About Us
Learn about the University of Papua New Guinea — our history, mission, leadership, and the schools that make up our academic community.
Our Vision
Our vision is to be "an internationally recognised University dedicated to excellence in education, research, and service".
Our Mission
Our mission is to "deliver innovative, excellent education and research results for nation building and global advancement towards an empowered society".
Our Core Values
The University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) stands as the nation's flagship institution of higher learning. Situated on the Waigani Campus in Port Moresby, the university serves as a centre of academic excellence, research innovation, and cultural preservation for Papua New Guinea and the wider Pacific region.
Our History
Papuan Medical College Founded
The Papuan Medical College was established at Taurama — the forerunner of today's School of Medicine and Health Sciences, and the first health workforce training facility in the Territory of Papua and New Guinea.
The University is Established
In March 1965 the House of Assembly approved The University of Papua New Guinea Ordinance, creating the first university in the country and opening a university education to young Papua New Guineans.
Papua New Guinea Independence
UPNG graduates moved directly into the leadership of the newly independent nation, beginning a tradition that has since produced Prime Ministers, Chief Justices, Chief Secretaries and Governors of the Bank of Papua New Guinea.
A New University Act
Parliament passed the University Act 1983 in May of that year. The Act restructured the University Council and introduced Members of Parliament, nominated by the Minister and approved by the Council.
Parliament Approves Restructure
In June 2000 the National Parliament passed a Bill to amend the University Act (Chapter 169), giving effect to a wide-ranging restructure of academic programs and the Administration. In November the Council approved amalgamating the Schools of Humanities and of Social Sciences.
The School Structure Begins
On 15 January 2001 academic departments and faculties were replaced by a School structure. Single School offices were established to support Strands and to foster interdisciplinary and inter-school relationships in education, research, scholarship and service.
Schools and the Open College Take Shape
The School of Business Administration was established — now the School of Business and Public Policy — and the Faculty of Law and Business Studies was restructured as the School of Law. The Institute of Distance and Continuing Education became the UPNG Open College.
Blended and Digital Learning
The University adopted online blended learning systems, driving a marked increase in the use of information and communication technologies across all Schools and throughout the Open College network of Open Campuses and University Centres in the provinces.
University Leadership
Prof. Ian Findlay
Prof. Ian Findlay provides strategic leadership and oversees all academic and administrative functions of the university.
Prof. Betty Lovai
Responsible for academic quality assurance, curriculum development, and student welfare across all schools and programs.
Prof. CLN Pillai
Oversees university planning, resource allocation, and manages industrial relations and staff development initiatives.
(Vacant)
The Registrar is responsible for student admissions, enrolment, examinations, graduation, and academic records management.
The Insignia of the University
The Insignia of The University of Papua New Guinea has three important features. The Cowrie Shell represents Papua New Guinea and the Sciences. The Open Book represents learning, particularly in Arts and Law. The Waves represent the sea surrounding Papua New Guinea.
Acknowledgement of the Motu-Koitabu Communities
We acknowledge the Motu-Koitabu Communities who are the traditional custodians of the land at Waigani (Motu-Koitabu), Tahira (Koitabu), and Motupore Island (Motu) on which The University of Papua New Guinea campuses are built.
We acknowledge the connection of the Motu-Koitabu people to their land, and we respect and value their history and cultural beliefs to the land.
The University also acknowledges the traditional customary custodians of ancestral land in the provinces where our Open Campuses and University Centres have been established.
Schools &
Faculties
Teaching and research at UPNG is organised into schools, each with its own programmes, staff and research strengths.
School of Business & Public Policy
Dean · Dr. John Kewa
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Dean · Dr. Mary Koi
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Dean · Dr. Eric Kwa
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Dean · Prof. Nakapi Tefuarani
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Dean · Dr. Chalapan Kaluwin
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