What is the GPA for top universities in Australia?

The top universities in Australia enrol the top students in the country and from around the world. Entering these universities requires high grade point average (GPA), good grades in standardised tests and personality. Here, PNG Insight takes a look at the top 10 universities in Australia, GPAs and what you should do to enter as an undergraduate student.

Top 10 universities in Australia

The top 10 universities in Australia, according to the 2021 QS World University Rankings are:

1. Australian National University
2. University of Melbourne
3. University of Sydney
4. University of Queensland
5. Monash University
6. University of New South Wales
7. University of Western Australia
8. University of Adelaide
9. The University of Technology Sydney
10. University of Wollongong

Important: Note that the ranking of universities can change from year to year based on various factors and the list I provided is based on the 2021 QS World University Rankings.

What is the GPA for top Australian universities?

The GPA required for top Australian universities varies depending on the university and program. 

Generally, the average GPA for acceptance into a graduate program at a top university in Australia is around 7/7.5 (on a 9-point scale), or a B+/A- (on a 4-point scale). 

However, it's important to note that GPA is just one of many factors considered in the admissions process and strong performance in other areas such as research, extracurricular activities, and recommendation letters can compensate for a lower GPA.

How to enter top universities in Australia

There are a few steps you can take to increase your chances of being accepted into one of the top universities in Australia:

• Maintain a high grade point average (GPA) throughout your high school education. Many universities in Australia will consider your high school grades when making admissions decisions.
• Take the appropriate standardized tests, such as the SAT or ACT for undergraduate admissions, or the GRE or GMAT for graduate admissions
• Consider taking advanced placement (AP) or honours classes in high school, as these can demonstrate your readiness for college-level coursework.
• Get involved in extracurricular activities, such as clubs, sports teams, or volunteer work. These can demonstrate your leadership skills and commitment to your community.
• Prepare a strong personal statement or college essay. This is your chance to showcase your personality, achievements, and goals, and to explain why you would be a good fit for the university.
• Meet the minimum requirements, such as English language proficiency, and any other prerequisites for the course you are applying for.
• Start your application early, and make sure to double-check your application before you submit it.
• Consider applying for scholarships, which may be available to international students, especially students from Papua New Guinea.

The requirements for each university will vary, so it is important to research the specific requirements of the universities you are interested in.

What is the highest GPA in the US?

In the United States, the highest possible grade point average (GPA) is a 4.0. This is considered to be an "A" or "excellent" grade and is the highest possible grade that a student can earn. 

The GPA is an important measure of a student's academic performance and is used by colleges and universities to evaluate the qualifications of prospective students. 

A high GPA is often considered to be a sign of academic excellence and can open doors to scholarships, honours programs, and other opportunities.

How is GPA calculated?

The GPA is calculated by taking the number of grade points earned in a particular class and dividing it by the number of credit hours for that class. For example, if a student earns an "A" in a 3 credit hour class, they would earn 12 grade points (4.0 x 3) for that class.

It's worth noting that some schools may have a different grading scale, for example, some schools use a scale of 5.0 instead of 4.0, but the highest grade is still a 5.0. 

Some schools also use a plus and minus system where a student can earn a 4.3, 4.7, and so on.

How to maintain high GPA

Maintaining a high GPA is not easy, it requires hard work, dedication, and good study habits. 

Achieving a 4.0 GPA is an admirable goal, but it's important to remember that it's not the only measure of success. 

College admissions officers look at a variety of factors when evaluating applications, including extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation.

What is the highest GPA in the US?

The highest possible GPA in the United States is 4.0, which is considered to be an "A" or "excellent" grade. It is a measure of academic performance and can open doors to opportunities.

 However, it's important to remember that it's not the only measure of success and colleges also consider other factors when evaluating applications.

What is the highest GPA you can get in high school weighted?

The highest GPA that a student can achieve in high school is a 4.0. This is considered the perfect GPA and is the standard used by most schools to measure a student's academic performance. However, some schools use a weighted system, which allows for a higher GPA.

GPA - high school weighted

In a weighted system, certain classes are given extra points or "weight" in the calculation of a student's GPA. These classes are typically more challenging or advanced, such as honours or Advanced Placement (AP) classes. For example, an A in an honours class may be worth 5 points, while an A in a regular class may be worth 4 points.

With a weighted system, the highest possible GPA is 5.0. This is because the extra points earned in the weighted classes can push a student's GPA above 4.0. However, it is important to note that this is a rare achievement and requires a significant amount of hard work and dedication.

