Tertiary Education Study Assistance Scheme (TESAS) – 2026 Academic Year for New and Continuing Students into Registered Higher Education Institutions
The Department of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology (DHERST) is pleased to announce the awarding of the Tertiary Education Study Assistance Scheme (TESAS) for the 2026 academic year. This initiative, established under the Higher Education General Provisions Act 2014 (as amended), represents the Government of Papua New Guinea’s (GoPNG) commitment to promoting equitable access to quality higher education through targeted financial support.
TESAS Awards List
The 2026 TESAS Awards include first-year students selected through the National Online Application System (NOAS) at all registered Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), those awarded scholarships, and those admitted through the National Admissions Pool (NAP). Continuing students studying TESAS – eligible programmes have also been awarded. I would like to assure students and the general public that following the publication of the 2026 TESAS awarding on the DHERST website, the institutional TESAS list will be communicated to HEI Registrars as well.
New Intake Students
In this listing (attached), institutional TESAS first year students are awarded as per national selection results. Herewith is the 2026 Year 1 TESAS board.
| TESAS Category | (GPA 4.0 HSC) | PGK Value of Tuition Components | Other Components |
|---|---|---|---|
| AES (University only) | 3.6 – 4.0 | Board & Lodging – K5,760.00 Resource Allowances – K900 Total TESAS Benefits: K6,660.00 | Travel Allowance where eligible |
| HECAS (University) | 2.7 – 3.59 | Board & Lodging – K4,320.00 Resource Allowances – K900 Total TESAS Benefits: K5,220.00 | Travel Allowance if eligible |
| Non-Uni HECAS | 2.7 – 4.0 | TOTAL TESAS Benefit: K2788.80 | Travel Allowance if eligible |
| Self-Sponsor | GPAs outside indicated ranges | Components not applicable | Not applicable |
| NON-TESAS programmes | N/A | Components not applicable | Not applicable |
Special Case- University of Goroka main campus continuing students only
The TESAS 2026 list does not include the University of Goroka’s continuing students due to a change in the 2025 academic calendar for the University of Goroka main campus. DHERST anticipates to receive a full assessment report before end of January 2026. This means that UoG students will be notified of their TESAS status by early February 2026. (First year students are not affected.)
Supplementary TESAS List
DHERST acknowledges that some HEIs did not enter the continuing student cumulative GPA on time. Whilst institutions failing to update reports on time are responsible for addressing their students’ concerns regarding TESAS eligibility, the TESAS Committee shall treat all cases with integrity and advise on possible TESAS Supplementary list.
Instructions for TESAS Recipients
First-Year Students: Awardees have received their TESAS notifications via the NOAS MyStatus portal. Recipients must confirm their acceptance or decline as outlined in their notification. Those eligible for TESAS travel benefits will be notified of their travel arrangements (air, land, or sea) through the same portal.
Financial Settlement and Disbursement
The GoPNG, through DHERST, has fully settled all outstanding TESAS arrears for the 2025 academic year. Disbursement of TESAS payments for Semester 1, 2026, will commence promptly upon the HEI’s full completion of student registrations on the i-PNG register portal.
Acknowledgement and Encouragement
DHERST extends its gratitude to the National Government for its continued investment in Higher and Technical Education. We also commend the dedicated efforts of HEI registrars, student data officers and the DHERST team in ensuring the successful implementation of TESAS.
Congratulations to the TESAS Awardees on your achievements and we encourage you all to prioritize your studies and strive for excellence. We wish you every success in your academic endeavors.
For further information, please contact DHERST at:
Phone: 301 2076, 301 2058 or 301 2070
Email: noassupport@dherst.gov.pg
On behalf of the Department, I take this opportunity to wish all students, Academic and Administrative staff of Higher Education Institutions a successful 2026 Academic year.
This message is endorsed by
Mr. Lonnie Baki, BA, GCQA, MGPP
Acting Secretary
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