Open Campus UPNG Application Form 2023

The Open Campus UPNG Application Form 2023 is now available online, The applications for 2022 Grade 12 School Leavers intake into the open campus across the country closes in 25 days' time. 

Visit your local open college centres for more information on entry requirements. 

You can also get more information about the courses via the UPNG Open Campus via the links below.

UPNG Open Campus Programs 2023

The University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG), through its Open Campuses and University Centres in the country, is inviting students who completed Grade 12 to apply for 2023 academic. 

The following programs are offered:

School of Business and Public Policy

• Business Management Foundation Year (BMFY)

School of Humanities and Social Sciences

• Bachelor of Arts Foundation (BAF)

School of Natural and Physical Sciences

• Bachelor of Science Foundation Year (SFY)

How to Get the Open Campus UPNG Application Form 2023?

Prospecting students who completed Grade 12 can apply to study at UPNG Open College in 2023. 

If you are interested in enrolling, download the Application form and fill it in and lodge it at your nearest Open College Centre.

Download the UPNG Open Campus Application Form 2023

To get more information online visit the UPNG website via the links. You can also visit the UPNG Open Campus or University Centre in your province.

Click on the active links to get more information about each of the three courses offered at the open campus.

• Business Management Foundation Year (BMFY)

• Bachelor of Arts Foundation (BAF)

• Bachelor of Science Foundation Year (SFY)

Open Campus UPNG Application Closing Date

Applications for Grade 12 School Leavers close on Tuesday 31st of January 2023

No Late Applications will be Accepted

Contact UPNG Open Campus

For more information, contact the Executive Director of Open College:

• Phone: 326 7572 or 326 7110
• Email: lahuib@upng.ac.pg or opencoll@upng.ac.pg

Papua New Guinea War: The Bougainville Crisis, Referendum and Independence

The Bougainville Crisis, also known as the Bougainville Conflict or Bougainville Rebellion, was a complex and protracted armed conflict that took place on the island of Bougainville in Papua New Guinea (PNG). 

It lasted from 1988 to 1998, resulting in the loss of thousands of lives and significant social and economic disruptions. The conflict was characterized by a struggle for autonomy and independence by Bougainvilleans, who sought greater control over their land and resources, particularly the Panguna copper mine, which was a major source of revenue for PNG.

Historical Background

Bougainville, an island province in Papua New Guinea, has a history of cultural distinctiveness from the rest of PNG. Bougainvilleans have their own languages, customs, and traditions that set them apart from the mainland. 

In the 1960s, mining activities, particularly the establishment of the Panguna copper mine by a foreign company, sparked tensions between Bougainvilleans and the PNG government. 

The mine brought environmental degradation, social disruption, and land disputes, leading to grievances among Bougainvilleans.

The Crisis Unfolds

In 1988, a violent conflict erupted on Bougainville, sparked by a dispute over royalties and the environmental damage caused by the Panguna mine. 

The conflict escalated into a full-scale civil war, with various groups taking up arms against the PNG government forces. 

The Bougainville Revolutionary Army (BRA), led by Francis Ona, fought for Bougainville's independence, while the PNG government responded with a military blockade, imposing a state of emergency and deploying armed forces to quell the rebellion.

Peace Process and Referendum

After a decade of violence, a peace process was initiated in the late 1990s, leading to the signing of the Bougainville Peace Agreement in 2001. 

The Agreement provided for a phased autonomy for Bougainville and a commitment to hold a referendum on independence. 

In 2019, the historic Bougainville Referendum was conducted, allowing Bougainvilleans to vote on their political future. 

An overwhelming majority of 98% voted in favour of independence, reflecting the strong desire for self-determination among Bougainvilleans.

Push for Independence

The result of the Bougainville Referendum has reignited the push for independence among Bougainvilleans. 

However, the path to independence is complex and faces challenges, including negotiations with the PNG government on key issues such as the:

• timing and process of independence,
• sharing of revenues from natural resources, and
• establishment of a viable and sustainable government structure in Bougainville.

Conclusion

The Bougainville Crisis has a complex history, rooted in cultural, environmental, and economic grievances. The conflict resulted in significant humanitarian impacts and loss of life. 

The Bougainville Referendum was a significant milestone in the peace process, reflecting the strong desire of Bougainvilleans for independence. 

All in all, many challenges remain on the path to independence, and sustained efforts are needed to ensure a peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable resolution to the Bougainville issue, taking into consideration the aspirations and interests of all stakeholders.