PNG Higher Education Scholarships: What Are TESAS, AES, HECAS and HELP?

The Papua New Guinea government offers scholarships to help talented students pursue higher education. The TESAS and HELP programs provide financial assistance to deserving individuals, regardless of their academic background or financial situation. These scholarships offer a gateway to academic success and career opportunities for PNG students.

PNG Higher Education Scholarships Two Key Components

The three key components of the Tertiary Education Student Assistance Scheme (TESAS) are the:

• Academic Excellence Scholarships (AES) and 
• Higher Education Contribution Assistance Scheme (HECAS).

These scholarships, collectively known as the TESAS, aim to support academically brilliant students and facilitate their academic development. 

Find out how to calculate GPA here.

AES: Recognising Academic Excellence (1)

The AES is awarded to students with exceptional academic performance throughout their studies, typically with a high GPA. These scholarships provide a full tuition waiver, accommodation allowance, and a modest living allowance. 

By recognising and rewarding academic excellence, AES empowers students to pursue their passions and contribute positively to PNG's future.

HECAS: Addressing Financial Burdens (2)

The HECAS, on the other hand, is designed to assist students who may face financial constraints while pursuing higher education. These scholarships cover a portion of tuition fees, reducing the financial burden on students and their families. 

HECAS ensures that financial limitations do not hinder students from pursuing their academic aspirations.

Here is a guide for Self-sponsored students to secure TESAS, click here to get more information.

Gender Equity Scholarships (3)

The Gender Equity Scholarship was created to promote gender balance in higher education. It encourages women who have completed high school to pursue bachelor's degrees in fields where they are currently underrepresented. 

This merit-based scholarship is only open to women who have been accepted into an approved bachelor's degree program. The scholarship is only for the first year of bachelor's degree studies, but successful recipients will be considered for AES or HECAS scholarships in subsequent years. 

Only 50 scholarships are awarded each year, and the eligible fields and programs are announced in October.

Benefits of TESAS Scholarships

The TESAS scholarships offer a multitude of benefits to PNG students:

1. Financial Support: Scholarship recipients receive financial assistance, easing the financial burden and allowing them to focus on their studies.

2. Scholarly Excellence: AES recipients are recognised for their academic achievements, fostering a culture of excellence and motivation among students.

3. Access to Higher Education: Both AES and HECAS provide opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds to access higher education, regardless of their financial circumstances.

4. Career Advancement: By providing a strong educational foundation, TESAS scholarships empower students to pursue careers that contribute to PNG's socioeconomic development.

Guiding Principles for TESAS Scholarships

The PNG Higher Education Ministry through DHERST upholds several guiding principles when administering TESAS scholarships:

1. Merit-Based Evaluation: Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, ensuring that deserving students receive recognition and support.

2. Transparency and Accountability: The scholarship process is transparent and accountable, ensuring fairness and adherence to established guidelines.

3. Continuous Improvement: The TESAS program is constantly evaluated and refined to ensure its effectiveness in supporting students and fostering educational excellence.

The Role of HELP Studentship Program

In addition to TESAS, the PNG government introduced the HELP Student Loan Program (Higher Education Student Loan Program) to further support students pursuing higher education. 

This loan program provides financial assistance to students who do not qualify for TESAS scholarships. The HELP program aims to bridge the financial gap and ensure qualified students are allowed the opportunity to pursue higher education.

The HELP student loan program is:

• a new student loan program that offers interest-free loans to students who are enrolled in a higher education institution in Papua New Guinea.
• designed to be more affordable and manageable than standard loans, and it offers a repayment grace period after graduation.
• a great way for students to start building their credit history.
• a valuable resource for students who need financial assistance to attend college or university.

Students do not need to repay their HELP loans until they graduate, and they will have six months to find a job before payments begin. 

To find out about How to Apply for the HELP Student Loan Program, click here

Conclusion

TESAS, AES, HECAS, and HELP are the PNG government's initiatives to empower PNG's youth to pursue their academic aspirations and contribute to the nation's development. 