GPA - high school unweighted

It's worth noting that not all schools use weighted GPAs. Some use the traditional unweighted system, while others use a hybrid system that combines both weighted and unweighted classes. It's crucial for students and parents to understand the system used by their school, so they can set appropriate goals and understand how their grades are being calculated.

High School GPA

All in all, the highest GPA a student can achieve in high school is a 4.0 in an unweighted system, but in a weighted system, it can be as high as 5.0. This is an excellent achievement and requires students to work hard in challenging classes. 

Understanding the system used by the school is important to set appropriate goals and understand how grades are being calculated.

Nursing Colleges in PNG and GPA info for Students

Want to become a health care worker in PNG? The best pathway is through one of PNG's Nursing Colleges, but you must have a GPA above the required threshold. 

In this article, PNG insight provides brief information about the 12 colleges in PNG and how to apply as a school leaver and non-school leaver (NSL).

What is the GPA for Nursing Colleges in PNG?

The GPA for nursing colleges in PNG complies with the DHERST (Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology). The threshold is 2.0. 

But, two important factors also affect selections. 

Firstly, a threshold GPA is like the borderline - as an applicant you want to have a GPA that is higher than the threshold to increase your chance of being selected. 

Secondly, your grades should indicate consistency. For example, your selection may be placed in a pool or disregarded if you achieve excellent marks in most subjects - which are likely to give you a good GPA - but your English and Literature mark is terrible.

There is more to being selected than GPA. A good GPA increases your chance of being selected, but it is not the only determining factor. There is more decision-making involved in the selection process. 

Read about what DHERST selections and selection pool.

Government scholarship TESAS 

Note that the government scholarship TESAS (Tertiary Education School Assistance Scheme) recommends a GPA of 2.0 or higher. 

You can be on TESAS when entering a nursing college with a GPA above the threshold, yet if you do not maintain it in your first year, you'll have to go by as a self-sponsored student.

So, it is important to get a GPA above 2.0 and perform consistently across all your subject in Grade 12 if you want to study at a nursing college in PNG.

Securing a scholarship from the Australian Awards requires a GPA of 2.75 for Grade 12 non-school leavers and 3.0 for students who come through matriculation at DODL/DODE.

The Australian Awards offer scholarships for PNG students to study at the Lae School of Nursing and Lutheran School of Nursing. Check out this information page.

How to apply to nursing college as a school leaver?

Applying to a nursing college as a Grade 12 school leaver is easy. You'll have to do that at your school with the help of your teacher through the http://apply.dherst.gov.pg login portal.

Your school's deputy academic and class patron will assist you to make your choices. 

A top tip here is to make Nursing College your first choice if you want to become a healthcare worker in PNG. 

How to apply to nursing school as a non-school leaver?

Non-school leavers are the Grade 12 students who completed school in the last five years or those who upgraded their marks at FODE and want to study at a Nursing college in PNG. 

If you are an NSL, you'll have to apply directly to the school of nursing you wish to study. It will have the latest application form, school fee info and other admission details you need to know before applying.

Here is a link to help you prepare.

How to check your name in Nursing College Selection 2024?

The DHERST selects the Grade 12 school leavers based on the choices on the online application portal. It also compiles non-school leavers selection lists for the nursing colleges.

The nursing school/nursing colleges selections for 2024 will come out with the respective heading - school leavers (for the current Grade 12) and non-school leavers (for those who have completed Grade 12 in the last five years)

Also, check to make sure you are on TESAS. If you are not on TESAS, you will be a SELF-SPONSORED student.

How Many Nursing Colleges are in PNG?

Wondered how many nursing colleges are in PNG? The country has 12 nursing colleges (also called the school of nursing) that take in students yearly.

Also, the colleges are located in each of the regions. Check the school of nursing that is closer to where you are.

School of Nursing in New Guinea Islands

• Arawa School of Nursing
•  St. Marys School of Nursing: Rabaul (DWU Campus)

School of Nursing in Southern Region

• St. Barnabas School of Nursing

School of Nursing in Momase Region

•  Divine Word University Health Science
• Lae School of Nursing
• Madang Lutheran School of Nursing
• St Benedicts School of Nursing: Boram (DWU Campus)

School of Nursing in Highlands Region

• Enga School of Nursing
• Highlands Regional School of Nursing
• Kundiawa General Nursing College
• Mendi School of Nursing
•  Nazerene School of Nursing: Kudjip

The Australian govt offers scholarships for healthcare workers every year. Here is an example of the Australian-Awards PNG Scholarship.

