PNG Department of Higher Education publishes 2017 HECAS Acceptance list for Universities, colleges online

PRESS STATEMENT

The 2016/2017 National Selections was successfully completed in December 2016 with participation from selectors from over 35 recognized institutions of higher and technical education throughout Papua New Guinea. The Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST) is pleased to announce that a total of 9,924 school leavers were selected by institutions through the national selection process reflecting a 200 percent increase in new intakes from the 2015/2016 National Selections (5,235).

Such magnitude of success, which has not been seen before, is a direct result of various interventions including the O’Neill-Dion Government’s K300 million infrastructure investment within the higher and technical education sector, recognition and accreditation of new institutions and programs under the Higher Education (General Provisions) Act 2014, and the innovative efforts of respective Higher and Technical Education Institutions.

DHERST now wishes to inform all School Leavers, parents, and other stakeholders on the (1) Admissions for school leavers into Higher and Technical Education Institutions and (2) Awarding of Tertiary Education Student Assistance Scheme (TESAS) scholarship.

Admission into Higher and Technical Education Institutions

Admissions into recognised higher and technical education institutions are undertaken solely by the institutions (e.g. Universities, Technical Colleges, and Business Colleges etc.);

Admission is based on subject combination and minimal GPA specific to each institution and academic program;

In general terms, the minimum GPA required for entry into higher and technical education is 1.6 (given the appropriate subject combination). (Note however that institutions may also be limited in admission by various constrictions including the institution’s absorptive capacity);

DHERST is responsible for facilitating the Selections Process (by organizing venue, School Leaver Forms in collaboration with the Measurement Services Division of the Department of Education); and

School leavers who scored an eligible GPA for admission into a higher and technical education institution but were not officially selected through the National Selections process due to variables stated above may approach the institution of their choice directly to seek admission as Self Sponsored Students. This means that if admitted the full tuition fee (including boarding and lodging if necessary) will be met by the School Leavers, Parents or Sponsors.

Awarding of Tertiary Education Student Assistance Scheme (TESAS) Scholarship

TESAS is a National Government Scholarship and is managed by the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology;

Awarding of TESAS is based on receiving an admission offer, being a registered student, and maintaining a high GPA;

In addition, commencing 2017, awarding is now strategically targeted to study areas of Agriculture and Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) in line with government commitment to APEC Priorities and other government priority areas, as well as the annual budget appropriation.

School leavers that were not officially selected through the National Selections Process are NOT eligible for TESAS.

Those school leavers who have been awarded TESAS for the 2017 academic year will be notified through Scholarship Offer Letters from DHERST. Continuing Students who have been awarded TESAS will be notified via the DHERST website.

As part of efforts to improve accountability and transparency, the DHERST has taken the approach to inform and encourage the 2016 School Leavers who are GPA qualified to seek direct admissions into any recognised higher and technical education institution in Papua New Guinea and abroad.

The following  lists have hereby been approved for publishing:

2017 Admissions List – New Intakes  (published on DHERST website Saturday 7th January 2017 and  in print media on Wednesday 11th January 2017): View or Download here

2017 Admissions and TESAS Awards  – Continuing Students (published on Wednesday 11th January 2017) – refer to print media

GPA Qualified School Leavers of 2016 (Note: This list does not guarantee admission or TESAS awarding) – refer to DHERST website (to be advised).