Papua New Guinea DHERST Tertiary Education Study Assistance Scheme (TESAS)
by Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST) · All registered and accredited Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Papua New Guinea
🕐 Last updated: June 18, 2026
🏆 Fully Funded🟩 Active🎓 Undergraduate (Degree, Diploma, and Certificate)🌍 Papua New Guinea📌 Government-funded Merit and Need-based Scholarship
Varies by institution; covers a significant portion of tuition and mandatory fees
Duration
Standard duration of the enrolled program (typically 2 to 4 years)
Deadline
December 15 (Annually, aligned with the National Online Selection System)
Level
Undergraduate (Degree, Diploma, and Certificate)
Acceptance
Approximately 35% of Grade 12 applicants
Difficulty
High (Highly competitive based on national academic ranking)
Quick Summary
For students aiming to study in Papua New Guinea, Papua New Guinea DHERST Tertiary Education Study Assistance Scheme (TESAS) is a fully funded scholarship from Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST). The award covers Includes tuition fee assistance, on-campus accommodation, meal plans, return travel for rural students, and a small fortnightly or semester-based pocket allowance. and is open to undergraduate (degree, diploma, and certificate) students studying all academic fields offered at accredited png higher education institutions. The scholarship runs for standard duration of the enrolled program (typically 2 to 4 years) and may be renewed annually based on academic performance. Eligibility is generally based on open to PNG citizens who have completed Grade 12 within the last two years or are currently enrolled and meet the minimum GPA requirements for their specific course. The application deadline is December 15 (Annually, aligned with the National Online Selection System), with an acceptance rate of approximately Approximately 35% of Grade 12 applicants. Students can compare this opportunity against similar scholarships below to find the best fit for their profile.
✨ Should I Apply for Papua New Guinea DHERST Tertiary Education Study Assistance Scheme (TESAS)?
Instant AI-powered application intelligence
75%
Eligibility Match
38%
Win Probability
6/10
Difficulty
10/10
Reward Score
20-35 hrs
Time Required
Moderate
Competition
🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
Varies by institution; covers a significant portion of tuition and mandatory fees
⏳
Duration
Standard duration of the enrolled program (typically 2 to 4 years)
📅
Deadline
December 15 (Annually, aligned with the National Online Selection System)
🌎
Fields
All academic fields offered at accredited PNG Higher Education Institutions
🏆
Awards/Year
Approximately 12,000 to 15,000 awards per year
🌏
Study Country
Papua New Guinea
🏛️
Provider
Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST)
📊
Acceptance
Approximately 35% of Grade 12 applicants
The Tertiary Education Study Assistance Scheme (TESAS) is the flagship scholarship program of the Government of Papua New Guinea. It is designed to provide financial aid to high-performing students to increase access to higher education. The scheme is divided into the Academic Excellence Scholarship (AES) for top-tier students and the Higher Education Contribution Assistance Scheme (HECAS) for other qualifying students. Selection is processed through the National Online Selection System (NOSS).
👥 Who Should Apply
Open to PNG citizens who have completed Grade 12 within the last two years or are currently enrolled and meet the minimum GPA requirements for their specific course.
🏛️ Host University
All registered and accredited Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Papua New Guinea
🌎 Fields of Study
All academic fields offered at accredited PNG Higher Education Institutions
✨ Key Benefits
Includes tuition fee assistance, on-campus accommodation, meal plans, return travel for rural students, and a small fortnightly or semester-based pocket allowance.
