Southern Cross University, in partnership with IBS University, has officially opened its admissions for the 2025 intake. This announcement comes as great news for aspiring students eager to pursue higher education in Papua New Guinea.
Range of Programs
The university offers various programs designed to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills for success in today's competitive world.
Available degree programs include:
Accounting and Finance: Build a strong foundation in financial principles and practices.
Economics and Development: Gain a deep understanding of economic theories and their applications.
Business and Management: Develop leadership skills and business acumen.
Information Technology: Stay ahead with cutting-edge knowledge in IT and digital innovation.
Apply today to join Southern Cross University
You can also download the application form here. To apply, visit https://ibsu.ac.pg/admissions-are-now-open-for-2025-intake/ and download the application PDFs for the 2025 intake. Fill out all required information accurately and submit your application on time.
2. 2025 ADVANCED STANDING APPLICATION FORM - DOWNLOAD
Why Choose Southern Cross University?
Southern Cross University, known for its commitment to academic excellence and innovation, offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Whether you're looking to advance in your current field or embark on a new academic journey,
Southern Cross University provides the perfect opportunity to achieve your educational goals.
Recent parliamentary debates in Papua New Guinea have shed light on significant changes to the country's education system, with Education Minister Hon. Luca Dawa Dekena at the helm.
Central to these discussions is the government's decision to retain Grade 8 and 10 exams but not use them as a filter to select students. This policy shift, aimed at promoting inclusivity, will see all Grade 8 students progress to Grade 9 in 2025 and Grade 10 students move to Grade 11 in 2027, regardless of their exam performance.
KEY ARTICLE: Is removing Grades 8 and 10 exams a mistake? READ IT HERE
Key Changes and Trends (Parliamentary Debates and Concerns)
The National Education Plan (NEP) 2020-2029 outlines transformative goals, including the shift away from using exams as a barrier to student progression. This change is expected to ensure that all students have the opportunity to continue their education, thereby fostering a more inclusive system.
During a recent session, Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas raised significant concerns about the removal of these exam filters:
1. Quality Concerns: The Governor stressed the importance of maintaining education standards, questioning the rationale behind eliminating Grade 8 and 10 exams.
2. Advisory and Decision: He inquired who advised the removal of these exams, highlighting past issues with imposed education systems that compromised quality.
3. Assessment and Incentives: Emphasising the critical role of exams, he questioned how teacher performance would be assessed and what incentives students would have to strive for excellence without exams.
4. Policy Reconsideration: He urged the Minister to reconsider the policy, allowing exams to continue while still enabling students to progress, and ensuring educational standards are maintained.
In response, Education Minister Hon. Luca Dawa Dekena acknowledged the concerns but reaffirmed the government's commitment to the policy.
He clarified that exams would continue to monitor student performance but would not be used to exclude students from progressing. This approach aims to provide equal opportunities for all learners, accommodating both fast and slow learners.
Education Population Insights
According to the National Statistical Office, school enrolment in Papua New Guinea has seen significant growth, with over 1.3 million students currently enrolled in primary and secondary education.
However, this growth presents challenges such as high student-to-teacher ratios and disparities in educational access between urban and rural areas. The policy to allow all students to progress will further increase pressure on school capacities and resources.
Impacts and Future Outlook
The removal of exams as a filter will have far-reaching implications. While the policy aims to ensure that no child is left behind, it will necessitate substantial investments in school infrastructure, teaching resources, and teacher training to maintain educational quality.
The government is also working on enhancing early childhood education, improving teacher inspections, and introducing a new curriculum to better prepare students for higher grades.
Removing Exam Filter at Grade 8 and Grade 10 Raises Critical Questions
The evolving education policies in Papua New Guinea reflect a commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunities for all students. However, the shift away from using exams as a filter raises critical questions about maintaining educational standards and managing increased school capacities.
As the government continues to implement the NEP 2020-2029, it will be crucial to monitor these impacts and ensure that the educational needs of students and teachers are effectively met.
The Education Department through Measurement Services Division has announced the dates from the release of Grade 10, Grade 12 mainstream, and Grade 12 STEM students.
The results will come out in the first week of December 2025. For the exact dates, refer to the screenshot below.
PNG STEM, GRADE 12, AND GRADE 10 RESULTS DATES RELEASED
Note that the MyPNGExamresults.Com portal is still offline at the time of this notice. Understandably, they are working are the backhand towards the exam results release dates.
Here are some resources that will help you to access your results when they are released:
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.
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
