How to Apply to a PNG Teacher's College to Study in 2024

Want to become a teacher or education officer in PNG? The best pathway is through one of PNG's Teachers' Colleges, but you must have a GPA above the required threshold. 

In this article, PNG insight provides brief information about the 16 teachers' colleges in PNG and how to apply as a school leaver and non-school leaver (NSL).

Update: From 2024, the Higher Education Department, Education Department and Teachers Service Commission have agreed to a HIGHER GPA than 2.4, click here to get the full information.

What is the GPA for Teachers' Colleges in PNG?

The GPA for teachers' colleges in PNG complies with the DHERST (Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology). The threshold was 2.0, but the Department of Education  (which employs and registers teachers) has raised it to 2.4, see the news article.

Also, there are two important factors that can affect your selection to a teachers' college in PNG. 

• 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 great 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. 

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 teachers' 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 subjects in Grade 12 if you want to study at a teachers' college in PNG.

How to apply to a teacher's college as a school leaver?

Applying to a teacher's 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 in making your choices. 

A top tip here is to make teachers' college your first choice if you want to become a teacher in PNG. 

How to apply to a teacher's college 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 college in PNG. 

If you are an NSL, you'll have to apply directly to the college 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 Teachers' 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 colleges.

The teachers' college 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 Teachers' Colleges are in PNG?

Wondered how many teachers' colleges are in PNG? There are 16 recognised teachers' colleges in the country that take in students yearly. (Note that several teachers' colleges are not recognised by the Department of Higher Education, DHERST)

Also, the colleges are located in each of the regions. Check the college that is closer to where you are.

1. MOMASE

Balob Teachers College

Madang Teachers College

Rev Maru Teachers College

DWU St Benedicts Kaindi Teachers College

2. HIGHLANDS

Enga Teachers College

Dauli Teachers College 

Simbu Teachers College

Holy Trinity Teachers College

Southern Highlands Teachers College

Melanesian Nazarene Teachers College

3. NEW GUINEA ISLANDS

Gaulim Teachers College

Sonoma Adventist Teachers College

DWU OLSH Kabaleo Teachers College

St Peter Channel College of Secondary Teacher Education

4. SOUTHERN

PNG Education Institute

Sacred Heart Teachers College BOMANA

School leavers and non-school leavers info

Important disclaimer:

Note that this is not a formal advisory from any teachers' 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.

This information points you in the right direction as you make your choices and anticipate your selection.

How to Apply for Papua New Guinea (PNG) Visa?

Note that in a recent media release (2022), the Immigration Minister re-launched the Online PNG Entry Visa Application function. Its aim is to fast-track the backlog of visa applications. Only certain groups of visitors are eligible for the online fast-track visa - PNG VISA

PNG entry visa comprises several classes. Find out which one suits you. 

Classes of PNG Entry Visas

Tourist (Tour Package)

Relevant documents are provided (eg: A letter from Tour Group)

Group tours, student excursion groups, etc.

Tourist (own itinerary)

Relevant documents are provided (eg: Letter stating the purpose of the visit)

Individuals who wish to sightsee independently, travel, or visit friends, etc.

Easy Visitor Permits (EVP)

EVPs are strictly issued upon arrival in PNG to eligible nationals only, please refer to the list (Visa on arrival eligible country list) at www.immigration.gov.pg.

Visiting Relative

For individuals visiting husbands, wives, or other family members.

Journalist

For reporters, TV presenters, announcers and correspondents.

Yachtsperson

Owner, captain, and crew of a yacht as well as any accompanying spouse and/or children.

Validity of PNG Visa

All visitor entry permits are valid for a single entry stay of sixty (60) days from the date of arrival. Work is prohibited.

Where to apply

Application for all the above classes can be made at any PNG Diplomatic Mission.

Applications for tourist/visiting relative entry permits (for eligible nationals) can also be made on arrival at designated international ports of entry.

For those arriving by yacht, applications can be made at ICD or at the designated international port of entry.

How to apply for PNG Visa

1. Complete the “Application for Entry Permit” (Form 1)

2. Pay the Migration Service Fee (MSF)

3. Provide passport and documentary evidence.

Check out the countries eligible for the NEW online entry visa application.

Support documents to attach with the application form

• Tourist (both tour package and own itinerary):
• Return/ongoing ticket;
• Evidence of funds (if required).
• Visiting Relative:
• Return/ongoing ticket
• Evidence of funds (if required).

Journalist's Entry Visa to PNG

• Return/ongoing ticket
• Letter from sponsoring organization and list of equipment.
• Approval from the International Organization Branch of the Department of Foreign Affairs & Immigration must be obtained prior to the entry permit issue.

Yacht Person Entry Visa to PNG

• Proof of ownership of vessel/ captain’s papers;
• Ship’s log for details of crewmembers;
• Customs Clearance form must be completed.
• Accompanying dependents and crewmembers are issued a Tourist/visitor entry permit upon arrival.

Extension of stay in PNG

Extensions can be granted once only for a maximum of thirty (30) days whilst in PNG.

Applicants for extension should:

• Complete the “Application to Extend Entry Permit” (Form 4);
• Pay the MSF as set out in the Summary Table.
• Provide a letter stating the reasons for the extension.
• Provide a copy of the return airline ticket.
• Further applications will not be considered.

How much to pay in PNG Visa fees

All Tourist Visas are free.

Journalist - effective 1 April 2014 the fee is AU$435.00*

*Check the local PNG Consulate or High Commission for the latest fees and travel info.

A blooming orchid, Port Moresby Adventure Park