🇵🇬 How to apply to university in Papua New Guinea

Applications go through National Online Application System (NOAS). Programmes usually start: The academic year starts in February.

Checked on 20 October 2026 against the official sources listed below.

The essentials

Application system: National Online Application System (NOAS)Run by DHERST for Papua New Guinea's Grade 12 students and non-school leavers; international applicants apply to each university.
When programmes start: The academic year starts in February.
International applicants: Non-nationals apply to each university directly, not through NOAS; at UPNG, admission depends on places within the quota reserved for overseas students. South Pacific students pay lower fees than other international students at UPNG.
Language: Programmes are taught in English; ask the university what proof of English it accepts.

Key dates

Add all these dates to my calendar (.ics)

DHERST's NOAS page still showed the 2025–26 cycle (for 2026 entry) when read on 20 October 2026; the 2026–27 dates for Grade 12 students were not yet published there. UPNG's Applicant Portal for non-school leavers and re-enrolling applicants (programmes not offered on NOAS) closed on 2 October 2026 for the 2027 academic year. Other universities set their own dates.

Date	What	Who	Intake	Source	Calendar
1 February 2027	Compulsory fees paid online in full, or the offer is withdrawn	New students, University of Papua New Guinea	2027 academic year	UPNG — 2027 Fees Structure

A window shows its opening date above its closing date. Individual universities and programmes can set earlier dates of their own — always confirm on the official page before you rely on a date. The calendar file adds each date as an all-day event with a reminder a week before.

Your checklist

The usual steps for an international student applying to a bachelor's in Papua New Guinea, in order. Tick them off as you go — your ticks stay in this browser, with no account.

1.Check that the institution is on DHERST's register and which of its programmes are accredited.
2.Check the programme's entry requirements for your school-leaving qualification with the university.
3.Apply to the university directly — UPNG admits non-nationals within a quota of places reserved for overseas students.
4.Receive a letter of offer (or acceptance letter from the registrar) and the fee invoice.
5.Pay the fees by the university's deadline — UPNG withdraws offers not paid in full by 1 February 2027.
6.Apply to the Immigration & Citizenship Authority for a Student visa with a sponsor letter guaranteeing financial support, the acceptance letter, a cover letter from the institution and your passport.
7.Arrange accommodation — places in UPNG's halls are not guaranteed.

0 of 7 done · ticks are saved in this browser only

Next steps

Sources

Written by CollegeMatcher in our own words from these official pages, checked on 20 October 2026. Dates change every year.