vision mission
Brief History of the University

The University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) was founded following the recommendations of the Currie Commission on Higher Education in Papua New Guinea, established by the Australian Government in 1964. Acting on the Commission’s report, the House of Assembly enacted The University of Papua New Guinea Ordinance in 1965, officially establishing UPNG as a corporate body. This Ordinance was later repealed and replaced by The University of Papua New Guinea Act No. 18 of 1983, passed by the National Parliament.

An Interim Council governed the University from its founding in 1965 until the appointment of a permanent Council in December 1968.

In 1978, following a period of student unrest, a Commission of Inquiry reviewed the University’s governing legislation and recommended significant reform. This led to the repeal of the original Ordinance and the creation of the 1983 University Act, which restructured the University Council. The revised Council consisted of representatives from Parliament, government, academia, graduates, students, and affiliated institutions—reflecting a broader and more inclusive governance structure.

Further modernization came in 2000, when Parliament amended The University Act (Chapter 169) to introduce a new academic and administrative framework. Implemented in January 2001, this reform replaced the old faculty-based structure with a school and strand system designed to promote collaboration across disciplines and strengthen UPNG’s core mission in teaching, research, scholarship, and community service. During this period, the Institute of Distance and Continuing Education was restructured as the Open College, expanding access to higher education across Papua New Guinea.

Legacy of Leadership

UPNG has proudly educated and shaped many of the nation’s most distinguished leaders, including:

  • One Governor-General of Papua New Guinea
  • Four Prime Ministers, including the current Prime Minister, Hon. James Marape
  • Two Chief Justices and three Chief Ombudsmen
  • Five Governors of the Bank of Papua New Guinea
  • Numerous State Ministers, Chancellors, Vice-Chancellors, and senior government officials
  • Chief Executives in both public and private sectors

Beyond Papua New Guinea, UPNG has also produced two Prime Ministers of the Solomon Islands, reflecting its enduring influence across the Pacific.