Nursing school leavers and non-school leavers

Important disclaimer:

Note that this is not a formal advisory notice from any school of nursing or nursing college in PNG. It is only a piece of general information based on insights on education & development information this blog has provided for over 10 years.

Hope this information points you in the right direction as you make your choices and anticipate your selection.

What is Tertiary Entrance Rank, TER?

The Tertiary Entrance Rank appears on the Grade 12 students' provisional statement of results they access from My PNG Exam Results website. There are in fact three numbers that appear together: the RANK, the TERTIARY ENTRANCE RANK and the GRADE 12 STUDENT POPULATION. 

When will DHERST formally publish the Grade 12 selection List for HEIs?

The RANK is the Grade 12 student's 'position' relative to the number of Grade 12 students who sat the exams and are graded in that particular year.

The GRADE 12 STUDENT POPULATION as the name implies, is the total population of Grade 12 students who sat the Grade 12 examination in that particular year. 

So what is the TERTIARY ENTRANCE RANK?

Tertiary Entrance Rank, TER

The TERTIARY ENTRANCE RANK is basically the total ranking out of 100%.

Though there is no clarity on the criteria used in the PNG Grade 12 TER, it is widely understood that the final TER is inclusive of both the Year 11 and Year 12 internal (SCHOOL-BASED) and external (EXAM) marks.

So if a Grade 12 student's tertiary entrance rank is 80%, it means the student performed above 79% of the whole student population who sat the exams; and 20% of the students performed above that particular student.

TER is Rank, not Mark

Note that the tertiary entrance rank is not a mark. As the name implies, it is a rank. 

The TERTIARY ENTRANCE RANK simply shows where you are relative to the general student population who sat for the exam country-wide for a particular year.

All in all, the higher the TER, the better the performance. The lower the TER, the poorer the performance.

Here is the latest on Grade 12 Selection and NOAS that you should also know.

Unified five-point Grade Point Average (GPA) system for all PNG Universities

All universities in the country will implement a unified five-point Grade Point Average (GPA) system this year, an official says.

Chairman of PNG vice-chancellors Professor Musawe Sinebare said the five-point GPA system was designed to be used by all universities, starting with new intakes this year.

The new system is to replace the four-point GPA system when second-year students this year graduate in 2023.

“The Department of Higher Education, Research Science and Technology is aware of the new system,” he said.

The University of Goroka senate last year endorsed the new GPA system for all new students this year to be assessed under.

It is designed to give students with good grades a better chance of securing scholarships, something not possible with the four-point GPA system. The new system was designed by the vice-chancellors and presidents committee to enable students to move between universities.

Grades earned at one university will be recognised in another university.

“Students who accumulate credits from one or more universities can graduate from another university undertaking programmes of studies in a university because of the common credit points,” Sinebare said.

Source: This report appears in the National Newspaper on the 4th of January 2021

Articles relevant to PNG students and their GPAs

• How to calculate GPA
• GPA for PNG Universities

DHERST Online Selection - Grade 12 Online Exam Results vs Grade 12 Online Selections

The Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST) clearly differentiated between the Grade 12 Online Exam Results and Grade 12 school leavers' online selections. 

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

The message below is DHERST's explanation of the two selection processes. 

"We wish to inform and clarify to the general public that the publishing and or release of Grade 12 Results is the responsibility of the Measurement Service Division of the National Department of Education and NOT the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST).

The National Online Application Systems (NOAS) is a separate system developed by DHERST for Grade 12 students to apply for further studies. The NOAS is not currently used for publishing Grade 12 Results, but rather to allow Grade 12 students to finalize their choices for further studies.

The National Department of Education have recently launched a separate system and website to access Grade 10 and 12 final results. To obtain Grade 12 final marks, please contact the National Department of Education or check their website. [DHERST Support Service, Facebook 06/12/2018].

MS PPT Image

In fact, two education departments are facilitating the Grade 12 results and online School Leavers Application (SLA) at this time of the year. 

First, the results - both Grade 10 and 12 results - are the works of the Measurement Services Division (MSD) of the National Education Department. 

Anything to do with the RESULTS is through this web address mypngexamresults.com. Perhaps it is important to know that the results are only provisional. That means that the results and other details like name-spelling that may have errors are subject to final changes.

Check out the latest article on Grade 12 DHERST Online Selection >>> Click Here

Second, the Grade 12 online selection for the tertiary institution is the work of DHERST. And, the online selection to tertiary institutions in the country comes under DHERST. 

