PNG DHERST Confirms 2026 TESAS Awards for First-Year and Returning Students

The Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST) has confirmed the awarding of the Tertiary Education Study Assistance Scheme (TESAS) for the 2026 academic year.

The department said the TESAS awards cover both first-year students and continuing students enrolled in registered higher education institutions across the country. Students who applied through the National Online Application System (NOAS), those admitted through the National Admissions Pool, and scholarship recipients have all been included in the list.

DHERST said the awards were issued based on national selection results and institutional records, with the official list now published for students to check. The department also confirmed that the institutional TESAS lists will be sent directly to higher education institution registrars for processing.

Under the 2026 TESAS structure, students are placed into categories based on their Grade Point Average (GPA). University students with higher GPAs will receive full assistance packages that include board and lodging allowances, resource support, and travel allowances where eligible. Non-university students and self-sponsored students will receive assistance based on their specific category.

The department also noted that all outstanding TESAS arrears from the 2025 academic year have been fully settled. Payments for Semester One of 2026 will begin once higher education institutions complete student registrations on the i-PNG register portal.

However, the department said continuing students from the University of Goroka main campus are not included in the current TESAS list due to changes in the university’s 2025 academic calendar. DHERST expects to receive a full assessment report by the end of January, with notifications to be issued in early February. First-year students at the university are not affected.

DHERST also acknowledged that some institutions did not submit student GPA data on time. The department said these cases would be handled with integrity and that a supplementary TESAS list may be considered for affected students.

Acting Secretary Lonnie Baki congratulated the awardees and encouraged them to focus on their studies, saying:
“Congratulations to the TESAS awardees on your achievements and we encourage you all to prioritise your studies and strive for excellence.” 

Access the tesas listing here >> Tesas Listing for 2026