2023 PNG Universities and Colleges Acceptance List: DHERST, Govt, and HEIs Challenges

In this article, the Acceptance List 2023, PNG Insight discusses the key points about the 2023 PNG Universities and Colleges Acceptance List. It puts clarity on the achievements and challenges of the higher education department, the Govt and Stakeholders.

The aim is to address many of the 'why' questions (see the comment thread in this article) relating to the (LATE) release of the selection list and acceptance list in 2021.

The opinions are based on our personal experience since the inception of DHERST's online selection systems. We hope that it gives you an understanding of the whole process. 

For the status updates of the PNG universities acceptance lists, click here.

DHERST TESAS Award list for New Intakes (SL & NSL) and Continuing students for 2023 was released today - download the PDFs here 

Grade 12 selections to the tertiary institutions

The selection of Grade 12 students takes place before the Acceptance List 2023 comes out. 

DHERST used the National Online Application System (NOAS) to capture students' school leavers' choic

es. And uses the National Online Selection System (NOSS) to, electronically, select students according to their choice on the online school leavers' form, the NOAS.

Before 2018, the Grade 12 students have only 1st, 2nd and 3rd choices they pre-fill on a manual school leavers form. The manual SLF is sent to Port Moresby where tertiary institutions in the country scour over the paper forms and select students - this is long gone. 

The online selection and 2023 acceptance list compilation will be the 5th year DHERST runs the online selection. 

The online selection system and acceptance is the best technological intervention implemented by the higher education department, DHERST. 

However, there seemed to be a certain weakness in the selection process as seen in the release of the 2020 and 2021 acceptance lists. We do not know exactly what caused the delay but we can only infer that it may be due to the Public Holiday. 

2021 Acceptance List Release - Case Example

The 2021 acceptance list will be published before the TESAS Award list. 

The Post Courier reports on a statement by the higher education department secretary mentioned that the 2021 acceptance list will be published in two parts: 

• Acceptance List of School Leavers: formal list of all the students who will be enrolled for the first time at tertiary institutions in the country. 
• TESAS Award List 2021: The final list of the students in the 2021 acceptance list including their 'indicated' TESAS Award status.

DHERST indicated to have released the acceptance list on the second Friday of January 2021. This has not happened. 

We believe DHERST was working to get the 2021 acceptance list out to the public. Meanwhile, students, parents and citizens have to wait for the higher education department to make another announcement. 

The Post Courier reported that the TESAS Award list will be released in late January or February 2021. 

The reason is that 'DHERST will wait for all the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the country to confirm their selection listing before the final TESAS Award List comes out.

Waiting for the HEIs in the country to send the confirmed list to DHERST can take ages. But, the Post Courier hinted that the final list could come out by late January or early February before the academic year starts.

Why Acceptance List Not Released on time?

Many students, parents and stakeholders were asking the same question, why was the list acceptance list not released on time. 

As mentioned, the process of selection, quality checks, confirming availability of spaces with HEIs, etc is challenging. DHERST must get it right so that they do not mess up the final acceptance list.

The final acceptance list for students to enrol at the universities (including the PNG Govt's scholarship details) should/will come out a few weeks before the academic year starts. 

If you are someone with a special circumstance (non-school leaver, school leaver, self-sponsored, etc ) and needed more time to prepare; make sure you mitigate the risks in good time before the academic year starts.

DHERST Acceptance list 2023 Key Points

In a press release two years ago, the department of higher education said the students whose names appeared on the Grade 12 selection list must take note of the three points

• (1) Your personal details contained within your application has been forwarded to the Higher Education Institution which has selected you.
• (2) You should expect to receive an admissions offer letter directly from your Higher Education Institution (HEI). The HEI will communicate directly with you to inform you on specific details. 
• (3) If your Study Program receives scholarship awards from the National Government, you may be eligible for financial support through the Tertiary Education Student Assistance Scheme (TESAS). Your TESAS status is also indicated in this National Selection List. Please log in to the NOAS (apply.dherst.gov.pg) and check MyStatus section any time before the 22nd December 2018 for further details on how to access your scholarship. [DHERST , Press Release 2018]

