are collecting applications in pdf form. Applicants will have to complete the applications offline and send them to the respective universities via email or mail. You can also hand-deliver your application if you are living nearby.

Check out the latest article on the NSL Online Application offered by PNG Universities for 2025 intakes. 

PNG Universities' information pages 

In response to the requests for NSL and SL selection lists for the 6 PNG universities year-on-year, PNG Insight has included some *new* information about PNG Universities to help. Some useful details include:

• the academic calendars
• course information
• contact numbers
• schools and faculties 
• Admission and acceptance listing info

Click on the link to the university info pages on our main site: To find out how to apply to the University of Goroka, click here

• UOG (UNIVERSITY of Goroka)
• UPNG (UNIVERSITY of Papua New Guinea)
• UNITECH (UNIVERSITY of Technology, LAE)
• DWU (Divine Word University, MADANG)
• UNRE (PNG Uni of Natural Resources and Environment,  Rabaul)
• PAU (Pacific Adventist University, Port Moresby)
• WPU (Western Pacific University, Pangia, SHP)

The Western Pacific University in Southern Highlands admitted students, for the first time, in 2021. The new university, WPU, 2025 Non-school Leavers Application is now open - you can apply online. 

2025 Non-school Leavers Application: Meanwhile, let us know what you are specifically looking for in the comment. And as soon as we have the right info, we will let you know. 

Dec Update: 2025 Non-school Leavers info

Over the years, PNG Insight has seen a lot of you visiting us to get information about PNG Universities and PNG Colleges. Therefore, we have started researching and collating info that we thought would help you. We hope that you'll find them useful. 

We understand that the 2025 non-school leavers application for, Unitech Lae, UoG Enga Campus and Divine Word University Madang are open in July or August. ALSO THE FORMER DHERST MINISTER, DON POLYE ANNOUNCED AN ONLINE NSL SELECTION TO TAKE EFFECT IN 2024/2025 (SEE VIDEO HERE). BUT, THE DETAILS ARE NOT CLEAR YET. STAY IN TUNE FOR MORE OR CHECK DHERST WEBSITE FOR THE LATEST ON NSL APPLICATION FOR 2025.

For the non-school leavers wanting to study at a PNG University of College, check out the info-links below:

Study at Simbu Teachers College

Study at Madang Teachers College 

IBS University Courses and Admission

PNG Universities NSL Application Info

Polytechnic Insitute of Papua New Guinea, Lae

Study at one of UNITECH DODL 21 Study Centres in PNG

Application and Recruitment info: >>Police Bomana College & >>Police Reservist Training

If you have any questions at this time, please leave a comment below. 

___

Check out the PNG Insight Maths Resources website and download exam topics and past maths papers for Grades 8, 10 and 12. Here is how to get the Grade 10 Exam Questions.

About PNG Insight

PNG Insight is an education blog. It aims to highlight the key developments in the education sector in Papua New Guinea. Started in 2014 on Google's blogger (now self-hosted on WordPress), PNG Insight strives to be a platform for critical thinking and discussions; and a source of information.

You can follow us on Twitter and YouTube (@PNG_Insight) for information on Education and Development in Papua New Guinea.

PNG Insight on YouTube - Subscribe here

Highest Ranked University in Australia

Children's education has been one of the most talked about topics all year around. At this time university selection for 2019 is in full swing and many students and parents may now have known the results of universities and colleges entries. Those potentially wanting to send children to Australian universities may want to know which higher learning institution is the highest-ranked university in Australia and Oceania.

NOTE: An updated version of this post is available on pnginsight.com

Check out the highlights on GPA and top Australian universities, here.

PNG Insight uses the 2018/2019 comparison stats of World universities to show some of the best universities in the region, Oceania. The 2019 world ranking of universities is sourced from Webometrics Info (2018) and Time Higher Education (2019). The ranking is determined by the quality of the university's teaching, research and overall outlook among other criteria and compared against other universities in the world. 

The links and details of the sources are provided at the end of the post. First, the image shows Webometrics Info (2018) universities ranks (unfortunately the 2019 data is not available at the Time Higher Education website). 

From the 2018 source (and presumably using the same criteria) the top 5 universities in Australia - are the  University of Melbourne, the University of Queensland, the University of New South Wales, the Australian National University and the University of Sydney. 

In fact, the 5 universities in Australia maintained the top 5 ranks in the Pacific in 2018 and 2019. However, there were shifts in the 2019 placements. It is perhaps important to note that the University of Melbourne maintained the number one place and the Highest Ranked University in Australia (= 32 rank in the World). And, Australian National University ranked 49 among all the best universities worldwide.

This rank shows that there are 5 Highest Ranked Universities in Australia, just next door to PNG. Those who are interested or planning to secure a scholarship at one of the 5 universities will surely attain a top-class university degree - find out more, here.

For more information about the latest rankings of the world universities, refer to the Time Higher Education website. 

Source: the links for the 2019 world ranking of universities on Webometrics Info (2018) and Time Higher Education (2019) used in this post. 

Book Review: Secondary Education in Fiji – A Key to the Future by Helen Tavola

Content Summary

Helen Tavola identified three (3) areas as fundamental to the development of Ministry of Education Ministry in Fiji. Namely the Policy variables, political context and government’s Grant-in-school fee subsidy. The three areas formed the basis of her research work. 

She carried out the fieldwork in 11 schools in different geographic areas in Fiji and among wide ethnic composition. One of the social issues that stood out was the disparity in ethnicity and population of children in schools in the colonial eras and before and after Fiji’s independence in 1970. However, it is ominous that Helen’s attempts to address the three (3) issues hinges on the racial divide among the different ethnic groups and their social and economic standings in Fiji societies.

Identifiably, the Native Fijians concentrated more on subsistence and rural agriculture in the early part of developments in of the Education Ministry in Fiji. 

In retrospect, the other ethnicities view education as a way to liberate themselves and encouraged their children to actively seek further education. This resulted in the disparity in the level of education and qualification. The Native Fijians are generally less educated than the other Fiji ethnicities.

Read the complete review in PDF view below.