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PNG Universities' Continuing Students List and TESAS (HECAS and AES) List for 2025

As the academic year 2025 approaches, many parents, families, students, and guardians are eagerly awaiting the release of the continuing lists and TESAS (HECAS and AES) lists from various universities and colleges in Papua New Guinea. This update aims to provide a clear overview of what to expect.

UPNG Acceptance List PDF HECAS LIST 2025

1. Continuing List 2025

For most continuing students, the release of the 2025 continuing list will provide much-needed clarity about their status, fees, and registration dates. Universities and colleges will publish this information on their websites, social media pages, and in newspapers. So, keep a vigilant eye out for notices from your institutions.

Most continuing students should already have an idea of their status. However, if you failed one or two courses last year and your GPA has dropped below the required threshold, you may need to retake the courses or take additional ones to make up the credits.

Seek advice from your institution. Alternatively, visit your student administration office and discuss your concerns and the steps you need to take.

CHECK THE WATCHLIST HERE FOR THE LATEST ACCEPTANCE LISTS (PDF) RELEASES

2. TESAS List 2025

The TESAS list is a crucial document released by the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology (DHERST) after all selections are complete. It is the final list of Grade 12 school leavers, non-school leavers, and continuing students who have been awarded government scholarships for 2025.

For those following up, the PDF version of this list is typically released by DHERST and made available through your respective universities.

Here’s a watchlist (CLICK HERE) for all the lists released by universities, colleges, and DHERST. If you have any questions or comments, please let us know below.

TESAS: Tertiary Education Student Assistance Scheme

The Tertiary Education Student Assistance Scheme (TESAS) is a government scholarship program in Papua New Guinea, administered by the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology (DHERST). TESAS aims to support students pursuing higher education by providing financial assistance.

TESAS consists of two main components:

1. Academic Excellence Scholarships (AES): These scholarships are awarded to students with exceptional academic performance, typically those with a high GPA. AES recipients receive a full tuition waiver, accommodation allowance, and a modest living allowance.

2. Higher Education Contribution Assistance Scheme (HECAS): This component is designed to assist students who may face financial constraints while pursuing higher education. HECAS scholarships cover a portion of tuition fees, reducing the financial burden on students and their families.

By offering these scholarships, TESAS helps academically brilliant students and those facing financial challenges to access higher education and achieve their academic goals.

Higher Education Scholarship TESAS Announcement 2024: New Intakes and Continiung Students

The Department of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology (DHERST) is pleased to officially announce the availability of the Government of Papua New Guinea (GoPNG) Scholarship - Tertiary Education Study Assistance Scheme (TESAS) - for the academic year 2024.

This declaration extends to all 2024 New Intakes and Continuing Students currently enrolled in recognised Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), including all the PNG Universities and Colleges.

To get more information on How to Apply for HELP, click here. You can also get the latest information on PNG govt in-country scholarships here.

Continuing Students Self-Sponsored Students TESAS Status

For continuing students not featured on the published list, kindly consult your respective HEIs to confirm your TESAS status for the 2024 academic year. This precise information is crucial for a seamless start to the first semester of this year.

Students who were self-sponsored in the previous year and have been granted a scholarship for the current year are strongly advised to verify their travel itinerary at the nearest Air Niugini Office.

In cases where your name is not found on the travel plan, promptly contact DHERST and request travel information. Travel arrangements will strictly adhere to the destinations specified by respective HEIs in the preceding year.

In a display of confidence and intending to alleviate the financial burden on parents regarding school fees, the GoPNG, through DHERST, has successfully settled all outstanding 2023 TESAS arrears owed to HEIs.

TESAS Payments for Semester 1, 2024

Disbursements for TESAS payments for Semester 1, 2024, are scheduled to be processed promptly after the completion of registration.

Lists will be diligently compiled and submitted to DHERST, ensuring the timely and efficient distribution of financial support to eligible students.

It is crucial to note that Semester 2, 2024 TESAS payments are contingent upon HEIs providing Semester 2 Registration lists and, importantly, the requisite acquittals for Semester 1, 2024. All students must submit the required documentation to secure their govt scholarship and get continued support in their studies.

This also applies to the PNG Govt HELP program, more information here.

For further information or clarification

In conclusion, students are strongly encouraged to channel their focus on academic pursuits. The GoPNG extends heartfelt congratulations on the dedication and hard work demonstrated. Best wishes for a successful academic year.

