UPNG Non-School Leavers Application 2026

The University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) wishes to inform prospective applicants that the Online Applicant Portal for receiving applications for Undergraduate programs to be offered by the University for the academic year 2023 is now open.

The Grade 12 School Leavers ONLINE Selection started in 2018. It is the best thing that happens. The online selection helps DHERST, the government and stakeholders know exactly how many Grade 12 students are selected for universities and colleges. 

In a recent media statement, DHERST also resorted to bringing the NON-SCHOOL LEAVERS Selection ONLINE. Universities and colleges are not going to make the selections. So, what does that mean for you as a non-school leaver applicant? Find out here

Applications for postgraduate programs for the academic year 2023 are also open during the same period. Prospective applicants can consult the respective Schools (Program owners) to seek further information on how they can lodge their applications.

UPDATE: Here is the latest on the UPNG Non-School Leavers Application for 2026, click here

APPLICANTS ARE HEREBY REQUESTED TO TAKE NOTE OF THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS:

a.) All applicants for Undergraduate programs are required to pay a non-refundable application fee of K 20.00 using BSP Pay.

b.) All applicants for Postgraduate Diploma and Honours are required to pay a non-refundable application fee of K 20.00 into UPNG General Account No: 1000583572 BSP, (WAIGANI). Make sure to indicate your name and the correct date of deposit on the deposit slip when paying. Keep the receipt with you for verification purposes.

c.) All applicants for Master's and PhD (except the School of Business & Public Policy) are required to pay a non-refundable application fee of K 50.00 into UPNG General Account No: 1000583572 BSP, (WAIGANI). Make sure to indicate your name and the correct date of deposit on the deposit slip when paying. Keep the receipt with you for verification purposes.

d.) Postgraduate Applicants to the School of Business and Public Policy (SBPP) programs must refer to the SBPP Postgraduate advertisement for the application processing fee and eligibility criteria. Call Lisa on 3267 299 for more information.

e.) Before choosing your preferred program, please navigate through our admission and eligibility requirements for all our programs. This will inform you of your eligibility for a particular program.

ONLINE APPLICATION

The following links provide useful information you require to guide and assist you in using the Online Applicant Portal to lodge your application. It is important that you read and understand the notices before you attempt to apply.

1.) 2023 Non-School Leavers Application Notice

2.) Applicant Portal User Manual

3.) BSP Pay Activation Guide

After having read the above notices, click on “Applicant portal” to sign up and then apply.

How to Apply to a Technical College in PNG for 2026 (ADMISSION INFO)

Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) provides relevant practical skills, attitudes, knowledge and understanding relating to the skills needed in various sectors of the formal and informal economy in Papua New Guinea.

There are 8 functioning technical colleges in Papua New Guinea taking in Grade 12 school leavers, matriculation students and non-school leavers annually. This article gives insights into Technical Colleges and how to apply in 2025 for 2026.

How many Business Colleges are in PNG?

Note that we left out over 134 vocational and technical schools on this list. 

The 8 business technical colleges below are well-run and recognised technical institutions we thought you should know. (Click on the links to find out about each institution)

• 1.       Don Bosco Technological Institute
• 2.       Port Moresby Technical College
• 3.       Madang Technical College
• 4.       Don Bosco Simbu Technical College
• 5.       Mt Hagen Technical College
• 6.       Goroka Technical College
• 7.       Poly Technic Institute of Papua New Guinea
• 8.       University of Technology Bulolo Campus (Forestry)

The Technical and Business Colleges in PNG offer courses full-time courses for those who have completed Grade 12. They also offer extension courses for apprenticeship training and short courses to provide further opportunities for youths and those already in the workforce.

Check out the complete list of colleges in PNG. There is a lot of information for Grade 12 and non-school leavers who are looking for study opportunities.

2026 Acceptance List for PNG Technical Colleges

The 2026 acceptance lists for the technical colleges in PNG usually come out at the earliest in January or latest in February every year.

If you are a non-school leaver, you'll have to check with the college. As for the Grade 12 school leavers, you must check the DHERST website for the 2026 acceptance lists.

PNG Insight has a dedicated page where we update the list for our readers. Click here to find out where you can access the SELECTION LISTS PDF FOR  TECHNICAL COLLEGES IN PNG.

Important Notice for Applicants to Technical Colleges in Papua New Guinea

Grade 12 School Leavers:

We urge all Grade 12 school leavers who submitted applications to technical colleges in Papua New Guinea to verify their acceptance status on the official PDF list published by the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST). This list will confirm your admission into your chosen program.

Non-School Leavers:

Non-school leavers who applied through FODE or Open College should contact their respective colleges directly for individual acceptance updates. The original Non-School Leavers Acceptance List 2026 is available at each college administration office for reference. Kindly note that non-school leavers are selected by their chosen college, and their names are subsequently submitted to DHERST.

Important Dates and Information:

• The final TESAS Awards list is anticipated to be released in late January or early February.
• We encourage you to regularly check the DHERST website and official announcements for updates on the final list release.
• Should you have any questions or require further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact your chosen college or DHERST directly.

Career pathways from schools to TVET to employment 

The TVET courses are developed in close consultation with the National Apprenticeship and Trade Testing Board, National Training Council, Industry, Provincial Governments and the community. All courses are accredited through the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).

There are career pathways from schools to TVET to employment and for some further higher education and training.

 

Though there is an increasing awareness of the need for relevant skills training, the PNG government need to do more in this area.

TVET: Technical, vocational education and training are key to developing Papua New Guinea formal and informal sectors.