PNG Insight Blog

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.

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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.

PNG universities application form and admission lists updates

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.

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.

How Many Universities in Papua New Guinea?