Please do not hesitate to contact us at the following telephone numbers: 3012076 or 3012058/3012048/3012070, or via email at info@dherst.gov.pg.

Source: DHERST (PDF, Tertiary Education Study Assistance Scheme, TESAS)

PNG Higher Education Scholarships: What Are TESAS, AES, HECAS and HELP?

The Papua New Guinea government offers scholarships to help talented students pursue higher education. The TESAS and HELP programs provide financial assistance to deserving individuals, regardless of their academic background or financial situation. These scholarships offer a gateway to academic success and career opportunities for PNG students.

PNG Higher Education Scholarships Two Key Components

The three key components of the Tertiary Education Student Assistance Scheme (TESAS) are the:

Academic Excellence Scholarships (AES) and
Higher Education Contribution Assistance Scheme (HECAS).

These scholarships, collectively known as the TESAS, aim to support academically brilliant students and facilitate their academic development.

Find out how to calculate GPA here.

AES: Recognising Academic Excellence (1)

The AES is awarded to students with exceptional academic performance throughout their studies, typically with a high GPA. These scholarships provide a full tuition waiver, accommodation allowance, and a modest living allowance.

By recognising and rewarding academic excellence, AES empowers students to pursue their passions and contribute positively to PNG's future.

HECAS: Addressing Financial Burdens (2)

The HECAS, on the other hand, is designed to assist students who may face financial constraints while pursuing higher education. These scholarships cover a portion of tuition fees, reducing the financial burden on students and their families.

HECAS ensures that financial limitations do not hinder students from pursuing their academic aspirations.

Here is a guide for Self-sponsored students to secure TESAS, click here to get more information.

Gender Equity Scholarships (3)

The Gender Equity Scholarship was created to promote gender balance in higher education. It encourages women who have completed high school to pursue bachelor's degrees in fields where they are currently underrepresented.

This merit-based scholarship is only open to women who have been accepted into an approved bachelor's degree program. The scholarship is only for the first year of bachelor's degree studies, but successful recipients will be considered for AES or HECAS scholarships in subsequent years.

Only 50 scholarships are awarded each year, and the eligible fields and programs are announced in October.

Benefits of TESAS Scholarships

The TESAS scholarships offer a multitude of benefits to PNG students:

1. Financial Support: Scholarship recipients receive financial assistance, easing the financial burden and allowing them to focus on their studies.

2. Scholarly Excellence: AES recipients are recognised for their academic achievements, fostering a culture of excellence and motivation among students.

3. Access to Higher Education: Both AES and HECAS provide opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds to access higher education, regardless of their financial circumstances.

4. Career Advancement: By providing a strong educational foundation, TESAS scholarships empower students to pursue careers that contribute to PNG's socioeconomic development.

Guiding Principles for TESAS Scholarships

The PNG Higher Education Ministry through DHERST upholds several guiding principles when administering TESAS scholarships:

1. Merit-Based Evaluation: Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, ensuring that deserving students receive recognition and support.

2. Transparency and Accountability: The scholarship process is transparent and accountable, ensuring fairness and adherence to established guidelines.

3. Continuous Improvement: The TESAS program is constantly evaluated and refined to ensure its effectiveness in supporting students and fostering educational excellence.

The Role of HELP Studentship Program

In addition to TESAS, the PNG government introduced the HELP Student Loan Program (Higher Education Student Loan Program) to further support students pursuing higher education.

This loan program provides financial assistance to students who do not qualify for TESAS scholarships. The HELP program aims to bridge the financial gap and ensure qualified students are allowed the opportunity to pursue higher education.

The HELP student loan program is:

a new student loan program that offers interest-free loans to students who are enrolled in a higher education institution in Papua New Guinea.
designed to be more affordable and manageable than standard loans, and it offers a repayment grace period after graduation.
a great way for students to start building their credit history.
a valuable resource for students who need financial assistance to attend college or university.

Students do not need to repay their HELP loans until they graduate, and they will have six months to find a job before payments begin.

To find out about How to Apply for the HELP Student Loan Program, click here

Conclusion

TESAS, AES, HECAS, and HELP are the PNG government's initiatives to empower PNG's youth to pursue their academic aspirations and contribute to the nation's development.

