The Western Pacific University is located in Ialibu. Ialibu is a town in the Southern Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea, serving as the headquarters for the Ialibu-Pangia District.

Ialibu is connected by roads to the rest of Papua New Guinea. Ialibu does have a certified airstrip which is yet to be operational. The nearest airports are Mendi and Mt Hagen, both about an hour from Ialibu Station. Radio stations are available and mobile phone and landline phones are provided by Telikom PNG and DIGICEL. The national television station, EM TV is broadcast throughout the Ialibu area.

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Western Pacific University Frequently Ask Questions

1. When was the University established?"

Western Pacific University was established by an Act of Parliament in 2014. It is one of the major impact projects initiated to address access issues faced by the Higher and Technical Education Sector due to the annual increasing numbers of Grade Twelve (12) students. 

2. Why was the University established?"

Western Pacific University (WPU) is one of the major impact projects initiated to address access issues faced by the Higher and Technical Education Sector due to the annual increasing numbers of Grade 12 students.
Western Pacific University is also testament to the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology’s (DHERST) commitment to the roll-out of the i-PNG strategy that will create a network of closely linked higher education institutions through digitalisation, providing access and quality through digital education service delivery.
In today’s globalised world, where life and businesses are interconnected and outward looking, WPU’s programs are focused on producing digital citizens. The programs work integrated learning that will ultimately position graduates as ready-made professionals in their area of expertise.
WPU graduates will be reflective and accomplished leaders for whom the importance of critical and creative thinking, soft skills and intercultural competence are key. As pioneer students of a newly established university, students will be establishing a new culture and setting a gold standard for others to follow and uphold.

3. How can you apply?"

Interested grade 12 school leavers can apply through NOAS – the National Online Application System. You can access the National Online Application System through your android phone, laptop, and tablet or from your school’s PC by typing https://apply.dherst.gov.pg on the website URL/search bar.

On the interface enter your Username and Password. Enter your personal information on My Data. Select your choice (5 choices) then press Save to your data.

4. What are the requirements for enrolment?"

A GPA of 2.9 with weighting on Advanced Mathematics, Physics and Economics. Other factors will be taken into consideration during selection and these include one’s attitude toward studies, voluntary services, punctuality, etc.

5. What will students study during Foundation Year?"

Foundation Year is a prerequisite program for all students wishing to study at Western Pacific University. Academic units include language, literature, mathematics, ICT and design technology, business management, business communication, research and professional ethics. Based on academic merit, students stream into specialty courses in Year 2

6. When will the academic year start?"

Western Pacific University launched our inaugural academic year on Tuesday 2nd March, 2021. Out of respect for the passing of our founding father, the Late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, the initially scheduled launch date for the 1st of March was cancelled as it was declared a public holiday.

7. What are the school fees for 2021?"

The school fee for 2021 is K12,000.00. All the required details were sent out to students in the admission letter.
For those wishing to apply for the Higher Education Loan Program (HELP), you can email the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology on
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit their website www.dherst.gov.pg and click on the ‘HELP ’ button for more information.

8. What courses will be offered after Foundation Year?"

Visual Communication: Classes will be conducted by practitioners who deal with graphic design, multimedia graphics and branding. These classes are focused on practice and will allow students to acquire skills that are needed in the labour market. Personal and professional development are interlinked, since students will acquire skills that enable them to work both as valuable members of a creative team and as individuals able to implement complex and demanding projects for their own clients as freelancers.
Opportunities after graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Visual Communication
As graduates, students will possess extensive knowledge and skills related to graphic design, in particular for marketing purposes. Thanks to these skills, and having engaged with comprehensive curricula, graduates will be able to carry out complex graphics projects, confidently navigating the business and economic environment in national and international settings.

International Management: Students will examine a broad spectrum of issues related to economics, with emphasis on various aspects of management in international companies. In the course of their studies, students will learn how to plan and run companies in the global market. Problem based, inter-disciplinary, learning will be a strong feature of this degree program.

A practical approach to teaching is reflected in the practice-orientated coursework that covers:

  • macroeconomics illustrating basic principles combined with the experience of real-life case studies,
  • statistics, providing a balance between statistical theory and application;
  • forecasting and simulation in the context of application manufacturing, retail, and service industries;
  • mathematical economics placing emphasis on a substantial amount of interpretation of numerical indicators in the economic context; and
  • accounting practices that deal with the application of accounting concepts and principles to real-life business situations.

Opportunities after graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Management
Graduates with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Management will be equipped to run their own companies as well as occupy middle-management positions in both the national and international context.

Programming: Students enrolled in the IT program will be prepared for leadership in this important and fast-changing sector of the world economy. The IT program gives students freedom of choice and a wide range of employment opportunities. For too long IT has been an employee’s rather than an employer’s market; however, equipped with cutting-edge knowledge and skills, students will quickly find interesting and well-paid jobs or go on to establish and develop their own businesses.

Opportunities after graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Programming
According to the American business magazine ‘Forbes’, most job offers of the future will be directed towards specialists in the IT industry. By studying IT at Western Pacific University, students can confidently look forward to enhancing their professional prospects in this crucial area of the world economy as the Fourth Industrial Revolution gathers pace.

Advanced Network Technologies: For those of you interested in building your knowledge and skills in the field of design, management, exploitation of network and server infrastructure, and would like the opportunity to cooperate with corporations and other institutions – the Advanced Network Technologies course is for you.
The practical nature of the studies, as well as the integration of the curriculum with a certification program and Work Related Learning, will result not only in a good start but also success in the development of a professional career in a global labour market that is largely dominated by the demand for IT.
Opportunities after graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Advanced Network Technologies
Internet and network technologies represent a constantly developing area of activity in business and other spheres of the rapidly changing labour market. As specialists in these technologies, graduates will, with ease, locate employment opportunities in many emerging fields, for example, virtualisation, cloud computing, system security and, not least, the Internet of things.

If you would like more information about the University, you can send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or check out our website, Facebook page, Instagram page, or Twitter page.

 

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Why study at Western Pacific University?

We love to learn and we know you do too.

Expert Teachers

Expert in Profession

In today’s globalised world, where life and businesses are guarded by specialist, everyone expects you to be professional in your chosen field. WPU’s programs are focused on building you up to be a professional.
Grow Your Skills

Develop your Skills

At the Western Pacific University, you will be invited to take many academic and nonacademic programs. You will be expected to reflect on the development of your strengths and skills such as critical and creative thinking, professionalism, ethics, integrity, communication, interpersonal skills, intercultural competence, leadership, career development, research and intrapersonal ability.
Trusted worldwide

Education Trusted Worldwide

The Western Pacific University is committed to offering you an education that can be trusted by organisations in Papua New Guinea and around the world. We are committed to working with the best Universities overseas to ensure that the investment you make in your education and the degree you will obtain is trusted.
Built for Learning

Success Built to Last

The Western Pacific University will assist you to create a life that matters to you. As the education you will receive at WPU will be not the only factor that can determine your success, but what you do with your personality and knowledge that will count. We hope we can work with you to build success in your life that last.
Outstanding Features

Outstanding Environment

The Western Pacific University provides an inspiring and creative environment in which you will learn, work, be safe and live in a community, be responsive to needs of your fellow students and faculty staff. This environment will challenge your traditional values and encourage an open mind, exchange of ideas and opinions.
Dream Jobs

Dream Jobs

Western Pacific University's mission is to support each student to improve their lives. If you enrol at WPU and commit yourself to your studies, then you can achieve your dream job.

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