Non-School Leavers Online Selection for PNG Universities and Colleges (Preparations 2024 for 2025 Implementation)

In a move to improve fairness and accessibility in higher education, Papua New Guinea's universities and colleges will be transitioning to an online selection system for non-school leavers starting in 2025. This reform aims to address past concerns about a selection process that lacked transparency and consistency. 

Previously, universities and colleges held individual responsibility for selecting non-school leavers, which created a system prone to irregularities. This included a lack of centralized quotas and the potential for non-registered institutions to make arbitrary selections. 

Benefits of the Online System

The new online system, integrated with the National Online Selection System (NOSS) and National Online Application System (NOAS), offers several advantages:

• Transparency: Clear and consistent criteria will be established for selecting non-school leavers, ensuring a fairer and more objective process.

• Accessibility: Defined quotas for non-school leavers will guarantee a designated number of spots in universities and colleges.

• Streamlined Process: The online platform will simplify application procedures for both institutions and students.

How it Works (Online Selection for Non-School Leavers)

Here's a breakdown of the anticipated selection process for non-school leavers in 2025: 

• 1. Nomination by Centres of Distance Education (CDES): These centres will play a crucial role in identifying eligible non-school leavers. This includes students who completed Grade 12 outside the traditional school system such as FODE and matriculation centres. (While details for overseas students are pending, this system streamlines domestic applications.)

•  2. Application and Selection: Nominated students will receive invitation letters to apply online. They can apply to up to five programs with designated quotas for non-school leavers, along with submitting back-up choices. 

•  3. National Admission Pool: Following selection, non-school leavers will be placed in a national pool for admission consideration by universities and colleges. 

The online selection system streamlines the process for DHERST and the government, providing a clearer picture of non-school leavers (and Grade 12 school leavers) entering PNG universities and colleges.

A Better Way: NSL Online Selection 2025!

The online selection system for non-school leavers is a significant step towards a more equitable and transparent higher education landscape in Papua New Guinea. 

This reform, similar to the successful implementation for school leavers in 2020, is expected to create a level playing field and provide deserving non-school leavers with better access to quality education.

DHERST Admission Pool Guide for Grade 12 Selections

The Admission Pool is a crucial part of the Grade 12 selection process, offering a chance for qualified students to secure admission into their desired programs. This guide breaks down the details of the DHERST Admission Pool to help applicants make informed decisions and increase their chances of success.

Understanding the DHERST Admission Pool

The DHERST Admission Pool includes Grade 12 applicants who meet the minimum eligibility criteria for their chosen programs but were not initially offered admission due to limited spaces. 

This pool of students acts as a dynamic reservoir, providing a second opportunity for deserving students to enter their preferred academic paths.

Steps for Grade 12 School Leavers in the Admission Pool

1. Regularly Check Your Account: Applicants should consistently monitor their NOAS accounts for updates on their admission status. Respond promptly to any requests for additional information or clarifications.

2. Reactivate Program Choices: Carefully review available program options and reactivate choices that align with the requirements of institutions with unfilled spaces. Strategic adjustments can improve the chances of admission.

3. Be Patient and Persistent: The DHERST Admission Pool is an ongoing process. Applicants should be patient as the situation evolves and remain persistent and hopeful throughout the selection process.

Admission Pool Facts

1. Transparency: The DHERST Admission Pool maintains high standards of transparency, ensuring that the selection process is free from nepotism, bribery, or corruption. Meritocracy is the guiding principle.

2. Efficiency: The system is designed for exceptional efficiency, with student names reaching institutions within seconds. This promptness streamlines the decision-making process for timely placements.

3. Fairness: Every applicant in the DHERST Admission Pool has an equal opportunity to secure admission. The system is unbiased, ensuring a level playing field for all.

Watch this video to know more about the Admission Pool:

PNG Insight has been following the selection process for a long time, offering valuable insights, updates, and resources to empower students, parents, and educators. Our commitment to providing educational information includes the exam results and selections and DHERST Admission Pool.

Note that PNG Insight is an education and development blog, we are not affiliated with DHERST. We aim to help applicants navigate the exam and selection processes with confidence and achieve their academic goals.

If you have any questions pertaining to education and development in Papua New Guinea that you would like us to address, please leave a comment below.

Development and Implementation of DHERST Online Selection - An Effective Solution

The National Online Selection System (NOAS), led by the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST), reflects the nation's dedication to a transparent, efficient higher education system. 

Introduced in 2018, this system has changed the selection process, replacing the manual, time-consuming method with an electronic platform. 

The new system empowers students and streamlines administrative procedures, marking a significant shift towards a more accessible and modern approach to higher education selection.

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Changes in Education Sector Demands Proactive Leadership

The PNG education sector is going through major changes in curriculum and structure. These changes affect educational outcomes. Since 2018, DHERST adopted an online application and selection system. This proactive move is invaluable. It ensures the selection process adapts to the evolving needs of the country's education system.

