The Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNGUoT) is leading the way in engineering education and making a global impact. As the sole provider of diverse engineering programs in PNG, PNGUoT possesses a legacy of producing skilled engineers contributing to the Pacific and beyond.
With industry demands growing and engineering practices advancing, PNGUoT is committed to cultivating high-caliber, job-ready professionals. This commitment was underscored by the initiative to align all engineering programs with international benchmarks, starting with accreditation by Engineers Australia (formerly Institution of Engineers Australia) in 2015 under the Washington Accord.
The Washington Accord is an international accreditation agreement for undergraduate professional engineering academic degrees and postgraduate professional engineering academic degrees between the bodies responsible for accreditation in its signatory countries.
Provisional Accreditation
In 2019, PNGUoT was accorded a Provisional Accreditation at the level of Professional Engineer for the 5 engineering programs offered at the University’s Taraka Campus in Lae:
- Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours)
- Bachelor of Electrical and Communication Engineering (Honours)
- Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours)
- Bachelor of Mining Engineering (Honours)
- Bachelor of Mineral Processing Engineering (Honours)
The Provisional Accreditation complies with the Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standards and criteria, and the PNG National Qualifications Framework (PNGNQF) level 8.
In 2017, with the enthusiastic encouragement and support of its Industry Advisory Board, PNGUoT embarked on a comprehensive initiative to revitalize its engineering programs and align them and associated facilities and quality systems for professional accreditation by Engineers Australia.
The Industry Advisory Board consists of distinguished representatives from leading entities such as Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited, ExxonMobil PNG, PNG Power, Oil Search Limited (Santos), Institute of Engineers (PNG), Ok Tedi Mining Limited, Newcrest Mining Limited, New Britain Oil Palm, National Department of Works (NDoW), Digicel PNG, and PNG Chamber of Mines and Petroleum.
The continued collaborative endeavours are actively engaging industry stakeholders with the Board, playing a pivotal role in offering external guidance for curriculum refinement, teaching enhancements, collaborative research, funding opportunities, industrial placements, visibility, and employment of graduates of the programs.
Industry funding support has been a significant contributing factor to the University’s success in achieving Provisional Accreditation. Meeting this requirement entails the submission of progressive semi-annual reports by the engineering departments from 2020 to 2022.
The next step to gaining Full Accreditation
Attaining Full Accreditation marks a significant milestone forPNGUoT engineering programs on track for full accreditation our university. We are delighted to share that we are progressing steadily, fulfilling all mandatory requirements.
Our engineering programs now eagerly anticipate the final comprehensive review scheduled for the end of August 2024. A distinguished panel of experts from Engineers Australia will conduct this assessment, paving the way from Provisional to Full Accreditation.
Upon achieving Full Accreditation of the engineering programs, PNGUoT’s international standing will receive a boost. This achievement will augment our international profile and attract a more significant influx of top-tier students to our revamped programs. Consequently, it will enhance our reputation for nurturing highly skilled engineering graduates, offering them broader and heightened international career prospects.
Graduates from PNGUoT’s accredited programs will enjoy complimentary graduate membership to Engineers Australia, a gateway to attaining full membership and gaining international recognition as professional engineers. Additionally, they will possess the academic qualifications required for seamless integration into the Australian industry and workforce.