This web address (https://apply.dherst.gov.pg) links to online applications and services the higher education department provides.

Fact files: Number of students year-by-year

• DHERST online selection began in 2017. So, the 2021 Grade 12 online selection was the 5th year of implementation. Students going to tertiary institutions in forecasted to remain at the 2018 figure of ~12000 - 13000 students. 
• 30711 Grade 12 students completed school in 2020, up nearly 1500 students from 2019. No significant increase in the number of students entering tertiary institutions in PNG.
• A total of 29,000 Grade 12 students took the exams in 2019. An increase of nearly 5000 spaces from 2018 
• A total of 12,234 students were selected to commence the 2018 academic year (47% of the 25,848 who applied)

DHERST and MSD Online result and selection systems

• MSD's inaugural online platform is for checking Grade 10 and Grade 12 results. It was implemented in 2018.
• Only two students preferences on the SLA in 2017 (5 preferences in 2018, 2019 and 2020)
• Students with a GPA of 2.3 or above were considered for selection in 2017 for 2018 entry into Higher Learning Institutions. The same for the 2018 selection for 2019 and the 2019 selection for 2020.
• The students selected via the DHERST online application platform are NOT automatically awarded a PNG government's TESAS scholarship (HECAS or AES). ONLY those who receive a scholarship award letter are on TESAS. 
• SELF-SPONSORED STUDENTS - if you are selected but did not receive the award letter from DHERST, consider yourself a self-sponsored student.

• Instruction on How to Use SLF Number to Identify Selected Students to Tertiary Institutions.
•  For more info on Grade 12 Tertiary Institutions selections for 2023, check out the recent post here.

The Gr 10 and Gr 12 online results for2023

For more information on the latest results, visit PNG Insight or click on the image to go directly to the *NEW* website.

Go to mypngexamresults home page

Recommended reading

We followed the developments in education over the years and have a collection of educational Apps and websites. Click here to check them out. You may also find our article on Grade 10 Online results here helpful. 

If you have any questions about the  Grade 12 selection process, PDF list, etc., please leave a comment below or check out this latest update on PNG Universities Non-School Leavers Selection.

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.

How to Estimate School Examination and Certification Grades

When students are anticipating Grades 8, 10 or 12 examinations (and results or selections) it is perhaps useful to estimate their marks. This post aims to show parents, students, teachers and stakeholders how to estimate the grades of students.

Percentage based grading - an example

There are two benefits of knowing the likely grades of students - and especially the grade 12 students - before they sit the national exams based on percentages ranking (shown below). 

• Firstly, this will help students to revise well and teachers to prepare their students properly for examinations. 
• Secondly, this can help students to make suitable choices on School Leavers Forms (SLF). 

Exam & School-based Test Results

Suppose the total marks in an 'external' examination is out of 100 marks, a student who sits the exam can get a mark ranging from 0 to 100. The student is then graded accordingly. The final grading takes into account the student's performances in both the external examination and internal school-based tests/assessments for that particular subject.

The collating of marks is called Standardisation. This stage uses the student's MARKS from both the external (exam marks) and internal (school-based) performance results. Usually, the internal marks have less weight than the external marks.

The examinations are very important. The student will not be graded or go through the selection process if they do not sit the national examinations. Therefore as mentioned, exam plays a crucial part in the standardisation of student's marks. And, eventually selections to higher institutions. 

In retrospect, exactly how the standardisation of results (and percentage composition of Internal vs external marks) in PNG is done is NOT available in the public domain. But, general inferences of marks and grading can put students in better positions. Especially, in a great position to prepare for exams and make informed choices on SLF.

So far, the post places emphasis on external exam performance. Yes, an exam is important in all scheme of things. In fact, exams results are the culmination of all the work that has been done over time, at different grade levels. The exams marks are barely the reflection of school-based learning.

Percentage-based Grading

The example of the breakdown in marks below can help you rationalise how the process works. Note that this is for guidance purposes only

For example, in Maths B a student's grades could be awarded on a percentage-based criteria as follows:

A = top 5 %
B = 25%

C = 40%

D = 25%

F = bottom 5%

So if a student wants to get an A in the Maths B exam (out of 100 marks) they MUST score 95/100 or more in the examination.

Schools Overestimating Internal Marks

There is always the temptation for schools to manipulate student's internal marks. Such practise should not be encouraged. It had little or no effect on student's overall performances and grading. It does the student no good.

Schools must record students marks (and estimates where a student missed tests) according to the student's performance. 