A cornerstone of the PNG Higher Education Selection System is its in-house online platform, fully controlled by DHERST officers. This localised solution, with its dedicated local URL, offers several advantages over outsourced alternatives. 

By maintaining control over the platform, DHERST ensures data security, privacy, and adherence to PNG's education policies. Moreover, the platform's robustness and sustainability have been demonstrated through its resilience in the face of external pressures, such as changes in leadership and increasing numbers of applicants.

If you are a Grade 12 students in the Admission Pool, here is what you need to know.

Development and Implementation of DHERST Online Selection

The development and implementation of the PNG Higher Education Selection System underscore the visionary leadership of Professor Fr Jan Czuba, the Secretary of DHERST. 

Despite facing political challenges that led to his temporary removal from office, the system continued to function, albeit not as effectively as under his direct guidance. 

With his reinstatement following a lengthy court battle, Professor Czuba has reclaimed his position and is committed to continuing his dedication to serving the people of PNG through his role as DHERST Secretary.

NOAS is a Sustainable Online Platform

The PNG Higher Education Selection System stands as a testament to Professor Czuba's well-thought-out, planned, and executed vision. This transparent, effective, and efficient selection system has become an integral part of the PNG education landscape, empowering students and streamlining administrative processes. 

As the country continues to embrace technological advancements, the selection system is poised to evolve further, enhancing its ability to support PNG's aspirations for a world-class higher education system.

In this video, the DHERST secretary gives intricate details of the NOAS: 

What It Means to Be in NOAS National Admission Pool (2024 Grade 12 Selections for 2025)

The Grade 12 students in PNG can check their NOAS selection status to find out if they have been selected in one of their five choices. The 2024 Grade 12 Selections for the 2025 academic year - NOAS Status Check - will be live after the Launch of Selection. That is when the Grade 12 School Leavers selection and Non-school Leavers will know the selection status, and find out if they are in NOAS National Admission Pool. But, what does that mean?

Do not fret. NOAS is an effective system that gives you a second chance. It also assists you to 're-adjust' your choices for the spaces available in the NOAS National Admission Pool. Use it before the final acceptance list PDFs are published.

DHERST NOAS National Admission Pool

It is important to confirm your selection to a higher institution as soon as you can. If you are not selected in one of your five choices, you may be put in the admission pool. 

If you are a student on DHERST's admission pool, you'll have to log in to your National Online Selection Account between now and before the academic year 2025 starts to see if you have been offered a placement at a university or college in PNG.

Students in the admission pool have to hope that they are considered for 6,000+ spaces, formally called quotas.

So, keep checking to see if you are one of the lucky ones from the admission pool admitted to a university or college.

Questions about Grade 12 Selections 2024

Here are some questions PNG Insight receives about selections, GPA and Admission Pool for Tertiary Institutions in PNG. We pick three common questions that many students ask and put answers to them.

Important: Note that the answers are based on experience over the years, intended to give clarity to the questions. It is in no way formal advice.

Q. I am not selected and I was put in an admission pull, will the DHERST select me according to my choices?

Brief answer: If you are in the DHERST Admission Pool, it means that you are likely to be considered IF there is a space available in the institution of your choice. Also, your GPA has to be higher than the other students in the pool to maximise your chance of being selected.

Q. I got a GPA of 2.6 and I was not selected by any of those five institutions where I should have been selected because I know that the nursing school's in the country have a minimum GPA of 2.4 and above. Why can't a GPA of 2.6 can be also selected?

Brief answer: Your GPA doesn't automatically guarantee you a selection to one of your 5 choices. Though it is the main selection criteria, there must be a spot available for you to be selected. Also, there are other students who may have a GPA above 2.6 applying to the same institutions or they may have made your second choice their first choice. They have the advantage over you. In the meantime, login to your NOAS Student Account before the academic year starts to confirm your final selection status from the Admission Pool.

Q. My GPA is 2.4 and yet I applied for teachers colleges in PNG that require a current GPA of 2.4 and above. Why I am not selected with such a GPA?

Brief answer: The current GPA of 2.8 for teachers' college is the threshold which is the borderline GPA. If you have a GPA close to the borderline GPA, you are last in the queue during the actual selection and also last in the queue in the Admission Pool. It's sad but true. Those students who have GPAs higher than the threshold with first-choice preference have a higher chance of being selected than those sitting at the borderline GPA.

Grade 12 Selections 2025 NOAS Status Check

As you read the three questions, you may have realised that the best thing to do is to get the five choices on NOAS right - spot on.

For now, if you are in DHERST Admission Pool, make sure you check your status regularly to see if there are any changes to your selection status. 

Also, check the final lists that come out on the DHERST website. 

The institution you apply to will publish its acceptance lists. You may want to check that too.