 

Concerns if DHERST race past February 2023

In the meantime, there is no need to worry, even though the school year is approaching fast. Citizens and stakeholders must be patient. DHERST, since 2018, has done a fantastic job with the:

• Online School Leavers Application (NOAS),

• Online Selection System (NOSS),

• Compiling and quality-checking the selection listings

• Liaising with HEIs in the country, 

• Publishing the acceptance listing for ALL the HEIs 

Of course, there should be concerns raised IF DHERST has gone past mid-February. But for now, the department needs all the support it can get from the PNG govt, institutions in the country, parents, citizens and stakeholders.

We ask that you join us on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube for up-to-date education info on tertiary institution selections in the country, as they happen. In addition to PNG Insight Blog, we also run the PNG Insight website and PNG Mathematics Exam Resource website. 

DHERST HELP Loan Application for Tertiary Institutions in PNG

ELP application form: As for the present DHERST HELP applications, Fr Jan explained that students applying for this loan have to fill out the application form and leave them with their respective administration for enrolment purposes. 

The NBC News reported earlier this year that a Temporary Declaration Form which is similar to HELP Loan Application Form was issued by the Secretary’s office to all tertiary institutions and colleges in the country.

Many students who applied for loans this year got assistance from their universities and colleges to do that. But what about next year, 2023? 

This new article has the latest on DHERST Students Loan Program - Click on the link to find out about the timeline and application eligibility criteria.

The information is sketchy at the moment. But, here is information available form to us from what the former higher education secretary had said about the HELP loan.

Help application online 2023

In 2021, the then DHERST secretary Fr Jan mentioned that the HELP application form would be downloaded online so that students do not have to go through the dept, or contact them, to get a PDF application form.

Here is how the application for the DHERST HELP program will (is intended to) work:

• Visit DHERST website
• Access DHERST HELP electronic application app
• Download the 2023 application form, 
• Complete the application form, and
•  Send them back to DHESRT before the deadline.

This new article has the latest on DHERST Students Loan Program - Click on the link to find out about the timeline and application eligibility criteria.

Note that DHERST has NOT implemented the online application system yet on their website. Nor have they released the HELP Online Application Handbook that Fr Jan mentioned. 

We will put a direct link here when they release it this year. 

K220m FOR HIGHER EDUCATION LOAN PROGRAM (NBC News)

Management of HELP Students Loan Funds

The government has released a total of K220 million for the Higher Education Loan Program or HELP student loan scheme for the academic year 2021. In fact, DHERST made an initial submission for K350 million but was only given K220 million.

Fr Jan Czuba stated that this amount is sufficient and would not often be fully used and whatever remains can be rolled over to next year’s (2023) allocation.

The Higher Education Secretary said three options have been discussed and looked at as the avenue where this fund will be managed.

He said they are considering options that are going to be transparent and also to ensure the money grows instead of being used up.

Higher Education Secretary Fr Jan Czuba said the release of funds is for implementation in April this year (2021)

Recommended readings for HELP students loan

Here are past news articles and information about DHERST HELP student loan programs that you should know when applying.

• Introduction of HELP student loan, 2020
• HELP Studentships: What Are the Benefits?
• TESAS and HELP APPLICATION INFO

Leave a comment and let us know what you think. 

HELP Studentships: What Are the Benefits? Media Statement

Below is an adapted version of the media statement released by DHERST per the HELP (PNG Higher Education Loan Program) studentship load program for 2020. The original version can be found via the link provided below. 