These programs play an important role in fostering a well-educated and skilled workforce, laying the foundation for PNG's continued progress and prosperity.

This is an UPDATE of the article that first appeared here.

UNITECH Graduate Assistantship Program (GAP) Scholarship: Providing Opportunities for Exceptional Graduates

Every year, the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (UNITECH) offers 15 scholarships to exceptional first-degree holders under the Graduate Assistantship Program (GAP). This scholarship program aims to provide opportunities for outstanding graduates to pursue postgraduate studies at the master's and doctoral levels in various fields of study. The scholarship covers tuition fees, accommodation, and a stipend for living expenses.

Discover the opportunity to study at UNITECH, the University of Technology in Papua New Guinea, through the Graduate Assistantship Program (GAP) Scholarship.

Grade 12 students: To get more information about online studies at UNITECH, click here

Programs of Study

Candidates can apply to any of the following programs of study:

1. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD - Research)

• a) Doctor of Philosophy in Agriculture
• b) Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Physics
• c) Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Sciences
• d) Doctor of Philosophy in Architecture
• e) Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering
• f) Doctor of Philosophy in Communication and Development Studies
• g) Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Communication Engineering
• h) Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry
• i) Doctor of Philosophy in Geomatics
• j) Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science
• k) Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics
• l) Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering
• m) Doctor of Philosophy in Mining Engineering
• n) Doctor of Philosophy in Surveying
• o) Doctor of Philosophy in Land Studies

2. Master of Philosophy (MPhil - Research)

• a) Master of Philosophy in Agriculture
• b) Master of Philosophy in Applied Physics
• c) Master of Philosophy in Applied Sciences
• d) Master of Philosophy in Architecture
• e) Master of Philosophy in Electrical and Communication Engineering
• f) Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering
• g) Master of Philosophy in Forestry
• h) Master of Philosophy in Information Technology
• i) Master of Philosophy in Mathematics
• j) Master of Philosophy in Computer Science
• k) Master of Philosophy in Mining Engineering
• l) Master of Philosophy in Geomatics
• m) Master of Philosophy in Land Studies
• n) Master of Philosophy in Surveying

3. Master's Program (Course-Work)

• a) Master of Science in Agriculture
• b) Master of Science in Applied Physics
• c) Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering
• d) Master of Science in Solid Waste and Resource Management
• e) Master of Science in Forestry
• f) Master of Technology in Mechanical Engineering
• g) Master of Communication Studies (MCS)

4. Postgraduate Diploma (PGD - Course Work)

• a) Postgraduate Diploma in Agriculture
• b) Postgraduate Diploma in Forestry
• c) Postgraduate Diploma in Mathematics

Application Process

To apply for the UNITECH Graduate Assistantship Program Scholarship, interested candidates need to complete an application form available on the UNITECH website. 

Alternatively, contact the program officers and ask for the GAP scholarship application form.

Candidates are also required to provide copies of their certificates, transcripts, and other necessary documents.

Entry Requirements

The entry requirements for each program of study are different. Candidates applying for a doctorate degree should have a Master's degree in a field related to the proposed research, with a proven track record of research and working experience. 

Those applying for a Master of Philosophy degree should have a merit degree or postgraduate diploma from a tertiary institution. The qualification must be approved by the Postgraduate Committee, and with a relevant first degree industry experience of more than two years.

For admission to a course-based Master's program, candidates should have a postgraduate diploma from a recognized tertiary institution or a bachelor's degree from a tertiary institution in a recognized field of study appropriate to the proposed course of advanced study.

Candidates applying for a Postgraduate Diploma should have a bachelor's degree from a tertiary institution approved by the Postgraduate Committee in a field of study appropriate to the course of advanced study proposed. Final-year students are also encouraged to apply.

Application Deadline

The deadline for submitting applications for the PNG UNITECH Graduate Assistantship Program (GAP) Scholarship is usually in July of each year. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline to avoid missing out on this great opportunity.

After submitting an application, candidates will go through a selection process that involves a review of their academic and professional qualifications. 

The selection process is highly competitive, and only 15 exceptional candidates will be awarded the scholarship.

