Certificate in Higher Education Foundation Studies
Students who successfully complete the Certificate in Higher Education Foundation Studies Programme will acquire a higher level of the writing and mathematical skills they developed in the school system along with skills required in the modern workplace such as digital literacy, basic research and data analysis skills, critical thinking and critical enquiry, collaborative teamwork and ethical practice.
AIM : The general aim of Foundation Year Programmes is to ensure that students are sufficiently equipped with conceptual knowledge and skills, especially in
quantitative and scientific disciplines, as well as academic literacy and values-based skills, in preparation for undergraduate studies.
Program Highlight
Level
Foundation
Duration
1 Year
Semesters
02
Language
English
About CHEFS Programme
The Certificate in Higher Education Foundation Studies (CHEFS) programme is a compulsory course of study for students seeking entry into a Bachelor level programme at Western Pacific University. Students who successfully complete the Certificate in Higher Education Foundation Studies Programme will acquire a higher level of the writing and mathematical skills they developed in the school system along with skills required in themodern workplace such as digital literacy, basic research and data analysis skills, critical thinking and critical enquiry, collaborative team work and ethical practice.
Certificate in Higher Education Foundation Studies (CHEFS)
Typical Programme Structure
A 12-month Certificate in Higher Education Foundation Studies (CHEFS) programme usually follows a structure split across two academic terms.
- Duration: 12 Months (Full-Time)
- Total Units: 8 units (6 core units and 2 electives)
- Structure: Heavily focused on taught coursework.
Example Subjects
Introduction to Business
Fundamentals of Accounting
Introduction to Computing and Cybersecurity
Basic Computer Hardware
Learning in a Digital Age
Foundation Skills for University Learning 1
Why study the Programme?
The general aim of Foundation Year programs is to ensure that students are sufficiently equipped with conceptual knowledge and skills, especially in quantitative and scientific disciplines.
Equip You For Undergraduate Studies
A delivery model that will scaffold from face-to-face delivery to increasingly self- directed online learning in the final year of the Bachelor programme into post- graduate study (focus on digital literacy, online and blended learning skills)
Quality Education
Students will be equipped with academic literacy and values-based skills, to be able to complete their undergraduate studies to a high standard and meet the demands of future employers.
Career Opportunities
1. Software Production Engineer
2. Mobile App Developer
3. Database Administrator
4. Information Security Analysts
5. Computer Systems Engineer
6. Programmer
7. IT Systems Designer
Curriculum Overview
Curriculum Breakdown Summary
In Semester 1, students undertake the first four core units. In Semester 2, students take the remaining two core units and two electives. There are technically four electives offered in Semester 2: two electives for students wishing to pursue Business after the CHEFS programme and two IT electives for students aiming to continue with IT programmes at WPU upon successful completion of the CHEFS programme.
Semester 1
| Courses Code | Core Courses |
|---|---|
| FYS101 | Foundation Skills for University Learning 1 |
| FYS102 | Foundations of Society |
| FYS103 | Fundamentals of Mathematics |
| FYS104 | Learning in a Digital Age |
Semester 2
| Courses Code | Core Cources |
|---|---|
| FYS202 | Craft of Academic Writing |
| FYS203 | Foundations of Academic Research |
Electives for IT
| Courses Code | Core Cources |
|---|---|
| FYS204 | Introduction to Computing and Cybersecurity |
| FYS207 | Basic Computer Hardware |
Electives for Business
| Courses Code | Core Cources |
|---|---|
| FYS205 | Introduction to Business |
| FYS206 | Fundamentals of Accounting |

Dr. Adesegun Benedict Titus
Director Foundation Studies
atitus@wpu.ac.pg

Mrs. Shamone Iggie Kalakulu
HoD & Lecturer 1 in Education- English Major
skalakulu@wpu.ac.pg

Mr. Augustine Mara
Lecturer 1 in Mathematics
amara@wpu.ac.pg

Ms. Calista Hamadi
Lecturer 1 in Arts & Social Sciences
chamadi@wpu.ac.pg

Mr. Stanson Nakanol
Tutor in Computing & Mathematics
snakonal@wpu.ac.pg
Programmes Cost
Our programme costs are designed to remain transparent, competitive and accessible for students from diverse backgrounds. Each academic program includes tuition fees, boarding and lodging fees and ensuring students receive high-quality education and comprehensive academic support. Costs may vary based on program type, course load, and mode of study (on-campus, hybrid, or online).
Fees
- Fees may be subject to change.
| Regular Students | Cost K |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fee | K 12,000 |
| Boarding & Lodging | K 3,500 |
Requirements and Deadlines
Application for 2027 Academic Year closes on the 31st of July 2026 at 4.00 pm.
Only accepted students will be notified, applicants who do not receive any notification from us are considered unsuccessful.
Interested applicants should have a valid Gmail Email account in order to access the application form on the link below:
Information for School Leaver Applicants
Admissions Required Documents:
1. ID card (Former Gr12 ID, matriculation ID, NID, Current passport)
2. Receipt of application payment
3. Transcripts/certificates of academic records. (college/university studies, vocational training, distance/open learning courses)
4. Grade 10 certificate
5. Grade 12 certificate
6. Recent Character references from two (2) referees. (e.g. priest, pastor, ward councilor or Headmaster, employer)
7. A current Police Clearance for study
8. A current medical status report
REMEMBER: You need a Gmail Email account in order to access the application link below. You will be required to login into your Gmail account before the application form can be accessed:
Note: Applicants who are caught using forged or altered documents will be disqualified from applying to the institution permanently.
Information for Non-School Leaver Applicants
Before you apply, make sure you understand the following instructions and information in Parts A, and B. Applications will be denied if all needed information is not provided. An application form can only be submitted once.
Part A: Entry Requirements for Programmes of Study
The requirements for our six bachelor degree programs are as follows:
Business Programmes
1. .BA. in International Business Management
2. BA. in Aviation Management
Requirements:
1. Entry GPA of 2.9 or greater
2. A or B in listed subjects (Language & Literature, Applied English, General Mathematics, Advance Mathematics , Business Studies, Economics, Accounting, Legal Studies, Geography and History)
IT Programmes
1. BSc. in Computer Programming
2. BSc. in Computer Networks
3. BSc. in Cybersecurity
4. BSc. in Game Design & Development
Requirements:
1. Entry GPA of 2.9 or greater
2. A or B in listed subjects (Language & Literature, Applied English, General Mathematics, Advance Mathematics , STEM Mathematics, Biology, STEM Biology, STEM Physics, Chemistry, STEM Chemistry, Information Communication Technologies, STEM Technology, STEM Engineering)
Part B: Submission instructions checklist
1. Ensure all information in the application form are current and valid (Validity of information must be current and accurate in the last 6 months)
2. The outcome of the application will be communicated via email
3. Copies of original documents must be officially certified by a registered Commissioner of Oaths
4. All copies of documents must be scanned in pdf file format
5. Statutory Declaration Forms will be rejected if the documents are not officially stamped and signed by a Commissioner of Oaths
5. Hand-delivered, email delivered or post delivered applications will not be accepted
6. A non-refundable application processing fee of K50.00 must be deposited into account, the details are provided below:
Banking Details
- Bank: Bank South Pacific (BSP)
- Account Name: Western Pacific University Tuition
- Account Number: 7021394221
- Branch: Port Moresby
- BSB: 088-294
- Description: STUDENT’S FULL NAME (always include this)