IMAGE: DHERST Media Release

Key points about PNG Higher Education Loan Program

• HELP student loan is 'interest-free' with lenient repayment plans and schedules
• Application for HELP is online via DHERST website
• Students will begin repayments on their loan about six months after their graduation
• HELP studentships will commence during the opening of the first semester of the academic year 2020.
• You DO NOT have to get the loan if you can afford to pay higher-education fees or have secured a sponsorship.
• HELP covers a wide range of students as long as the students secured a place at a tertiary institution in the country: self-sponsored, drop-outs/self-withdrawn, selected students, post-graduate students, etc

One disparity between an NBC new article (READ IT HERE) and this press release is the difference in HELP 'commencement dates'. But, understandably the date of commencement stated by DHERST (first semester of the academic year 2020) could be considered.

HELP is 'far-reaching'

Government is committed to providing financial assistance to students this year through the innovative and far-reaching HELP program that has been carefully designed with the PNG context in mind.

Whilst we wish to reward academic excellence, it should be noted that HELP will fund those students who, for different reasons, may have not met the qualifying criteria for TESAS.

To clarify the situation, during this academic year a full awareness-raising program will be carried out across all institutions of higher learning and the public at large.

The HELP program is inclusive and will also extend to those students who are self-sponsored. 

In future years the program will embrace students who have ‘dropped-out’ for whatever reason and wish to return to further their education in either government or private higher education institutions.

Government is firmly committed to the principle of equal value in education, seeing it as a fundamental right, and will ensure that no child or student is left behind.

How to apply for HELP?

Those seeking access to HELP studentships will download and complete application forms from the DHERST website once they have enrolled with, and been accepted by, an HEI for the 2020 academic year. 

During the coming year, we will register all prospective students through the issue of National Identity Cards.

The rollout of the HELP studentships will commence during the opening of the first semester of the academic year 2020.

Many people are understandably hesitant to borrow money. Any loan is a serious commitment, and should not be entered into lightly.

Having said that, student loans are often necessary to make it possible for a young person to fulfil their university or college dreams.

HELP terms and provisions

The PNG Higher Education Loan Program (HELP), offers special terms and provisions that make them a more affordable and manageable commitment for young university or collegebound students.

Around the world, most student loans offer lower interest rates, but the PNG HELP is interest-free, provides for deferred payment options together with a repayment grace period following graduation.

Under the HELP, student borrowers can also take advantage of more lenient repayment plans and schedules that are exclusive to HELP, unlike the more restrictive terms and conditions of a standard loan.

HELP studentships offer greater flexibility and more manageable terms and conditions than standard non-education loans.

For many students, an education loan will be their first major financial transaction. While taking out a studentship may seem a daunting prospect, it is also the perfect opportunity to begin to build a solid credit history.

HELP is the beginning of many students' financial history. By keeping up to date on all university or college loan repayments a student can begin to lay the foundation of a good credit score, which will prove greatly beneficial in later life.

One of the many advantages of a HELP studentship is that the student does not need to repay before he or she graduates. The HELP scheme will allow students time to seek a job before repayments commence.

Generally speaking, students will begin repayments on their loan about six months after their graduation.

Benefits of HELP Loan

There are clearly many benefits of a HELP studentship.

Naturally, there will be students who are wealthier than others and who may not need to consider such an offer. However, for most students, a HELP studentship is a means (way) of allowing them (poor students) to concentrate on their studies rather than worrying about the source of funding for their tertiary education.

Professor Fr. Jan Czuba

Secretary DHERST

Source: DHERST, HELP Studentships: What Are the Benefits? [ORIGINAL PDF DOC] released 13th January 2020

Note: The media statement was adapted for an easy read. The signed original copy can be found via the link above. 

Recommended readings for HELP students loan

Here are past news articles and information about DHERST HELP student loan programs that you should know when applying.

• Introduction of HELP student loan, 2020
• HELP Studentships: What Are the Benefits?
• TESAS and HELP APPLICATION INFO
• How to apply for 2021 - 2022 HELP Application 

Leave a comment and let us know what you think. 

TESAS List Continuing Students DHERST Students Info

The secretary for the Department of Higher Education Research Science and Technology (DHERST), Professor Fr. Jan Czuba, congratulated and wished every continuing student the BEST in their studies. He also announced the approved list of continuing students who are on TESAS attending the Higher Education institutions in Papua New Guinea.

