The university has moved from a departmental to a school structure to foster interdisciplinary and inter-school relationships.

Degree courses commenced in 1967 with 83 students across three faculties of arts, law, and science.

[5] The university's first undergraduate degrees were awarded in August 1970 and included future prime minister Rabbie Namaliu.

There are several other major infrastructure developments made in partnership with the Australian Government for a new and modern lecture theater, School of Business and Public Policy complex and a Student Services building.

The National School of Arts, based in Port Moresby, was amalgamated into the university in 1990.