Western Pacific University

The university is a state owned institution that was established by an Act of Parliament in 2014 and started academic operation in 2021 with the numbers increasing by the year with 200 students in 2022.

President Dr. Janet Rangou said students are expected to learn digitally in a conducive environment the university provides, for them to learn and come out with digital competencies.

Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Ludmilla Salonda, said under the research space, as a new university, their goal is to begin building WPU’s research capabilities.

“This will require establishing current research strengths of staff and leveraging these to achieve our outcome of staff active engagement in research,” said Dr Salonda.

The official hand-over take-over ceremony was held on Monday, January 9^th, at the WPU campus in Ialibu, Southern Highlands Province.

The People’s Republic of China was represented by the Chinese Ambassador to PNG, Ambassador Zeng Fanhua, whilst the Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (HERST), Don Polye, represented the Government of PNG.

To be registered for the 2023 academic year and during registration week, both self-sponsored students (continuing and new intakes) and those on scholarship (continuing and new intakes) are required to pay 75 percent of the 2023 annual fee for semester one during registration week in February 2023.

Acceptance letters have already been emailed to successful applicants, with relevant information, including account details.

Successful applicants are encouraged to respond to their acceptance letter by 31st January 2023.

Of the 49 pioneer students (from 2021), only one did not register for this academic year.

The 54 new students registered for the Certificate in Higher Education Foundation Studies (CHEFS) program started classes on Tuesday 1st of March.

The Certificate in Higher Education Foundation Studies Program is a stand-alone program and a pre-requisite for all wishing to study at WPU.

There are 16 females enrolled for the CHEFS program this year.

Eight units are taken under the CHEFS program and these are spread out in two semesters throughout the year.

Its academic theme for the year is ‘Enacting a shared vision of WPU’s digital learning journey in 2022’.

WPU’s orientation week program commenced at 8.30am on Monday, 21st February, and includes presentations from its president, vice presidents and other key members of its academic and administration staff.

Academic programs offered and policies involving students and their code of ethics and code of conduct will be highlighted during orientation as well.

Amongst the 51 pioneer students are 14 young women.

Registration took place between the 22nd and the 28th of February and the inaugural academic year started on Tuesday the 2nd of March, 2021.

Out of respect for the Late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, the celebrations that had been planned to mark the Western Pacific University’s inaugural academic year launching were cancelled.

All pioneer students will undertake the Foundation Year program. This program is a compulsory course of study for students seeking entry to a Bachelor’s program.

Secretary Fr Jan Czuba said the university’s academic programs will be finalized in 2019.

The Southern Highlands university is expected to be a modern 21^st century institution similar to those in the developed countries, with internationally accredited programs.

Professors will teach online from different parts of the world while tutors will be on ground.

Projected to be the biggest university in the country, it is estimated to enrol 6000 under-graduates and 4000 post graduates.

(Fr Jan Czuba filepic)

The university is currently under construction at Ialibu, Southern Highlands Province, on 75 hectares of land which is now being cleared before infrastructure can be built.

WPU project chairperson Fr Jan Czuba confirmed that they have negotiated with the landowners to acquire the 75 hectares of land.

2016 to 2018 will see the construction of students’ dormitories, library, students’ dining facilities, lecture buildings, teaching workshops, recreation facilities, administration building, WPU clinic, staff accommodation and staff recreation facilities.