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PNGUoT engineering programs on track for full accreditation

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.
Electrical Engineering graduate Chris Igo - Awardee of the 2023 Council Medal and
Upper Second Class Honours with Merit.
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 Engineering students from the Society of Women Engineers conducting awareness
at a primary school in Lae, Morobe Province.
professional accreditation by Engineers Australia.
The Industry Advisory Board consists of distinguished
representatives from leading entities such as Kumul Petroleum our university. We are delighted to share that we are progressing
Holdings Limited, ExxonMobil PNG, PNG Power, Oil Search steadily, fulfilling all mandatory requirements.
Limited (Santos), Institute of Engineers (PNG), Ok Tedi Mining Our engineering programs now eagerly anticipate the final
Limited, Newcrest Mining Limited, New Britain Oil Palm, National comprehensive review scheduled for the end of August 2024.
Department of Works (NDoW), Digicel PNG, and PNG Chamber A distinguished panel of experts from Engineers Australia will
of Mines and Petroleum. conduct this assessment, paving the way from Provisional to Full
The continued collaborative endeavours are actively engaging Accreditation.
industry stakeholders with the Board, playing a pivotal role in Upon achieving Full Accreditation of the engineering programs,
offering external guidance for curriculum refinement, teaching PNGUoT’s international standing will receive a boost. This
enhancements, collaborative research, funding opportunities, achievement will augment our international profile and attract
industrial placements, visibility, and employment of graduates of a more significant influx of top-tier students to our revamped
the programs. programs. Consequently, it will enhance our reputation for
Industry funding support has been a significant contributing nurturing highly skilled engineering graduates, offering them
factor to the University’s success in achieving Provisional broader and heightened international career prospects.
Accreditation. Meeting this requirement entails the submission of Graduates from PNGUoT’s accredited programs will enjoy
progressive semi-annual reports by the engineering departments complimentary graduate membership to Engineers Australia, a
from 2020 to 2022. gateway to attaining full membership and gaining international
recognition as professional engineers. Additionally, they will
The next step to gaining Full Accreditation possess the academic qualifications required for seamless
Attaining Full Accreditation marks a significant milestone for integration into the Australian industry and workforce.

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