Divine Word University
Madang, Papua New Guinea • Founded 1980
Updated May 2026
Overview
Founded in 1980, the Divine Word University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the large town of Madang (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants).
Officially recognized by the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology of Papua New Guinea, Divine Word University (DWU) is a small-sized coeducational Papua New Guinean higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Catholic religion. Divine Word University (DWU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 44-year-old Papua New Guinean higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
DWU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Divine Word University's campus address and the ways prospective students can reach the institution. For visa queries, contact the international student services office directly rather than central admissions.
Academic Details
Divine Word University's academic structure, enrolment numbers, and accreditation context are gathered below. Together they describe how the institution operates beyond the surface-level overview.
Degrees
Also Advanced Diploma in Emergency Medicine, Eye Care, Religious Studies; Graduate Certificate in Data Networking
Bachelor's 21 programs
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- Accountancy
- Business Administration
- Cultural Studies
- Health Administration
- Health Sciences
- Hotel and Restaurant
- Information Technology
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Journalism
- Management
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Medicine
- Midwifery
- Nursing
- Physical Therapy
- Primary Education
- Public Administration
- Religious Studies
- Social Studies
- Surgery
- Tourism
Master's 6 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Accountancy
- Business Administration
- Educational Administration
- Leadership
- Public Administration
- Public Health
Doctoral 2 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Education
- Philosophy
Diploma & Certificate 11 programs
Diploma and certificate routes deliver focused, applied training for fast entry into skilled occupations.
- Business Administration
- English
- Health Administration
- Human Resources
- Justice Administration
- Management
- Nursing
- Pastoral Studies
- Religious Studies
- Taxation
- Teacher Training
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology of Papua New Guinea.
OLSH Kabaleo Rabaul Campus - Kokopo (Campus) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Primary Education
St. Benedict School of Nursing, Boram - Wewak Campus (Campus) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Nursing
Common Career Paths
- Registered Nurse
- Clinical Nurse
- Public Health Nurse
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
St. Benedicts Campus - Wewak (Campus) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Primary Education
St. Mary's Vunapope Rabaul Campus (Campus) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Midwifery
- Nursing
Arts and Social Sciences (Faculty) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Communication Arts
- Regional Studies
- Religious Studies
- Social Studies
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Social Worker
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Business and Information (Faculty) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business Administration
- Information Management
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Tourism
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Education (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Education
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Medicine and Health Sciences (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Health Sciences
- Medicine
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
Search and filter Divine Word University's available programmes by degree level. The list reflects the institution's current catalogue and may not include programmes that are paused or pending approval.
32 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Papua New Guinea
Bachelor's Degree 15 programmes
Showing 10 of 15.
Master of Business Administration 1 programme
Master's Degree 6 programmes
Diploma 4 programmes
Postgraduate Certificate 2 programmes
Postgraduate Diploma 2 programmes
How to apply to Divine Word University
Below is a five-step path through the application process at Divine Word University, useful for first-time applicants and international students.
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1
Research programmes at Divine Word University
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Divine Word University runs 32 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
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2
Review admissions criteria
Before applying to Divine Word University, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for Papua New Guinea.
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3
Gather supporting documents
Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Divine Word University's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.
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4
Lodge your application
Lodge your application through the official website (www.dwu.ac.pg). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.
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5
Confirm receipt and track progress
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Reach the institution by phone at +675 852 2937. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Divine Word University
Below are the key facts most prospective students ask about Divine Word University, drawn directly from institutional records.
When was Divine Word University founded?
Divine Word University was established in 1980 (approximately 46 years ago).
What city is Divine Word University in?
Divine Word University operates from Madang, Papua New Guinea.
Is Divine Word University public or private?
It is a private higher-education institution.
How big is Divine Word University's student body?
Divine Word University serves approximately 2,000-2,999 students.
What qualification levels does Divine Word University offer?
Programmes at Divine Word University cover bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
What is Divine Word University's religious tradition?
Divine Word University is associated with Christian-Catholic.
Who recognises Divine Word University?
The institution holds recognition from Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST).
What is Divine Word University's official website?
The institution's website is www.dwu.ac.pg.
Other Papua New Guinean, Papuan Universities Affiliated with Christian-Catholic
Curriculum integration of Christian-Catholic content varies — some affiliated universities maintain core religious modules, others treat affiliation as cultural orientation only. Worth verifying programme by programme.
Universities Compared with Divine Word University
Admissions advisor commonalities exist within peer tiers — advisors recommending Divine Word University often recommend the universities below alongside it as natural cross-applications.
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