These programs play an important role in fostering a well-educated and skilled workforce, laying the foundation for PNG's continued progress and prosperity.

This is an UPDATE of the article that first appeared here.

When will DHERST Publish 2022 Grade 12 Selection Lists for 2023 HEIs?

The higher education department (DHERST) will launch the Grade 12 National Online Selection on the 21st of December 2023. So what does the launching mean; and when will DHERST publish the 2023 Grade 12 Selections Lists for the 2024 academic year in the country?

Here are 5 points that students, parents and guardians should know as they check their names on National Online Selection System (NOAS).

Grade 12 selections list for HEIs PDF 2023 - Study Online in PNG

5 preparation tips for students | 2023 HEI registration and orientation

Check NOAS Selection Status (1)

Students can view their selection STATUS through their individual National Online Application Accounts. The 2023 Grade 12 students should use their NOAS login details to access their accounts and confirm their selection status for the 2024 academic year.

For the latest on key dates released by DHERST, check this article.

In fact, this is the final outcome of your School Leaver's Choice on the National Online Application System.

The selection status on DHERST National Online Selection System is 'provisional' only. That means two things:

first, the HEI will send you an offer letter, also called the acceptance letter, to confirm your placement with the institution; and
second, DHERST will formally publish your name on the 2023 Grade 12 selection list PDF on its website.

What should you do if you are selected? (2)

Congratulations if you are selected to continue to a tertiary institution in 2024. There are several things that you should find out.

Are you on TESAS (AES, HECAS)?
Will you be a SELF-SPONSORED student?
When are you likely to see your name on the 2023 DHERST selection list?
When is the REGISTRATION and ORIENTATION WEEK?
Should you inform your institution that you've accepted that offer?

At least, try to find out the answer to the 5 questions as you prepare to go to your new school.

Here is an article that can help you prepare for registration and orientation week. It gives details to documents you need to present at registration, fees and what to do to get yourself prepared for the new academic year.

2022 DHERST Selection list PDF - Study Online in PNG

DHERST new Grade 12 data (3)

Note that there are ONLY 16,171 spaces available at the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Papua New Guinea according to DHERST's new data.

For the 2022 Academic Year, there were

31, 817 students were nominated to sit the exams;
26,544 students certified;
16,171 total HEI quota ;
10,373 Grade 12 students will NOT be selected for 2022 HEI studies.

Many Grade 12 students, like in the past years, will not get an HEI placement though they may have really good grades.

If you have secured a placement, you should be proud of yourself!

Important Announcement from DHERST 2023 (4)

DHERST and HEIs will use Grade 12 students' data in the National Online Application System (NOAS) to confirm their selections. Here is what DHERST has to say:

Your (Grade 12 Students) data from the MyNOAS data field has been forwarded to the Higher Education Institution that selected you. The HEI will communicate directly with you to inform you about the specific details of the institution, including how to accept your offer.
Note that the response contained therein (in the NOSS) is not an admission confirmation. You should expect to receive official notice through an admissions offer letter directly from your Higher Education Institution (HEI).

Many Grade 12 students will NOT be selected for 2024 HEI studies. If you feel that you have made the Grade, but missed out, here is a story that will inspire you.

Read about Sharlyne's story. She completed Grade 12 at Marianville Secondary School. Her Grade Point Average (GPA) was above the cut-off mark for entry into UPNG, but she missed out on the selection.

Grade 12 selection list - Study Online in PNG

When will DHERST Publish 2023 Grade 12 Selections Lists for HEIs?

DHERST launched the Grade 12 selection List on the 21st of December 2023.

Here are the important dates for Grade 12 students.

Activity	Day
Students apply for tertiary programmes	Monday 28th August- Friday 08th December, 2023
Grade 12 national examinations	Monday 16th – Friday 20th October, 2023 (DONE)
NOAS Grace Period	Tuesday 12th December- Friday 15th December, 2023
Launching of 2022 selection for 2023 academic year	Thursday 21st December, 2023

Check out the latest information on 2022 Grade 12 and 10 Exam Results and Selection Dates.

How to enrol at FODE?

If you want to upgrade your marks at FODE or at any University Open and Distance Learning Centres, here is some information that you'll find useful. Click on the link to read more.

We hope this gives you an idea about what to expect between now and then. Share this with your friends and family and let them know about this information, too.

All the best in 2024!

