
UPNG is a dual mode university, meaning it does offer selected undergraduate programs through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) Mode. A lot of students have graduated from University of Papua New Guinea through ODL mode, often known as External Mode of study.
Application for ODL Mode of Study Is still Open for 2021.
In the past years, before introduction of National Online Application System (NOAS) by Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST), University of PNG did two selections for admission for Grade 12 School Leavers. First is the selection of those who have met the GPA requirements and are eligible for admission as on campus students, sponsored by DHERST under TEAS Scholarship Scheme. Second selection is for those who have put UPNG as first choice but just fall sort of GPA requirements by few points or are eligible but due to on space quota limitations they cannot be accommodated on campus. The second list of selected students were given the option to study via External Mode of study as self-sponsored student to complete mostly the first foundation year program. If they do well, then they can stream into internal or on campus mode from the 2nd year onwards.
External Students Application After the Introduction of NOAS at DHERST.
NOAS does selection electronically, so UPNG Academic Schools doesn’t have the option to select the External batch of selection as in the previous years for Grade 12 School leavers. The normal Applications for Non-School Leavers for UPNG normally closes around July or August each year for the succeeding year. This means that current year Grade 12 students are disadvantaged from applying through External Mode. In July/August, Grade 12 students are yet to sit for their final examinations, fill their choices for tertiary studies and selected through NOAS by DHERST.
Therefore, the UPNG Administration has allowed the Academic Schools to extend the Application for External Studies to the 31st or end of January. This extension is ONLY for those Grade 12 students who have completed Year 12 in the current year. Those who have completed Grade 12 in previous years must apply before the normal Non-School Leavers Application which closes in July/August each year.
Programs offered under External Mode
Currently, only three academic schools at UPNG are offering programs through External Mode. These are School of Natural and Physical Sciences (SNPS), School of Business and Public Policy (SBPP) and School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS). Unfortunately, School of Law (SOL) and School of Medical and Health Sciences (SMHS) doesn’t offer any programs under external mode. Maybe in the near future.
School of Business and Public Policy (SBPP) External Programs
- Business Management Foundation Year (BMFY)
- Diploma in Accounting (2nd Year)
- Diploma in Business Management ( 2nd year)
- Bachelor of Accounting (Year 3 & 4)
For full detail program information from SBPP for external students, check this separate post UPNG School of Business and Public Policy (SBPP)-Programs offered through Open College
School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS) External Programs
- First Year Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Arts-Professional Studies In Education
School of Natural and Physical Sciences (SNPS) External Programs
- Science Foundation Year
How To Apply for External Mode at UPNG For 2020
Here are the steps:
- Download the Application form here (Download Application)
- Fill it in and submit it at Any of the UPNG Study Centers around the country. Those in NCD, can launch it at the NCD OPEN CAMPUS or Open College Office inside main campus.
- Applicants submitting submitting from outside, submit it early before 31st January 2021 so that it arrives at UPNG On time.
For more information about UPNG and related programs and schools, visit the UPNG website www.upng.ac.pg or do a search here on the website search button at the top for posts that related to UPNG Open College.
Certificate Programs
UPNG Open College also offers Certificate Programs for those Grade 12 Leavers who would like to do them as a bridging program and get certificates before apply to any tertiary institutions of choice around the country. For that you need to check the UPNG Study center closer to you in the provinces.