In reality, if a student combines this 'guesstimate with the Internal School Assessment result, he/she will be in a better position to revise well prior to the exams and also make an informed choice on the SLF.

If you have any questions or find this post useful, please leave a message at the bottom and I'll respond in due course.

Recommended reading:

GPA for PNG Universities Student Information

How to calculate GPA in PNG - Unitech, PAU, UPNG, UoG, WPU, UNRE, DWU, WPU

Grade Point Average (GPA) is converting your grades to an average value by using the Grade Points System explained below. But first, it is useful to know your GPA value for the purpose of selection to a tertiary institution, applying for a scholarship or finding a job. (Click here for the reasons why you should know your GPA).

Grade 12 Grade Point Average (GPA)

The Grade 12 Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated based on certified grades students get having sat the national exams for each subject studied at the upper secondary school. 

Take for instance, a student's subject combination is Language and Literature, Mathematics A, Physics, Chemistry, and Economics at Grade 12 in a particular year. 

The certified grades from the student's subject combination were as follow: 

1. Language and Literature    = A

2. Mathematics A                    = B

3. Physics                               = C

4. Chemistry                           = D

5. Economics                          = E

This particular student's GPA is 2.

Read more about PNG Universities and GPA eligibility for PNG Govt Scholarships

How to calculate GPA in PNG

Here is how the calculation was done based on the Grade points between 4 and 0. 

Hope this helps as you attempt to find out your GPA. If you have any questions relating to GPA and selection to tertiary institutions, kindly see the discussions here. 

Recommended information for working out your GPA for PNG universities and colleges:

• Unified five-point Grade Point Average (GPA) system for all PNG Universities
• How to Estimate School Examination and Certification Grades

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

As a Grade 12 student with a GPA above 2.00, you may have been denied the opportunity to pursue higher education. While this may be disheartening, it is important to remember that there are still options available to you.

It is important to note that if your GPA is below 2.00, it will be extremely difficult to gain admission to a tertiary institution. This post is specifically for Grade 12 students with a required GPA and self-sponsored students. We want to help you to apply for a government scholarship so that you do not have to put burdens on your family.

• 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 is. According to the Grade 12 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 or too late.
• What to do when you've made a submission? Always follow up with the Student Services or Administration for updates. 
• What if you are not selected after 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 the tertiary student 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 regularly to find out about your applications. Thimon is one of the best people 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 information on Education and Development in Papua New Guinea.

GRADE 12 SLF GRACE PERIOD: How to Adjust Choices on School Leavers Form

The school leavers' choices every Grade 12 student makes each year is important. Many good students missed out on being selected, simply because they have not received proper guidance to make the right choice on the School Leavers Form (SLF).

I believe if the right direction was provided by the education leaders, students with good marks will increase their chances of entering a higher learning institution.

Good marks are marks with a GPA above the required GPA for higher education entry. For example, one school leaver said:

'I have a GPA of 2.8 and I cannot be offered a space in any of these (higher) institutions...confused?'

A GPA of 2.8 would mean that the student scored Bs and higher Cs. But, why had the student missed the selection to a university, college, or vocational centre on a government scholarship?

Why Students Have Good GPAs Do Not Get Selected

Here are three important factors that disadvantage capable students from entering universities, colleges, or vocational and technical colleges:

1. The increasing number of students passing out of grade 12.

Take a look at the graph and you will realise that the number of students has increased since 2014. By contrast, spaces at tertiary institutions remained relatively low - only 20% of students were selected to continue after Grade 12 each year between 2014 and 2016. 

Unlike the 80s and 90s when there was a handful of National High Schools, today many secondary schools have been established in every province in the country. As the number of secondary schools increases, the number of students also increases. The competition is stiff. 

That is for every space available at a tertiary institution (under HECAS), five students are applying for it. 

2. Students choices on the  SLF

In fact, a 'funnel effect' takes hold where only the student with very good Grade 12 marks and good choices on SLF gets the preference during selections for university or college entries. It is absolutely important that you get both factors (Grade 12 marks +  SLF choice) right. 

Do not let your years of hard work and good marks go to waste. If you are an A, B or C+ student, follow this rule of thumb to get a government scholarship into a tertiary institution:

• SLF Choice 1 -    University
• SLF Choice 2 -    College/Technical Institute 
• SLF Choice 3 -    Vocational/Technical Centre

3. STAT-P Test

The third and most important point to consider when applying for UNITECH or UOG is to sit for the STAT-P (aptitude) test if you are a School Leaver; or the entrance exam if you are a non-SL. All principals and deputy principal academics have to ensure their students intending to attend UNITECH or UOG must sit the entry test - it is mandatory.

