The University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) is a dual mode institution, offering undergraduate and post graduate programs through face-to face and distance mode. The schools are responsible for the development of tertiary level courses and providing academic support for both on-campus and off-campus programs.

The UPNG Open College provides technical, administrative, logistic and support services for development and delivery of programs through its network of study centres. The Open College mandate also includes the development and delivery of pre-tertiary courses, professional education and provision of community based education and information.

Distance education in UPNG commenced in 1978 as a program to offer Adult Education Program though limited study centres. The Program was upgraded to Department Status in 1985 and housed under the Faculty of Education. The Institute of Distance and Continuing Education (IDCE) was established in 1993, replacing the Department. The IDCE continued to offer Adult Matriculation Program and a Diploma in Accounting until 2001.

The IDCE was abolished in 2001, and the UPNG Open College was established in 2002. The UPNG Open College offers both undergraduate and pre-tertiary courses. The delivery of courses are paper-based supported by the audio- and video-based materials. Infrastructure is being built for satellite communication, which will pave the way for e-Learning.