The 2025/2026 DHERST Grade 12 national selection highlights significant opportunities for non-school leavers and students placed in the National Admission Pool, offering second-chance pathways to higher education in Papua New Guinea.
Non-School Leavers: A Pathway to Higher Education
Non-school leavers (NSL) are individuals who did not follow the traditional Grade 12 school pathway but wish to access tertiary education. In 2025:
8,000 NSL records were received from the Department of Education and matriculation centres
2,611 NSL applicants applied through the national selection system
8,401 quota spaces were available specifically for NSL students
This means that demand from non-school leavers was lower than available capacity, providing strong opportunities for adults, former students, and other learners to enter universities and colleges. DHERST encourages all NSL applicants to use the National Online Application System to apply and secure available spaces.
National Admission Pool: Ensuring Opportunities for All
The National Admission Pool is a key feature of PNG’s higher education system. Students—including Grade 12 graduates and non-school leavers—are placed in the pool when their preferred programs have already reached full quota.
10,750 students were placed in the National Admission Pool in 2025
Being in the pool does not mean rejection; students remain eligible for programs with unfilled spaces
Institutions review the pool and issue time-limited offers to students who meet program requirements
Students must check their My Status page regularly and respond to offers within 5–10 working days
The system ensures that every available space is efficiently allocated and gives students with lower GPAs or unfulfilled first-choice selections a second chance to access higher education.
Academic Context and Access
In 2025:
The average Grade 12 GPA was 1.9
Most university programs require around 2.8 GPA
Because some programs were not fully filled, the National Admission Pool allows institutions to consider applicants who meet minimum requirements, including non-school leavers, ensuring fair and wider access to tertiary education.
Support for Students in the Pool
Students in the National Admission Pool are provided with:
Guidance on how selectors will contact them
Information from CDE and matriculation centres to upgrade results for future selections
Access to government scholarships and the Higher Education Loan Program for eligible students
Regional Opportunities
The system also supports regional students:
50 places for students from the Solomon Islands
20 places for students from Vanuatu in priority programs
Conclusion: Expanding Access and Opportunity
The 2025/2026 selection demonstrates PNG’s commitment to making higher education inclusive and accessible.
Non-school leavers benefit from dedicated quotas and second-chance opportunities, while the National Admission Pool ensures that no available space goes unfilled.