PNG Government Scholarships: What Does TESAS, AES, HECAS and HELP Mean?

Students TESAS (Tertiary Education Student Assistance Scheme) Award Status indicates the type of PNG govt scholarship offered to students. It is a merit-based award.

AES is awarded to the best-performing students (with a high GPA).

The number of scholarships available to continuing students (and new intakes) is determined by the availability of govt funding and HEIs GPA cut-off, yearly. Details of funding and GPA for each HEI in the country are the work of DHERST. Here are some guides to TESAS and GPA.

Read about the PNG Universities and Colleges 2023 Acceptance List Info, TESAS, HELP Loan and Registration and Orientation - ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW.

AES - Academic Excellence Scholarships
HECAS - Higher Education Contribution Assistance Scheme

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

TESAS AWARD HECAS AES PNG GOVT SCHOLARSHIP

TESAS: AES & HECAS Stats that matter

We kept some 'stats that matter' based on the TESAS Award list for New Intakes over the years. Here is the stat for the TESAS Awards for Continuing Students in 2021.

82 Continuing students on AES
6779 Continuing students on HECAS
6861 Total Students on TESAS

Note: The figures do not include the NEW INTAKES.

The DHERST Selection List for New Intakes was released a day after the Continuing Students TESAS Award List. Read about the NEW INTAKES 'stats that matter'.

Some HEIs have not submitted their continuing students' GPAs to DHERST. Those institutions are not included in the TESAS list released by DHERST.

Download the Continuing Students List for HEIs

Some HEIs have not submitted their Continuing Students GPA lists for the 2021 academic year. Students who are attending those institutions will expect delays at the Beginning of Year Travel and TESAS payments.

The students attending those institutions should call the Students' Admin for more information.

2023 self-sponsored students who have secured a scholarship must make travel arrangements with their universities or higher institutions.

Recommended reading: How to Secure a Govt Scholarship - TESAS

Re-admission and self-sponsored students

The advice from DHERST for students whose names are NOT on the list:

Be advised that students whose name do not appear on the list [ Continuing Students approved list] should consult your respective HEIs to confirm your progressive status for 2021. (DHERST, press release, 26/01/2021)

Why are only 6861 Continuing Students on TESAS?

Here is what DHERST said about it...

"The number of applications for TESAS Awards with a qualifying minimum GPA level is typically greater than the number of available TESAS Awards.
It should be noted that some program admission requirements of institutions might include a different weighted consideration of grades and/or prerequisite subjects with minimum grades, due to their particular academic requirements. As such, Awardees are selected within program quotas on a merit basis. This means that not all applicants with a qualifying GPA level will receive an award." (DHERST, website)

Another reason is that the 2021 TESAS award list does not include some HEIs (Higher Education Institutions) that did not submit the student GPAs to DHERST. And their students may not have been included in the official list released on the 26 of January 2021.

TESAS PNG Govt Scholarship Funds

In a National Newspaper report, the secretary for higher education said that they only received K36 million (out of the K68 million required TESAS funding) for 2021. The question was why half of the required TESAS fund?

In 2020, the PNG govt, through DHERST, implemented the students' assistantship scheme - the Higher Education Loan Program, or HELP. The same year, the govt allocated K220 million to fund HELP.

The higher education secretary said

... 6,637 students applied for HELP this year [2020] and K28,109,457 was paid by the Government.

How do students apply for HELP?

HELP aims to enhance the quality of higher education. The studentship program also aims to ensure access to undergraduate and postgraduate degrees is available to eligible students.

Firstly, students must demonstrate that they are enrolled in a registered institution to apply. This program is led by the DHERST with data and input from the HEIs in the country.

Students who wish to apply for this loan should complete the HELP Application Form. See your HEI/Student Admin for more info. That means all students (both continuing and new intakes) should register at a HELP-participating institution.

Then, see your students' admin/support staff and complete the application form. The respective HEIs will launch the forms, on your behalf, with DHERST and let you know of the outcome.

Grade 12 Selections to Tertiary Institutions

The selection of Grade 12 students takes place before the Acceptance List 2025 comes out.

DHERST used the National Online Application System (NOAS) to capture students' school leavers' choices. 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 had 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 2025 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 need more time to prepare; make sure you mitigate the risks in good time before the academic year starts.