All in all, your NOAS student account is the right place to confirm your selection. If you have any questions about selections, please leave a comment below.

Non-School Leavers Selections Lists 2024

DHERST often releases the NSL selection list PDFs for the Teachers' Colleges, Nursing Colleges, Technical Colleges and other colleges in batches.

Check out the links for the latest NSL selections list for the institutions in PNG:

• Teachers' Colleges NSL Selections Lists
• Nursing Colleges NSL Selection Lists.

Note that DHERST TESAS (HECAS & AES) Status list will be published on the Acceptances Lists so make sure you confirm if you are on a government TESAS scholarship. That is the important list that indicates students' scholarship status. 

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UPNG Non-School Leavers Application 2025

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 resorted to also 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 2024, 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 Honors 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 correct date of deposit on the deposit slip when paying. Keep the receipt with you for verification purposes.

c.) All applicants for Masters 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 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 Post Graduate 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 to 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.

2024 NOAS Application Eligible Programs During the Grade Period for Grade 12 School Leavers and Non-School Leavers

The DHERST National Online Application System (NOAS) simplifies the Grade 12 School Leavers and Non-school Leavers application process, ensuring students apply for eligible programs during the Grace Period. 

This innovative system clearly highlights ineligible options, reducing the risk of mistakes and enabling students to make informed decisions. Also, it allows students to select up to five choices, increasing their chances of acceptance into their desired tertiary institutions. 

This streamlines the selection process and helps Grade 12 students make informed decisions during the Grace Period.

National Online Application  System (NOAS) 

The 2024 NOAS Application for Grade 12 School Leavers and Non-School Leavers provides a flexible and convenient approach. This new system offers more choices, allowing students to modify their selections as often as needed. 

Unlike the old system, which limited students to three choices with no option for changes, the updated NOAS system enables you to select up to five institutions. 

To make the most of this opportunity, research thoroughly and choose institutions that align with your goals. Regularly check the NOAS to see which institutions offer your desired courses. Seek advice from teachers, parents, guardians, and patrons to ensure your choices are well-informed and strategic. 

This approach enhances your chances of securing a spot in a tertiary institution and helps you make informed decisions about your future.

2024 Grace Period - Its Importance

The 2024 Grace Period, which commences on 2nd December 2024 and ends on 5th December 2024, is a critical window for Grade 12 students to refine their choices. During these four days, you have the opportunity to 'fine-tune' your selections, with DHERST providing insights on NOAS regarding your eligibility based on your examination results.

DHERST highlights the significance of the Grace Period as follows:

"This [Grace Period] is a crucial period where you will start making your choices based on your final grade 12 results. Ensure to access your account during the mentioned dates. If you see a red highlight in any of your five choices under 'My Choices', this means your final result has not met the minimum program requirement set by the institution. Therefore, you must change the red highlighted choice to a different program available in your list."

It is better to use the Grace Period to adjust your choices to more suitable ones. After the due date, DHERST does not permit any further changes. 

By mid-December, Grade 12 students will have received their exam results and be in a better position to adjust their selections in NOAS. 

Make sure to take full advantage of this period to ensure your choices are well-informed and aligned with your academic aspirations.

Launching of 2024 Selection for 2025 Academic Year

The Department of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology (DHERST) will officially launch the 2024 selection lists for universities and non-universities on 16th December 2024. Utilising the National Online Selections System (NOSS), the online selection process will be executed efficiently within just 35 seconds.

Here's what the higher education secretary has to say about this innovative national online selection system. Make sure to watch the video, and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to PNG Insight for insightful content on education and development in Papua New Guinea.

About the National Online Application System (NOAS LOGIN)

NOAS remains the property of the National Government of Papua New Guinea and is administered by the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology. 

NOAS facilitates national admissions and selections into higher education institutions in PNG. This portal facilitates Grade 12 school-leaver applications. In 2024, non-school leavers will also use the NOAS to apply to universities and colleges.

Non-school leaver applicants

Non-school leaver applicants must contact directly the institute of their choice and follow non-school leaver application requirements.

Contact DHERST

For further information, please contact the DHERST Support Service noassupport@dherst.gov.pg

Source: DHERST

References articles and Insights

Related articles to help you understand the process from application to selection and launching and publication of DHERST acceptance list for PNG Universities and colleges.

• Latest on Exam results & NOAS Acceptance Lists - click here
• Introduction of HELP student loan
• HELP Studentships: What Are the Benefits?
• TESAS and HELP APPLICATION INFO
• How to apply for HELP Application 
• Read this article for the launching of the 2025 DHERST acceptance list for more info.
• Check this space for any latest on the Grade 12 Grace Period and the launching of 2024 selection lists.
• Latest on the DHERST Students Loan Program - Click on the link to find out about the timeline and application eligibility criteria.