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).

Application Nursing Colleges in PNG 2023 - 2024

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 Highlands Region

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.