DHERST Acceptance List 2025: Key Points

In a press release two years ago, the Department of Higher Education (DHERST) 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]

2025 from your NOAS MyStatus

Grade 12 school leavers should not be concerned about the upcoming PDF selection list, as you should already know your selection status for 2025 from your NOAS MyStatus. Although the school year is approaching quickly, there's no need to worry. Citizens and stakeholders must remain patient.

Since 2018, DHERST has excelled in:

- Online School Leavers Application (NOAS)

- Online Selection System (NOSS)

- Compiling and quality-checking selection listings

- Liaising with Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the country

- Publishing acceptance listings for all HEIs

Concerns should only arise if DHERST goes past mid-February. Until then, the department needs support from the PNG government, institutions, parents, citizens, and stakeholders to continue their excellent work.

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.

TESAS and HELP APPLICATION INFO

FUNDING for next year’s (2021) tertiary education study assistance Scheme (TESAS) and higher education loan programme (HELP) are available now, Fr Jan Czuba says.

The Department of Higher Education, Science, Research and Technology (DHERST) secretary told a press conference recently that the Government had allocated K230 million for Help and K37 million for TESAS.

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.

FIND OUT ABOUT THE HELP LOAN APPLICATION FORM INFO

“We are blessed that we have the Help programme and this is a big help to students that cannot afford to pay,” Fr Jan said.

“We didn’t receive as much as required.

“K68 million was required but we got K37 million.

“Tesas is important because our prime minister wants to encourage students to study hard and academic competition is very important.

“I think we can negotiate some amendments with our Government for Tesas.”

Earlier, Fr Jan said 6,637 students applied for Help this year and K28,109,457 was paid by the Government.

He said it was likely that the number of students that would apply for Help next year would increase because this year would be the first year.

“Students from institutions that are registered with DHERST are eligible to apply for the help programme,” Fr Jan said.

He said students had to demonstrate that they were enrolled in a registered institution in order to apply.

“Help cannot be given to students until such time we have confirmation from the institution that the student has enrolled under the institution,” he said.

The HELP initiative aims to enhance and increase the quality of higher education and ensure continuous access to undergraduate and postgraduate degrees available to eligible students.

It is not compulsory and students can choose whether or not to apply.

Source: The National Newspaper/ By JINA AMBA

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.

department of higher education loan application 2022

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)

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.

1. Continuing List 2025

2. TESAS List 2025

TESAS: Tertiary Education Student Assistance Scheme

Continuing Students Self-Sponsored Students TESAS Status

TESAS Payments for Semester 1, 2024

For further information or clarification

PNG Higher Education Scholarships Two Key Components

AES: Recognising Academic Excellence (1)

HECAS: Addressing Financial Burdens (2)

Gender Equity Scholarships (3)

Benefits of TESAS Scholarships

Guiding Principles for TESAS Scholarships

The Role of HELP Studentship Program

Conclusion

Check NOAS Selection Status (1)

What should you do if you are selected? (2)

DHERST new Grade 12 data (3)

Important Announcement from DHERST 2023 (4)

When will DHERST Publish 2023 Grade 12 Selections Lists for HEIs?

How to enrol at FODE?

AES - Academic Excellence ScholarshipsHECAS - Higher Education Contribution Assistance Scheme

TESAS: AES & HECAS Stats that matter

Download the Continuing Students List for HEIs

Re-admission and self-sponsored students

Why are only 6861 Continuing Students on TESAS?

TESAS PNG Govt Scholarship Funds

How do students apply for HELP?

Recommended readings for HELP students loan

Grade 12 Selections to Tertiary Institutions

2021 Acceptance List Release - Case Example

Why Acceptance List Not Released on Time?

DHERST Acceptance List 2025: Key Points

2025 from your NOAS MyStatus

Recommended readings for HELP students loan

Help application online 2023

Management of HELP Students Loan Funds

Recommended readings for HELP students loan

Prime Minister Hon. James Marape says the Government has not scrapped the Higher Education Contribution Assistance Scheme (HECAS) and Academic Excellence Scholarship (AES) in favour of the Higher Education Loan Program (HELP).

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.

Key points about PNG Higher Education Loan Program

HELP is 'far-reaching'

How to apply for HELP?

HELP terms and provisions

Benefits of HELP Loan

Recommended readings for HELP students loan

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AES - Academic Excellence Scholarships
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