The successful applicants will be notified by email or phone and will be required to confirm their acceptance of the scholarship in writing within a specified period. 

Once the acceptance is confirmed, the scholarship will cover tuition fees and provide a living allowance for the duration of the postgraduate program.

UNITECH Graduate Assistantship Program (GAP) Scholarship

The PNG UNITECH Graduate Assistantship Program (GAP) Scholarship is a great opportunity for exceptional first-degree holders who wish to pursue postgraduate studies in various fields. 

With 15 scholarships available every year, the competition is high, and candidates are encouraged to apply early. The scholarship covers tuition fees and provides a living allowance for the duration of the postgraduate program. 

If you have any questions or require more information about the scholarship program, contact UNITECH via the contacts provided.

Contact

Please visit www.unitech.ac.pg for a copy of the application form or email info.pgs@unitech.ac.pg

Executive Officer 

Postgraduate Committee 

PNG University of Technology 

Private Mail Bag, Lae 411, M.P. 

Phone: 473 4280/4474 Fax: 475 7667 

Study at a PNG Universities

We also provide some background information on PNG universities here. Find out about the admissions and selections  for UPNG, UOG, UNRE, Unitech, DWU and PAU:

• UPNG, University of Papua New Guinea
• UOG, University of Goroka
• UNRE, University of Natural Resources and Environment
• Unitech, University of Technology
• DWU, Divine Word University and 
• PAU, Pacific Adventist University.

Scholarship for PNG Students to Study in Malaysia (MTCP) 2024

The Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST) invites potential candidates who wish to undertake Post-Graduate Masters studies in Malaysia in 2024.

The scholarship program is sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia. The online application is open from mid-June 2022 and will close mid-July 2022.

[Check out the latest information on Australia Awards Scholarship for 2024]

Post Graduate Masters studies in Malaysia in 2024

The duration of the program is 12 to 24 months. You must be below 45 years old. The post-graduate scholarship covers tuition fees and monthly allowances.

Key dates

• 16th June - online application open
• 16 July - application close
• End of July - shortlisting
• Early August - interview
• Middle of August - announcement of successful applicants.

Apply online

Complete the ONLINE APPLICATION following the link: https://biasiswa.mohe.gov.my//INTER/login.php

For further information regarding MTCP Scholarship: https://www.facebook.com/MTCPMalaysia

This scholarship for PNG students was released by DHERST. 

Australian (scholarship) awards

Latest on Australian Awards Scholarship for PNG students.

2024 Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD) for PNG Students

The Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD) provides a diverse group of emerging student leaders with a scholarship for one semester of non-degree academic study at a U.S. college or university. 

Global UGRAD is a program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the United States Department of State.

Global UGRAD aims to recruit participants from underrepresented backgrounds who have not had other opportunities to study in the United States. 

Successful applicants can expect in-depth exposure to U.S. society, culture, and academic institutions, as well as opportunities to enhance their professional skills.

• For students in Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands or Vanuatu
• Deadline to apply – (Expected) Early January

Global UGRAD is administered by World Learning

All participants will be enrolled in full-time, non-degree, undergraduate coursework chosen from their host institution’s existing curriculum. Participants will be required to take one, 3-credit U.S. studies course to enhance their understanding of the United States. 

Participants will live in campus housing facilities with American peers and will be required to participate in twenty hours of community service. There will also be a virtual arrival orientation and an in-person end-of-program workshop.

Candidates from the Pacific Islands countries are eligible. Global UGRAD is administered by World Learning on behalf of its funder, the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

Only online applications will be accepted, Eastern Standard time via: https://webportalapp.com/

Program Eligibility

Global UGRAD is open to all academic fields of study and does not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, or disability.

