PNG Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology

18/03/2026

Call for Applications for Membership of The National Higher and Technical Education Board (NHTEB)

06/03/2026

23/12/2025

As we near the conclusion of 2025, I am delighted to offer my heartfelt Christmas wishes to all higher education institutions (Universities and Colleges), students, educators, parents, families, and stakeholders throughout Papua New Guinea. This festive period is a moment for gratitude, reflection, renewal and togetherness as we celebrate with our loved ones and express thanks for the year’s blessings.

This year has marked significant achievements in our higher education sector, notably the successful National Online Selection for tertiary institutions, where 13,652 school leavers and non-school leavers secured places for the 2026 academic year through a transparent and merit-based process. This accomplishment underscores our dedication to enhancing Access, Quality, and Relevance for all Papua New Guineans pursuing further higher education and skill development.

The efforts of the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST), along with our academics, administrators, and partners, have been tireless in advancing the higher education reform, digitalization, and innovation within PNG’s higher education system. Our commitment lays the groundwork for quality, relevance, and inclusivity in higher and technical education for future generations.

As we celebrate Christmas, let us embrace the values of peace, unity, hope, and generosity. May this season bring joy and renewal to your homes, and may we all look forward to the New Year with optimism and determination to continue building a brighter future for our nation.

To all Papua New Guineans — Merry Christmas and God bless you all. May the New Year bring renewed purpose, prosperity, and continued progress to our people and our beloved country.



Minister's full statement .. https://web.dherst.gov.pg/news/317-ministerial-press-statement-2025-season-s-greetings

04/12/2025

The Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST) wishes to inform all Grade 12 school leavers, non school leaver applicants, parents and the general public that the Grace Period dates may change due to the availability of final results from the National Department of Education (NDoE). The commencement and duration of this year’s Grace Period is to be announced once DHERST is in receipt of the Grade 12 students final results from NDoE

Further details here: https://web.dherst.gov.pg/news/315-notice-2025-national-online-application-system-noas-grace-period

#2025

27/11/2025

The official website of the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST)

19/09/2025

Read more: https://web.dherst.gov.pg/news/312-commonwealth-scholarships-sids

18/09/2025

13/08/2025

12/08/2025

As Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (HERST), I am deeply concerned by the recent incident involving harassment of a female by male students at the PNG University of Technology (PNGUOT).

There is no excuse and I strongly condemn this behaviour from our students. University students are expected to exhibit a range of behaviours and attributes that demonstrates their level of intelligence, social and personal responsibility. University education in PNG is a privilege underwritten by the people of this country. Therefore, behaviours by any student or group of students that is unbecoming and lack maturity of judgement and appreciation, is not to be tolerated. Any student or group of students that do not appreciate this privilege accorded to them have no place in our universities or, for that matter, any other higher education institutions.

I have directed the Council and Administration of the PNG University of Technology (PNGUOT) to immediately:

investigate the incident;
take corrective measures, and;
furnish a full report.
The official report and measures taken by the university will be revealed when these are concluded.

In the last 10 years, PNGUOT has made significant improvements in assuring quality of its programmes such as the recent international accreditation of its Engineering programmes. Since its inception in the late 1960s, the University has produced engineers, building architects, agriculturalist, accountants and technocrats that have contributed to the development of this country. Hence, I have confidence in the current Council and Administration to promptly and effectively address this issue so that the positive gains are not compromised by this single deviant behaviour.

Authorised by
Hon. Kinoka Feo. MP.
Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology

03/07/2025

As Minister responsible for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (HERST), Iwould like to clarify important matters concerning the funding status under the Tertiary Education Study Assistance Scheme (TESAS) and the Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).

My Ministry is aware of recent posts circulating on social media regarding the de-registration of Divine Word University (DWU) students, which have generated public concern. I wish to clarify that the de-registration process is not related to TESAS or HELP payments. Therefore, DWU students who are recipients of TESAS and HELP are not affected.

Read more: https://web.dherst.gov.pg/news/304-help-update

21/06/2025

A high-level delegation from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) visited the National Polytechnic Institute of Papua New Guinea (LAE POLYTECH) on the 18th of June as part of ADB’s continued support to the Government of PNG’s efforts to strengthen technical and vocational education and training (TVET) across the country.

Read more here https://web.dherst.gov.pg/news/302-adb-delegation-visits-lae-polytech