Grade 12 School Leavers Can Apply Online On 1st August 2018
The Ministry for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (HERST) wishes to inform all Grade 12 students, parents, secondary schools, of the roll-out of the National Online Application System (NOAS) for Grade 12 School Leavers for 2018.
In 2017 my Ministry, through the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST) made great strides in improving transparency, accountability and efficiency. Most importantly, there is now an increased probability of capable and eligible school leavers being admitted to higher education institutions, and we have also ensured that the institutions’ autonomy in the selection process is maintained through the Online Selection System (OSS). This represents a tremendous achievement for Papua New Guinea since in previous years under the manual paper-based selection process many eligible students had not been selected, even some with GPAs of 4.0.
In 2018, the Ministry now seeks to optimize further the process of matching the best applicants with higher and technical study programs by replacing the paper-based School Leaver Application Forms (SLF) with what will now become the NAOS.
I am therefore delighted to announce that the National Online Application System (NAOS) will be officially opened on the 15th August 2018 at apply.dherst.gov.pg for Grade 12 Students to apply for further studies to any registered higher education institution for the 2019 academic year.
This means that Grade 12 students at any registered Secondary School which has submitted its School Information Booklet (SIB) (white copy) to the Measurement Services Division (MSD) of the National Department of Education (NdoE) will be able to obtain from their school a unique invitation letter allowing them to apply online. Online application provides the following benefits:
- More choices – Grade 12 school leavers can choose up to five (5) preferred programs. Previously students had two (2) choices of programs.
- More information – Each program now has clear and distinct requirements, preferences and residential options.
- More time to make a decision – The online application is open for three (3) months. It gives students, parents and schools more time to chose the right program and institution.
- Program and exams match – Your application will be matched to your chosen program’s examination combinations.
- Increased chances for admission through subject combination matching.
I wish to announce also that during the Secondary School Principals’ Conference held at Port Moresby between the 18th – 22nd June 2018, 148 principals activated their online accounts and registered 348 patrons. These principals and patrons now will be able to support and monitor their students’ online applications in real-time through their respective accounts.
I have been an advocate of using technology to support learning, having seen first hand the impact that digital tools can have on students’ accomplishments and motivation. I believe that digital tools, in the hands of engaging and inspiring teachers, can break down barriers to learning and improve the quality of education in PNG. We now need to set our students goals that will assist them in evaluating the benefits, opportunities and responsibilities that technology brings. Indeed, part of our essential task is to help students to use technology to find the right program of studies and higher education institution in which they wish to enroll.
We plan also to integrate technology into curriculum and instruction across all higher education institutions so that students become not only skilled users of this medium, but also ethically oriented citizens, informed voters and involved citizens.
Offering services of high quality to our people can only be effectively and efficiently provided by embracing the digital age and for us this means having a clear view of the future of higher education in our country. My message therefore to all students, parents and secondary schools is that we must all work together to provide a digital bridge between the realms of secondary and higher education to provide better educational outcomes for present and future Papua New Guinea students.
May the Lord Bless Papua New Guinea!
- Grade 12 School Leavers Can Apply Online On 1st August 2018 - July 13, 2018