🎯 Target Students
Grade 12 School Leavers and Continuing HEI Students
Yes (AES covers 100% of the tuition component; HECAS covers approximately 50-75%)
Living Stipend
K150 to K400 per semester as a pocket allowance depending on category
Total Award
Varies by institution; covers a significant portion of tuition and mandatory fees
✈️ Travel: Yes (Provides one-way airfare/travel from home province to institution and return upon completion)🏠 Accommodation: Yes (Included in the institutional component for students living on-campus)💊 Health Insurance: Check official website (Generally covered via university clinics and public health system)🔄 Renewable: Yes💳 App Fee: Free
🎓 Tuition Coverage
Yes (AES covers 100% of the tuition component; HECAS covers approximately 50-75%)
🏠 Living Stipend
K150 to K400 per semester as a pocket allowance depending on category
🏡 Accommodation
Yes (Included in the institutional component for students living on-campus)
✈️ Travel Allowance
Yes (Provides one-way airfare/travel from home province to institution and return upon completion)
💊 Health Insurance
Check official website (Generally covered via university clinics and public health system)
🎁 Other Benefits
Book allowance and clinical/practical placement allowances for specific courses
🔄 Renewable
Yes
📋 Renewal Conditions
Must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 for HECAS or 3.0+ for AES each semester with no failed units.
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
Papua New Guinea citizens, Grade 12 school leavers, or continuing undergraduate students
🎓 Academic Level
Undergraduate (Degree, Diploma, and Certificate)
📊 Minimum GPA
2.0 for HECAS; 3.5 for Academic Excellence Scholarship (AES)
🗣️ English Requirement
Successful completion of Grade 12 English curriculum in PNG
🍢 Age Limit
No specific age limit (Targets school leavers and regular undergraduates)
💼 Work Experience
Not required
🏆 Leadership
Not mandatory (Merit is the primary factor)
💰 Financial Need
Considered (Primarily for HECAS category allocation)
🎯 Target Students
Grade 12 School Leavers and Continuing HEI Students
📝 Application Requirements
Essay / SOP
No
Rec Letters
No
Interview
No
Application Fee
Free
Documents Required
Academic Transcripts
Passport / National ID
No Recommendation Letters
CV / Resume
Successful completion of Grade 12 English curriculum in PNG
Interview: No
Min GPA: 2.0 for HECAS; 3.5 for Academic Excellence Scholarship (AES)
📋 Application Process
Ensure your National Online Application System (NOAS) profile is updated and choices match your Grade 12 results.
💡 Insider Tip: Rank your university choices carefully as the system automatically selects based on merit and available space.
🗾️ Application Roadmap
1
Research eligibility and gather requirements
Start Early
2
Collect all required documents
Start Early
3
Request recommendation letters early
4
Write compelling essays and personal statement
⚠ High Risk Stage
5
Submit complete application before deadline
6
Await shortlisting and attend interview if required
⚠ High Risk Stage
📅 Key Dates & Timeline
📅 Opens
August (Via the National Online Application System for Grade 12 students)
⏰ Deadline
December 15 (Annually, aligned with the National Online Selection System)
🎤 Interview
No
🎓 Study Starts
February (Annually)
August (Via the National Online Application System for Grade 12 students)
Applications Open
Gather documents and begin essays
December 15 (Annually, aligned with the National Online Selection System)
Application Deadline
Submit complete application - no late entries
No
Shortlisting and Interview
Selected candidates invited for interview
After results
Award Announced
Successful applicants notified
February (Annually)
Studies Begin
Commence degree at host institution
⚖️ Selection Process
📋 Selection Criteria
Based strictly on National Examination results (Grade 12) and institutional GPA for continuing students.
⚡ Similar Scholarships
Scholarship
Country
Coverage
Level
Papua New Guinea DHERST Tertiary Education Study Assistance Scheme (TESAS)Current
Papua New Guinea
Full Funding
Undergraduate (Degree, Diploma, and Certificate)
—
🇸🇦 King Abdulaziz University Scholarship for International Students
Open to PNG citizens who have completed Grade 12 within the last two years or are currently enrolled and meet the minimum GPA requirements for their specific course.
This scholarship covers: Includes tuition fee assistance, on-campus accommodation, meal plans, return travel for rural students, and a small fortnightly or semester-based pocket allowance.. It is a fully funded scholarship.
The deadline is December 15 (Annually, aligned with the National Online Selection System). Always verify with the official website as dates may change annually.
Competition level: Moderate. Acceptance rate: Approximately 35% of Grade 12 applicants. Strong academic record and clear motivation are essential.
Yes
Typically required: academic transcripts, passport, Successful completion of Grade 12 English curriculum in PNG, No recommendation letters, CV. Check official website for the complete list.