Universities in Papua New Guinea ^New

Explore the uniRank League Table and University Ranking of 7 Universities in Papua New Guinea

The Independent State of Papua New Guinea is divided into 20 provinces, along with the autonomous region of Bougainville and the National Capital District of Port Moresby. The following uniRank league tables and sub-rankings consider all provinces that include at least one Papua New Guinean higher education institution meeting the uniRank selection criteria.

East New Britain (1)  
Eastern Highlands (1)  
Madang (1)  
Morobe (1)  
National Capital District (3)  

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Overview of Papua New Guinea Universities

Papua New Guinea's higher education system comprises a small but diverse network of universities regulated by the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology. The sector includes both public institutions funded by the national government and private universities operated by religious organizations or private entities. English serves as the primary language of instruction across all institutions. These universities offer undergraduate and postgraduate programs focused on meeting national development needs, particularly in education, agriculture, technology and business. Key characteristics include practical skills training, cultural diversity across campuses and strong regional community engagement.

Top Papua New Guinea Universities

1. Original name: Divine Word University
   English name: Divine Word University
   Acronym: DWU
   Rank: #1 in Papua New Guinea | #7,582 globally
   Location: Madang, Madang Province
   Established: 1980
   Control type: Private
   University type: Comprehensive
   Official Website
2. Original name: University of Papua New Guinea
   English name: University of Papua New Guinea
   Acronym: UPNG
   Rank: #2 in Papua New Guinea | #7,600 globally
   Location: Port Moresby, National Capital District
   Established: 1966
   Control type: Public
   University type: Comprehensive
   Official Website
3. Original name: Papua New Guinea University of Technology
   English name: Papua New Guinea University of Technology
   Acronym: PNGUoT
   Rank: #3 in Papua New Guinea | #7,692 globally
   Location: Lae, Morobe Province
   Established: 1965
   Control type: Public
   University type: Specialized (Technology)
   Official Website
4. Original name: The University of Goroka
   English name: The University of Goroka
   Acronym: UOG
   Rank: #4 in Papua New Guinea | #10,422 globally
   Location: Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province
   Established: 1968
   Control type: Public
   University type: Specialized (Education)
   Official Website
5. Original name: Pacific Adventist University
   English name: Pacific Adventist University
   Acronym: PAU
   Rank: #5 in Papua New Guinea | #10,900 globally
   Location: Port Moresby, National Capital District
   Established: 1984
   Control type: Private
   University type: Comprehensive
   Official Website
6. Original name: PNG University of Natural Resources and Environment
   English name: PNG University of Natural Resources and Environment
   Acronym: PNG-UNRE
   Rank: #6 in Papua New Guinea | #12,271 globally
   Location: Vudal, East New Britain Province
   Established: 1965
   Control type: Public
   University type: Specialized (Agriculture/Environment)
   Official Website
7. Original name: IBS University
   English name: IBS University
   Acronym: IBSU
   Rank: #7 in Papua New Guinea | #13,332 globally
   Location: Port Moresby, National Capital District
   Established: 1989
   Control type: Private
   University type: Specialized (Business)
   Official Website

Analysis of University Types

Papua New Guinea has 7 recognized universities. The sector is dominated by public institutions, which constitute 57% (4 universities) of the higher education landscape. Private universities account for 43% (3 institutions). Geographically, universities are distributed across five provinces, with the National Capital District hosting three institutions. All public universities specialize in critical development sectors like technology, education and natural resources, while private universities include comprehensive institutions and specialized business education.

Global Ranking and Standing

No Papua New Guinea universities currently rank in the global top 200 universities (0% of national institutions). Similarly, none appear in the top 1,000 universities worldwide (0% representation). The highest-ranked institution, Divine Word University, places at #7,582 globally. This reflects the developing nature of Papua New Guinea's higher education sector and its focus on addressing local workforce needs rather than global research competitiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the oldest university in Papua New Guinea?

A: The Papua New Guinea University of Technology (1965) holds the distinction of being the country's oldest higher education institution.

Q: Are there medical schools in Papua New Guinea universities?

A: Yes, the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) houses the country's premier School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Q: Do Papua New Guinea universities accept international students?

A> Yes, most universities welcome international applicants, particularly from Pacific Island nations, with specific visa and admission requirements.

Q: What are the primary languages of instruction?

A: English is the official language of instruction across all universities, though Tok Pisin and Motu may be used in certain community engagement contexts.

Q: Are distance learning options available?

A: Several institutions like the University of Papua New Guinea and Divine Word University offer flexible and distance education programs.

Since 2005, UniRank provides original research, valuable information and resources to help you explore and make informed decisions about Papua New Guinean universities and their online presence.

• Oldest Universities in Papua New Guinea
  Explore the most traditional and long-established Papua New Guinean post-secondary institutions according to uniRank's original research.
• A-Z Universities in Papua New Guinea
  Search for Papua New Guinean higher education institutions listed alphabetically from A to Z.
• Papua New Guinean Universities by Town
  Look for tertiary institutions located in a particular Papua New Guinean town or city.
• Top Public Universities in Papua New Guinea
  Discover Papua New Guinean public higher education institutions with potentially lower tuition fees.
• Top Private Universities in Papua New Guinea
  Find out about Papua New Guinean private higher education institutions.
• Top Non-Profit Universities in Papua New Guinea
  Explore Papua New Guinean not-for-profit higher education institutions that may offer lower tuition fees.
• Top For-Profit Universities in Papua New Guinea
  Look for Papua New Guinean for-profit higher education institutions.
• Top Papua New Guinean Universities on Facebook
  See which tertiary institutions in Papua New Guinea have the most followers on Facebook, according to uniRank's original research.
• Top Papua New Guinean Universities on Twitter
  Discover the Universities in Papua New Guinea that are most followed on Twitter, based on uniRank's original research.
• Top Papua New Guinean Universities on Instagram
  Find out which post-secondary institutions in Papua New Guinea are the most followed on Instagram, according to uniRank's original research.
• Top Papua New Guinean Universities on YouTube
  Explore the Universities in Papua New Guinea with the most subscribed channels on YouTube, based on uniRank's original research.