It is anticipated that the University of Natural Science and Environment will also conduct entry tests in the future. To get more details on STAT-P, click HERE.

For the non-school leavers, avoid putting a university program as your second choice on your SLF - you are NOT going to make it. University choice on the SLF must be choice #1 if you believe that you will 'smash' the end of the year Grade 12 examinations.

Grade 12 Grade Period - Adjusting Choice

DHERST has not allowed students to adjust their choices. The online School Leavers Choice system makes it easy for students to do just that - changing the choice on their SLF. 

This is a plus for students as it gives you the best chance to match your Grade 12 final marks to the institutions of your choice as discussed in point 2, above.

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.

Three Key Questions About PNG Universities You Should Ask- By An Academic

Original post by Lawrence Sause

UNIVERSITY ENROLMENT FOR 2017

In one of the recent post on good students being shut out of university enrolment, I provide my take (response) by saying this.......

Let's have a long range perspective on this. Too many young PNGeans will fall on the way side because of space, even those with the best grades.

In the long term we must create space in our universities to cater for those who can come. This will require investment in infrastructure  and teaching facilities and aids, academic staff expansionary and expansion of disciplines. In all my years at the UPNG, I've witnessed first hand the severe deterioration of the university teaching, learning and support facilities not only in UPNG, but also in all public universities. In some classes, including mine, students stand even right to the door and outside to attend lectures, to my great disappointment.

The raising of the GPA threshold for enrolment, often at crazy levels, is nothing more than an artificial strategy adopted as a coping mechanism against a perverse lack of capacity to function given the debilitating state of teaching, learning and support facilities. In the long term, curtailing even good students in exchange for coping, must be seriously questioned. Do we want to keep doing this?

If I were to tell you that about 70 percent of the academic disciplines at UPNG do not have an Associate. Prof or a Prof, would that surprise you? Yet that is the situation. In the School of Business and Public Policy for example, there are only two nationals with a PhD and only one Associate Prof who is the Dean, in the entire school. We are not competitive and we cannot attract the best, remuneration wise. However, there is more to this problem. Good academics who can raise the standard of university teaching and the transmission of knowledge want a good place of work that is rewarding and can help develop their own career. UPNG and other PNG Public universities can't offer that. By the best of standards, our infrastructure and learning facilities cannot even match those in some of the  colleges I've seen in NZ and Australia. So, debilitating infrastructure, teaching and learning facilitues not only deters getting young PNGeans but also becomes the key stumbling block for recruiting and retaining quality staff. How much longer can we continue to impose those crazy artificial GPA requirements just to cope against capacity-related problems in our universities? It's crazy.

Government support to universities has drastically fallen commensurate with the demand for space and the need to upscale and modernise our universities to world class standards. Those of you who have been to UNITEC and UPNG, have you seen any significant change in the infrastructure and teaching and learning facilities in your most recent visits? National leaders including our Prime Minister should also be asked the same question. So I am inclined to ask, what do they see now compared to their years at the university? Nothing different really, instead broken-down halls, buildings, labs and libraries, pipes and sewers etc.

Friends, the shutting out of good students on university enrollment is a symptom of a much larger problem, a problem of lack of investment on universities by government,  which is creating capacity-related problems. So GPA requirements and shedding off good students is a mere strategy to cope.

This leads me to pose several big questions about our future and that of our universities:

1. WHAT IS THE ROLE OF UNIVERSITIES IN PNG?

2. WHAT WILL THE FUTURE OF PNG BE LIKE WITHOUT VIBRANT, STRONGER AND MODERN UNIVERSITIES?

3. WHAT GENERATION OF PNGEANS ARE WE BUILDING TODAY FOR THE FUTURE FROM OUR DEBILITATING AND COLLAPSING UNIVERSITIES, AND ARE WE REALLY PREPARING THEM TO TAKE THE COUNTRY FORWARD IN THE FUTURE?

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

As the school selection process is coming up, PNG Insight wants to make sure Grade 12 students understand how to calculate their GPAs. Grades are given on a scale of 0.0 (FAIL) to 4.0 (A), and your GPA is calculated by dividing the total points earned by the total credit hours accumulated.

GPA calculations may sound tricky, but they're easy if you have your transcript handy. We suggest using online GPA calculators or directly applying the GPA formula in an Excel spreadsheet to ensure accuracy.

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 got 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 institution's student 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.