The Global UGRAD Program is open to anyone who meets the following criteria:

• Applicants must be a citizen of Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands or Vanuatu to apply for the Global UGRAD Program.
• Applicants must be studying in Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands or Vanuatu to apply for the Global UGRAD Program.
• Scholarships will be granted to students who currently are enrolled in full-time undergraduate programs only, having completed a minimum of their first semester of study. Participants must have at least one semester or an equivalent term to complete at their home institutions upon completion of the Global UGRAD Program.
• Applicants should demonstrate leadership potential through academic work, community involvement, and extracurricular activities.
• Applicants must achieve a minimum TOEFL score of 48iBT.
• Preference will be given to those who have had little or NO experience in the United States or outside of their home countries.
• Has a solid command of written and spoken English (English Language training for some finalists is possible);
• Able to begin studies in the U.S. in January 2024 (selected participants may not defer to a later date);
• Eligible to receive and maintain the U.S. student exchange visa (J-1) required for the program;
• Applicants are over 18 years of age.
• Cleared by a physician to participate in the program

Individuals in the following circumstances are NOT eligible for the Global UGRAD Program:

• U.S. citizens and permanent residents of the United States;
• Individuals currently studying, residing, or working outside of their home country;
• Anyone who has already graduated from university
• Local employees of the U.S. missions abroad who work for the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID); employees are also ineligible for one year following the termination of employment;
• Immediate family members (i.e. spouses and children) of U.S. Department of State and USAID employees; family members are also ineligible for one year following the termination of employment;
• Current World Learning employees and their immediate family members

For more info please visit: https://www.worldlearning.org/program/global-undergraduate-exchange-program

If you have questions, please write to: pdportmoresby@state.gov

For detailed information please visit the Global UGRAD website and Global UGRAD Facebook page.  The house program description, program eligibility, a link to the online application and a great video of current UGRAD students encouraging others to apply.  

Global UGRAD YouTube Channel features videos that past participants have made about their experiences in the U.S.

DHERST HELP Loan Application for Tertiary Institutions in PNG

ELP application form: As for the present DHERST HELP applications, Fr Jan explained that students applying for this loan have to fill out the application form and leave them with their respective administration for enrolment purposes. 

The NBC News reported earlier this year that a Temporary Declaration Form which is similar to HELP Loan Application Form was issued by the Secretary’s office to all tertiary institutions and colleges in the country.

Many students who applied for loans this year got assistance from their universities and colleges to do that. But what about next year, 2023? 

This new article has the latest on DHERST Students Loan Program - Click on the link to find out about the timeline and application eligibility criteria.

The information is sketchy at the moment. But, here is information available form to us from what the former higher education secretary had said about the HELP loan.

Help application online 2023

In 2021, the then DHERST secretary Fr Jan mentioned that the HELP application form would be downloaded online so that students do not have to go through the dept, or contact them, to get a PDF application form.

Here is how the application for the DHERST HELP program will (is intended to) work:

• Visit DHERST website
• Access DHERST HELP electronic application app
• Download the 2023 application form, 
• Complete the application form, and
•  Send them back to DHESRT before the deadline.

This new article has the latest on DHERST Students Loan Program - Click on the link to find out about the timeline and application eligibility criteria.

Note that DHERST has NOT implemented the online application system yet on their website. Nor have they released the HELP Online Application Handbook that Fr Jan mentioned. 

We will put a direct link here when they release it this year. 

K220m FOR HIGHER EDUCATION LOAN PROGRAM (NBC News)

Management of HELP Students Loan Funds

The government has released a total of K220 million for the Higher Education Loan Program or HELP student loan scheme for the academic year 2021. In fact, DHERST made an initial submission for K350 million but was only given K220 million.

Fr Jan Czuba stated that this amount is sufficient and would not often be fully used and whatever remains can be rolled over to next year’s (2023) allocation.

The Higher Education Secretary said three options have been discussed and looked at as the avenue where this fund will be managed.

He said they are considering options that are going to be transparent and also to ensure the money grows instead of being used up.

Higher Education Secretary Fr Jan Czuba said the release of funds is for implementation in April this year (2021)

Recommended readings for HELP students loan

Here are past news articles and information about DHERST HELP student loan programs that you should know when applying.

• Introduction of HELP student loan, 2020
• HELP Studentships: What Are the Benefits?
• TESAS and HELP APPLICATION INFO

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