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.

2026 Non-School Leavers Applications to PNG Higher Institutions via NOAS: DHERST Key Dates and NSL FAQs

The 2026 Non-School Leavers Applications to PNG Higher Institutions via the National Online Application Systems (NOAS) is a significant step towards achieving the "leave no child behind" policy direction set by the Government of Papua New Guinea (GoPNG). This pathway, created by the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST) and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), allows non-school leavers (NSL) to apply for possible admission. The process, key dates, and common issues faced by applicants are comprehensively addressed in this article.

BACKGROUND: 2024 was the first year Non-School Leavers applied through NOAS. This was a big and positive step, even with past issues of application and selection process manipulation by some in higher learning institutions in PNG.

Non-School Leavers' Participation in NOAS

Commencing in 2024, non-school leavers are now eligible to apply through NOAS for the 2026 academic year selections. This initiative ensures that students who are not part of the current school-leaver cohort still have an opportunity to pursue higher education.

Students who previously had NOAS accounts must contact DHERST via email at noassupport@dherst.gov.pg to activate their accounts. The portal access for NSL students should be available from October to December and closed when the Grace Period ends.

Students who are also matriculating, such as those attending Flexible Open Distance Education (FODE) centres, will receive their credentials through their respective matriculation centres.

Frequently Asked Questions from Non-School Leavers

How do I apply online with NOAS as a Non-School Leaver?

To apply as a Non-School Leaver, complete an NSL Form from DHERST and provide your SLF number and other required details. 

After verification, DHERST will issue you an Invitation Letter with a Username and Password to log in and activate your account. This account will allow you to make your program choices starting from October of each year. 

This timeline ensures that all matriculation/FODE updates of your academic results are imported into your NOAS account to verify your eligibility for HEI programs.

Can I use my old NOAS Username and Password to log in as a Non-School Leaver?

No, you cannot use your previous Username and Password. You must contact DHERST and complete an NSL form to reactivate your account. This step ensures that your updated academic information is accurately reflected in your application. 

Key Dates and Issues Addressed

The participation of non-school leavers in the 2025 NOAS for the 2026 academic year selection is a crucial initiative that aligns with GoPNG’s policy of inclusivity in education. 

It is a massive undertaking by the DHERST and a POSITIVE ONE!

By expanding access to higher education through NOAS, DHERST and HEIs are addressing the concerns of non-school leavers and providing them with opportunities to pursue their academic goals.

If you have problems with login, here is how to recover your username and password.

Important Dates for NSL Applicants

• Portal Access: Mid-October to mid-December.

• Final Program Choices: After receiving the Invitation Letter, you can start making program choices, usually around October every year.

This video shows the initial announcement by the then Education Minister, Don Polye, about the transition from manual NSL selection by universities and colleges to DHERST online selection (NOAS) - comment and share your thoughts about this move.

National Non-school Leavers Selections 2025 for 2026

During the first years of NSL online application, DHERST reassured all 35,000 registered Grade 12 students and 10,000 non-school leaver applicants that ample time would be provided to complete applications. 

Ensure you understand program requirements, quotas, and residential statuses while filling out your MyChoices.

The National Selections will be officially launched by the Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology on 2 days after the end of Grace Period, usually in December.

This event marks the successful selection of the 2026 Grade 12 students in PNG. After the launch, DHERST places unsuccessful students in the Admission Pool to seek the availability of spaces and give them placement.  

The final acceptance lists will be announced before the academic year starts - this is when the final selection comes out with the full list of TESAS Awards for 2026.

Conclusion

The 2026 Non-School Leavers Applications to PNG Higher Institutions via NOAS provides a crucial opportunity for non-school leavers to pursue higher education. By adhering to the key dates and addressing common issues, applicants can ensure a smooth and successful application process.

Related article for Grade 12 School Leavers - click here