Non-School Leavers and the National Admission Pool – Opportunities in 2025/2026

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

KEY STAT: 

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.

NOAS Selection List 2025: Key Dates and Events for Selection, Admission Pool and Publishing of DHERST TESAS LIST

The Department of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology (DHERST) Grace Period has come to an end and is preparing to release the much-anticipated NOAS Selection List 2025. The Grade 12 students school leavers and non-school leavers applying through the National Online Application System (NOAS) will know their selection status soon. 

 The Grace Period for NOAS applications will officially end on 14th December 2024 at 11:59 PM. This final deadline provides students with the opportunity to make last-minute adjustments to their application choices before the selection process is finalized. 

On 18th December 2024, the Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology, Hon. Kinoka Hotune Feo, will formally launch the NOAS selection system. This event will see the NOAS system swiftly selecting students within seconds of activation. 

DHERST will publish the NOAS Selection List PDF, including the DHERST TESAS List, on their official website on 20th December 2024. This list will detail the TESAS Awards for both Grade 12 school leavers and non-school leavers for 2025's new intakes to tertiary institutions. 

Students must verify their scholarship status. Those not listed under TESAS as HECAS or AES recipients will be considered self-sponsored students for the year 2025. In addition to the new intakes, DHERST will release the TESAS Awards List for continuing students, providing details on their Higher Education Contribution Assistance Scheme (HECAS) and Academic Excellence Scholarship (AES) status. 

Students not initially selected will be placed in the NOAS Admission Pool, which comprises approximately 6000 spaces. This pool is designated for students who meet the GPA thresholds set by universities and colleges. Students concerned about their GPAs should check their NOAS accounts for their selection status. 

If placed in the Admission Pool, it is essential to readjust school leavers' choices to match the eligibility criteria for available spaces. DHERST has scheduled the publication of selection results for 20th December 2024. 

These results will be accessible through applicants' NOAS accounts under the 'MyStatus' tab. All formal announcements will be disseminated via the NOAS landing page, MyStatus notice board, DHERST social platforms, and authorized press statements.

Southern Cross University Admissions for 2025 Now Open

Southern Cross University, in partnership with IBS University, has officially opened its admissions for the 2025 intake. This announcement comes as great news for aspiring students eager to pursue higher education in Papua New Guinea. 

Range of Programs 

The university offers various programs designed to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills for success in today's competitive world. 

Available degree programs include: 

• Accounting and Finance: Build a strong foundation in financial principles and practices. 
• Economics and Development: Gain a deep understanding of economic theories and their applications. 
• Business and Management: Develop leadership skills and business acumen. 
• Information Technology: Stay ahead with cutting-edge knowledge in IT and digital innovation. 

Apply today to join Southern Cross University

You can also download the application form here. To apply, visit  https://ibsu.ac.pg/admissions-are-now-open-for-2025-intake/ and download the application PDFs for the 2025 intake. Fill out all required information accurately and submit your application on time.

1. APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION FORM 2025 - DOWNLOAD

2. 2025 ADVANCED STANDING APPLICATION FORM - DOWNLOAD

Why Choose Southern Cross University? 

Southern Cross University, known for its commitment to academic excellence and innovation, offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Whether you're looking to advance in your current field or embark on a new academic journey, 

Southern Cross University provides the perfect opportunity to achieve your educational goals.