DHERST TESAS Award list for New Intakes (SL & NSL) and Continuing students for 2023 was released today - download the PDFs here 

Screenshot | DHERST NEWS

Updated info on HELP students loan programs

Here are past news articles and information about DHERST HELP student loan programs that you should know when applying.

• Introduction of HELP student loan
• HELP Studentships: What Are the Benefits?
• TESAS and HELP APPLICATION INFO
• How to apply for 2021 - 2022 HELP Application 

Continuing students - Notice

If you are a student with no names on the TESAS approved list of continuing students, here is what the department had to say...

Be advised that students whose name do not appear on the list will appear on the Supplementary List which will be published soon.

DHERST did not say exactly when the supplementary list will be published. In anticipation for the list to come out, please check the department's website. 

The department of higher education, DHERST, had appealed to the 'institutions who do not submit the list of continuing students to the department are advised to do so before the end of January 2020'. [Press Release, 03/01/2020]

Where to download continuing students TESAS award list

DHERST TESAS Award list for New Intakes (SL & NSL) and Continuing students for 2023 was released today - download the PDFs here 

How to check your name?

If you are a continuing student wanting to find out your name is on the TESAS Award PDF doc, follow these 5 steps to find out:

1. Open the Continuing Students TESAS Awards List, here (PDF, 99 pages).
2. Download the PDF file to your computer/smartphone/device

3. Save and open the award list

4. Use the 'Search' icon

5. Important: you must type in your full names (Surname & given name)

The names' print is very small. However, if you do follow the instruction, you are likely to find your name quickly.

When you have found your name, make sure you confirm the other details like the institution, program, year and award.

What does TESAS mean?

TESAS stands for Tertiary Education Students Assistance Scheme. There are two categories of TESAS. See this post for more info on TESAS. 

Perhaps it is important that new and continuing students at all the tertiary institutions inPNG are up-to-date the changes that are happening at present. Especially, the changes to TESAS and the introduction of the HELP student loan scheme.

One suggestion is to check the latest updates on the HELP scheme at DHERST website. The department has some updates on the changes in higher education tuition and the purported student loan scheme. Here is an online news article by NBC News (Reposted) - READ MORE. Some key points are listed in bullet points below.

About PNG Insight

PNG Insight is an education blog. It aims to highlight the key developments in the education sector in Papua New Guinea. Started in 2014 on Google's blogger (now self-hosted on Wordpress), PNG Insight strives to be a platform for critical thinking and discussions; and a source of information.

Leave a comment and let us know about your visit. 

TESAS: Grade 12 Guide to Securing a Tertiary Institution Government Scholarship

You were a Grade 12 student. Your Grade Point Average (GPA) is above 2.00. Yet you were not selected to continue higher education. Potentially, you can enter a tertiary institution in the country.

I do not want to raise your hopes too high. If you have a GPA below 2.00 - 2.50 you will find it very hard to enter a tertiary institution. This post aims to help the Grade 12 students who have a GPA between 2.00 and 3.00 and dropped out of the education system. 

• If you do not know your GPA, see how to calculate it ⇦. 

• You can also find out why your choice on SLF has a big impact on selection⇦.

In fact, there are many students who tried again and were fortunate to enter universities and colleges in the country. You can also do the same to secure yourself not only space but also a government scholarship - HECAS.

Research the program of your choice thoroughly

First, research the program of your choice thoroughly. The students' services and administration officers will provide the necessary help.  Start with the answers to the following questions before completing and submitting the application form:

• What is the minimum GPA requirement? This question will help you to identify whether you are a hot, warm or cold applicant.
• How many spaces are available? Knowing the number of intakes every year gives the applicant a picture of the space there are. According to the 12 Grade stats, five students are applying for every space available under government scholarships.
• When is the closing date for submission? Getting the time right is important too - your application must not be too early nor too late.
• What to do when you've made submission? Always follow up with the Students Services or Administration for updates. 
• What if you are not selected having applied? Do not stop there. If you have done the first three steps properly (and are convinced you are the likely candidate), go to the institution and demand the reason why your application was rejected. This must be done before the start of the academic year.

