1. Why has UPNG increased its tuition fees for 2027?
The 2027 fee adjustment has been approved by the University Council to help address increasing operational costs and ensure UPNG can continue to improve quality teaching, learning, student services, and campus operations. The adjustment also supports the University's long-term goal of becoming more financially sustainable while maintaining affordable access to higher education. UPNG, like all Universities, have an extremely difficult balancing act between providing high quality which is expensive and keeping fees as low as possible.
Just like in other areas, if you want high quality its expensive - education is no different. An investment in education, is an investment in the future.
2. Why are fees increasing now?
Like many institutions, UPNG is facing increasing operational costs. While government funding continues to support staff salaries, the University relies on student revenue to fund teaching, learning resources, student services, ICT, utilities, maintenance, and other day-to-day operational expenses – and very importantly increasing academic quality and skills to provide graduates with more advantages in the workplace.
The UPNG community has seen many, many improvements over the last 12 months, these additional fees will continue that journey.
3. How much have undergraduate fees increased?
For most PNG undergraduate students (TESAS, HELP and self-funded), compulsory fees have increased from K3,585 in 2026 to K4,500 in 2027.Corporate-sponsored students will pay K9,000. The increase forms part of a gradual approach rather than a significant one-off increase.
4. Why are corporate-sponsored students paying more?
Corporate organisations and other institutional sponsors generally have a greater capacity than students to contribute towards the cost of higher education. The revised fee structure places a higher contribution on corporate sponsors while helping keep fees lower for individual students.
5. Will there be financial assistance for students who cannot afford the new fees?
Yes.
UPNG will offer scholarships to eligible new students experiencing genuine financial hardship. Eligible students will pay K3,765, with recipients contributing 200 hours of voluntary service to the University each year. Upto 1,000 scholarships are proposed under this initiative.
In addition, in 2027 DHERST will offer a much wider range of HELP support to assist students.
6. How do UPNG's fees compare with other universities?
Even with the 2027 adjustment, UPNG despite its role as PNG’s premier university, it is the most affordable university in Papua New Guinea and the pacific region. Tuition fees at other PNG universities are substantially higher than UPNG, with some private universities charging many times more than UPNG. Regional Pacific universities also charge considerably higher tuition fees.
7. Why didn't UPNG keep the existing fees?
The Council considered maintaining current fees but concluded that doing so would make it increasingly difficult/impossible to deliver the teaching quality, student services, and university operations required of PNGs premier university and to give student the best possible employment outcomes. A staged approach to fee adjustments was considered the most balanced option.
8. Why didn't UPNG introduce a larger increase instead?
The Council considered a larger increase but decided against it. Primarily to protect student that are facing financial difficulties.
Instead, it approved a gradual increase that improves UPNG, whilst minimising the impact on students and sponsors.
9. How will the additional revenue be used?
Additional revenue will support the University's operational requirements, including:
- Teaching and learning delivery
- Academic quality improvements
- Student services
- Campus operations and maintenance
- ICT and digital services
- Financial sustainability
- Improved safety and security
- Increased services such as Retail park providing much needed supermarket, food courts and other services for staff and students.
- Improved services such as libraries
- Modern online education
These investments are intended to strengthen the overall student experience and support the University's long-term development.
10. Is UPNG trying to become financially independent?
Yes.
One of the University's long-term strategic goals is to progressively become more operationally self-sustaining while continuing to provide quality higher education for Papua New Guinea.
11. Will accommodation fees also increase?
Yes.
Residential accommodation fees have been adjusted for 2027 by approx. 10% as part of the approved fee structure. Significant repairs/improvements to accommodation are anticipated for 2027.
12. Will Open College students also experience a fee increase?
No.
The Council approved no increase to Open College tuition fees to continue encouraging flexible and online learning.
13. When do the new fees take effect?
The approved fee structure applies to the 2027 Academic Year.
Students should refer to the official fee schedule and payment deadlines published by the University.
14. Where can students obtain more information?
Students and sponsors should refer to the official 2027 Fee Structure published by the University of Papua New Guinea, consult UPNG or contact the Registrar's Office for further clarification regarding fees, payments, and registration requirements.
Key Messages
- The fee adjustment was approved by the University Council following careful consideration.
- UPNG remains one of the most affordable universities in Papua New Guinea and the region.
- The increase is part of a staged approach rather than a significant one-off increase.
- Fee adjustments are investments in our nations (and students) future
- Financial assistance remains available for eligible students through the UPNG Scholarship Scheme. DHERST is also introducing additional support to assist students.
- Additional revenue will support improved teaching quality, student services, campus operations, and the University's long-term sustainability.
- UPNG remains committed to providing accessible, quality higher education while strengthening its capacity to serve students and the nation.