The Students Representative Senate (SRS) is calling on the university administration to review the 2026 school fee increase, citing a lack of consultation and fairness.
The fee hike, which represents a 35.6% jump compared to previous years, has sparked widespread concern among students.
Read more on the fee structure here: https://edu.pngfacts.com/education-news/png-university-of-technology-fee-structure-2026
SRS President, Mr. Newton Yangharry told the PNG SUN yesterday:
“The 2026 school fee of K9,609 represents an increase of K2,523.51 in one year. Overall, there has been a nearly 50% increase in just three years, which is extremely concerning for students and their parents.
According to Mr. Yangharry, Unitech school fees have steadily increased since 2023. In 2023, students paid K6,445.62 in school fees. This rose to K6,769.90 in 2024, representing a 5% increase, and further increased to K7,085.49 in 2025, a 4.9% rise.
The SRS President explained that while students acknowledge the university’s need for operational funding and development, the lack of transparency surrounding the fee increase has intensified frustration among the student body.
SRS President, Mr. Yangharry highlighted the key issues, including:
■The fee payment deadline is January 30, which students argue is unreasonable given that semester one officially begins on February 23.
■The increase in laptop fees for first-year students, despite laptops issued in previous years, lacking essential academic software.
■The absence of a specific category for self-sponsored students, many of whom rely on family support and are most affected by sudden increases.
The SRS is requesting the university administration to review the fee structure, extend the payment deadline, and provide clarity on all compulsory charges.
“Students are not opposing institutional development, but are instead calling for consultation, fairness, and accountability in decisions that directly affect access to education,” Mr. Yangharry said.
The university administration has yet to respond to the concerns raised by the Students Representative Senate.