Make every effort to secure a government scholarship

Second, make every effort to secure a government scholarship for the program on successful application. It is tight to get a Higher Education Contribution Assistance Scheme (HECAS) scholarship especially if you are a non-Grade 12 school leaver. That means that you will have to sponsor yourself during the first year of your study. 

Once the door is opened for you, get in, do well academically and apply for a second-year scholarship. Make no mistake, you must perform well and maintain your GPA in the first year. 

Importantly, on successful completion of semester one ask your lecturers, Admin and Student Services staff for help with completing an application for securing your scholarship. 

Complete the application form for tertiary students scholarship offered by the PNG government and submit the application around May/June to the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST) in Port Moresby.

Follow up with DHERST Scholarship Office 

Always follow up immediately and on regular basis to find out about your applications. Thimon is one of the best persons to help you. His email is Thimon.Bune@dherst.gov.pg. 

To ask for application forms call 301 2052  or email ask@dherst.gov.pg. More information on government yearly scholarships ( TESAS, AES, and HECAS) can be found on the DHERST website. 

About PNG Insight
PNG Insight is an education blog. It aims to highlight the key developments in the education sector in Papua New Guinea. Started in 2014 on Google's blogger (now self-hosted on WordPress), PNG Insight strives to be a platform for critical thinking and discussions; and a source of information.

You can follow us on Twitter (@PNG_Insight) for the information on Education and Development in Papua New Guinea.

GPA: How To Calculate Grade Point Average and Why You Should Know It

I thought it would be a good idea to disseminate this information to students, especially Grade 12 students, at this time of the year. 

Your grades are awarded a number from 0.0 (FAIL) to 4.0 (A). Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated by dividing the product of grade points and credit points by the total credit Points. 

Here is a post about DHERST Selections that provides information for Schools Leavers and Non-School Leavers.

This may sound complicated but in fact, it is straightforward if you have your transcript ready. 

You can either use online calculators or use the formula to work out your GPA. I prefer to use the formula on an Excel spreadsheet to calculate my GPA.

Three stand-out reasons why you should know your GPA 

• if you are looking for a job, it is useful to know your GPA; 
• or if you are applying for a scholarship, many overseas institutions will ask for your GPA;
• or as a new student or continuing student, you should be mindful to stay above a GPA of 2.0, in some cases 2.25 - these are magic numbers! Fall below and you are out, or your parent self-sponsor you.

GPA for HECAS

To be eligible for a Higher Education Contribution Assistant Scheme (HECAS), the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST) recommends that you score a minimum of 2.0 or higher. UNITECH has raised this to 2.25.

That means that universities are not places for students scoring a GPA below 2. Questions should be asked as to how they get their foot in if they had. 

If you are an academically bright student, you could qualify for the government's rewarding scheme called the Academic Excellence Scholarship Scheme (AES) with a GPA of 3.6 for first-year students. That means that any grade 12 student with straight As is a candidate for AES) or 3.7 for second to final years.  

If you need assistance, talk to your institutions' students service division. 

PNG Unis GPA Info

An updated version of this post discusses the following GPA topics in detail:

• Calculate Grade 12 GPA
• GPA for PNG Universities Selection
• Why you should know the University GPA
• GPA Uni Entry, Scholarship or Work
• TESAS Info for Students
• Grade 12 Guide to TESAS
• How to apply for TESAS Non-school Leavers
• Apply for TESAS after admission

Click here for more information.

About PNG Insight

PNG Insight is an education blog. It aims to highlight the key developments in the education sector in Papua New Guinea. Started in 2014 on Google's blogger (now self-hosted on WordPress), PNG Insight strives to be a platform for critical thinking and discussions; and a source of information.

You can follow us on Twitter (@PNG_Insight) for information on Education and Development in Papua New Guinea.