Admissions For the 2026 Academic Year - NOW OPEN

Admissions For the 2026 Academic Year - NOW OPEN

Consistent with the National online application (NOAS) and National Online Selections (NOSS) cycle, all Grade 12 school leavers seeking tertiary studies in the next academic year (2026) must apply through the National Online Application System. Online. Current grade 12 students will be issued credentials to access individual NOAS account to apply for possible admission into the academic programme and higher education institution (HEI) of their choice.

The selection criteria for all registered HEIs is set by the selector(s) from the institution. These requirements are made available to applicants through NOAS. The generic minimum selection criteria for admissions may include:

1. Subject Combination – The subject combination for each program is available on the NOAS. Students can view the subject and requirement in the My Eligible Program tab on the NOAS. Each study program has a specific set of required subjects combinations which the student should have undertaken when streaming in Grade 11 and 12. Prior to streaming in Grade 11, it is recommended that each student consult secondary school guidance counselor and to ensure students choose the appropriate set of subjects in line with academic ability and interested career discipline.

2. Minimum Grades and Subjects - Each of the required subjects for a study program has a minimum GPA requirement. It is recommended that each applicant must read and carefully comprehend the requirement when browsing and applying through the NOAS. Meeting a minimum GPA or grade alone are not the only requirement. Applicants must inform themselves of other prerequisite that may be required including whether the program is solely for school leavers or non-school leavers.

3. Grade Point Average: GPA is not the sole requirement for the application. Other requirements such as subject grades, raw scores, ranking and program quota are also considered. The highest possible Grade Point Average for all Grade 12 school-leavers is 4.0. The minimum requirement including GPA is the lowest possible results selectors may consider. Programs may be highly demanded and selection extremely competitive for applicants. Student applicants are therefore encouraged to consider program quota against their final results and make changes to their program choices, during the Grace period. 

4. In 2025, NOAS Grace Period commences on 12:01am 8^th December at 12:01 am, and Grace Period closes at 11:59pm, 14^th December 2025.

5. Differential Aptitude Test (DAT) - The DAT is intended to assist students in identifying their career path, and thus their subject combination commencing in Grade 11 and 12. For some higher education institutions and study programs however, DAT can also be used as a selection criterion. It is therefore recommended that schools and students contact respective institutions to verify this requirement.

6. STAT-PNG – Formerly called STAT-P, STAT PNG is a prerequisite for all undergraduate programs at the PNG University of Technology, Pacific Adventist University, and the (PNG) University of Goroka. STAT-P tests dates for 2024 have lapsed. 2025 dates and more information on STAT-P can be accessed through: https://statpng.acer.org/how-to-register-for-stat-p

STAT PNG Registration Date Open: August 26^th 2025

STAT PNG Registration Deadline: October 13^th 2025, at 11:59pm

7. Classified Evaluation by Patron - Classified Evaluation are non-academic based assessments which patrons at secondary schools used to further assess Grade 12 students. These evaluations are usually undertaken during August - September of each year and for some institutions, used as an admissions criterion. Students are advised to contact respective higher education institutions to confirm this requirement.

Admissions For Non-School Leavers 

In addressing GoPNG policy direction for more pathways and access to quality tertiary education, the Ministry has now included non-school leavers (NSL) integration to NOAS. NSL students wishing to apply for admissions next year must contact the DHERST NOAS Support team, or their matriculation center for more details. Please email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  or call us on 301 2008 , 301 7042 for further details.

NSL applicants must also contact HEIs to ensure they meet all NSL requirement as some HEIs administer entry tests as prerequisites.

Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)

GoPNG’s Higher Education Loan Program is available annually (during the academic year) for PNG citizens attending registered and or recognized higher education institutions. The 2025 HELP semester 1 cycle is closed.

HELP Eligibility

• Be a current registered student in a registered HEI.

• Be a PNG citizen (and be able to show documentation confirming nationality and HEI student registration status).

• Have paid compulsory registered tuition fee for the current academic year.

• Have completed a HELP declaration form and have been issued credentials to apply online.

• Have acquitted for previous HELP tranche (if applicant is a continuing student).

• For second-time borrowers; it is compulsory that previous loans have been repaid to the Government.

For further information, please contact our HELP Support Team on email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.