As the Minister responsible for Higher Education in Papua New Guinea, I am honored to announce the formal approval of give transformative polices that will significantly shape future landscape of our higher education sector
These policies underscore the Government’s and my Ministry’s steadfast commitment to fostering equitable access to education, advancing academic excellence, and enhancing international collaboration.
The approved polices are designed to address the critical areas within our education system, ensuring the Papua New Guinea’s higher education institutions continue to evolve and meet the dynamic demands of our society and the global community. By prioritizing inclusivity, innovation, and quality, we aim to create an educational environment that not only meets national standards but also aligns with international standards best practices.
These initiatives will provide clear guidelines and frameworks to enhance student enrolment processes, promote collaborative academic and research opportunities, and support the development of workplace training and assessment programs. Through these measures, we aspire to empower our students, educators, and institutions to achieve their full potential and contribute to effectively to the socio-economic development of our nation.
I look forward to working closely with all stakeholders to implement these policies, esnureing that they are effectively integrated into our educational system to drive sustainable growth, inclusivity and global competitiveness in Papua New Guinea’s higher education sector. Together, we will build a brighter, more promising future for all Papua New Guineans.
The following policies I that I approve on July 31st, 2024
Policy Title: Enrolment Policy for Higher Education Institutions and Universities in Papua New Guinea: National Online Application System and National Online Selection System.
This policy delineates the enrolment criteria for the National Online Application System and the National Online Selection System for both school leavers and non-school leavers within the Higher Education Institutions and Universities in Papua New Guinea. Our primary objective is to foster a balanced and inclusive student body by allocating 60% of enrolment quotas to school leavers and 40% to non-school leavers.
In alignment with the Constitution of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, which upholds the principles of equal opportunity to education for all citizens, this policy ensures that the enrolment decisions are based on academic merit, devoid of discrimination based on age, ethnicity, or religion. This promotes inclusivity and diversity within our educational landscape.
By adhering to these principles, we aim to create an educational environment that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences our students, thereby enriching the learning experiences and fostering a culture of mutual respect and understanding. This policy is designed to support the equitable distribution of educational opportunities and to ensure that all prospective students have the chance to contribute to and benefit from the academic community in Papua New Guinea.
Policy Title: No Age Limit for Non-School Leavers Applying for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Programs in Higher Education institutions and Universities in Papua New Guinea.
Higher Education Institution and Universities in Papua New Guinea are mandated to uphold principles of non-discriminatory and equal access to education as enshrined in our Constitution. This policy eliminates age restrictions for individuals apply to undergraduate or postgraduate programs, addressing challenges faced by married students and other non-traditional applicants within the education system.
Under this policy, there is no age limit for non-school leavers applying to undergraduate programs. However, non-school leavers must adhere to a certificate age limit of five years from the date of their last Grade 12 examination. Exceptions to this requirement may be granted on a case by case basis, taking into account factors such as work experience and additional qualifications.
This policy aims to ensure that equitable access to higher education for all individuals, regardless of age, thereby fostering a diverse and inclusive academic environment that values the varied experience and perspective of its students.
Policy Title: Policy on Academic and Research Cooperation between Papua New Guinea Universities and Research Institutes.
This policy establishes a comprehensive framework for academic and research cooperation between Universities and Research Institutes in Papua New Guinea., as man dated by Acts of Parliament. Issued under the authority of the Ministry and the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST), this policy is designed to promote collaborative research efforts and high quality postgraduate degree by research.
Recognizing the importance of dual academic awards and the synergistic potential of cooperation not only enhances the quality and impact of research outputs but also fosters an environment of shared knowledge, resources, and expertise.
By facilitating joint research projects, academic exchanges, and the development of dual-degree programs, this policy aims to create a dynamic and interconnected academic community. This collaborative efforts are intended to produce innovative research solutions, enrich the academic experiences, and contribute to the national and global knowledge base.
Through this policy, my Ministry and DHERST reaffirms its commitment to advancing higher education and research in Papua New Guinea, ensuring both universities and research institutes in PNG are well equipped to meet contemporary challenges in the academic and research landscapes.
Policy Title: Policy on Shared Academic Programs between Papua New Guinea Universities and Overseas Universities.
This policy outlines the framework for Papua New Guinea Universities to enter into Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) or Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs) with overseas Universities. Such collaborations enhance educational opportunities, facilitates global academic exchanges, and ensure the recognition of academic awards from overseas Universities within Papua New Guinea.
Accreditation and Recognition.
- Academic programs established under the MOUs or MOAs must adhere to the rigorous accreditation standards set by the respective accrediting bodies in the country of the overseas university.
- Theses programs will be recognized within Papua New Guinea, affirming students academic achievements and qualifications.
2. Quality Assurance
- Ongoing quality assurance measures including periodic reviews and evaluations, must be maintained to ensure these programs meet established academic standards.
3. Benefits to Students
- Participation in these shares academic programs provides significant benefits, including enhanced career opportunities and eligibility for financial support through initiatives like the Tertiary Education Student Assistance Scheme (TESAS) and Higher Education Loan Program (HELP).
- Students will gain exposure to the international academic standards and practices, enriching their educational experience and broadening their perspectives.
- Upon graduation, students will be more employable on both the national and international labor markets due to the global recognition of their qualifications and the diverse skills sets acquired through these collaborative programs.
This policy underscores the importance of creating robust academic partnerships between Papua New Guinea Universities and overseas institutions. These partnerships will not only elevate the quality of education but also ensure that Papua New Guinea students are well-prepared to contribute to and compete in a globalized workforce. Through these collaborative efforts we aim to produce graduates who are versatile, knowledgeable, and highly sought after in both national and international labor markets.
Policy Title: Workplace Training and Assessment Policy
This policy establishes a comprehensive framework for workplace training and assessment collaboration between Higher Education and industries or organizations operating under the Company Act 1997 (amended 2022). These entities must be registered by the PNG Investment Promotion Authority and posses a Tax Identification Number with the Internal Revenue Commission.
The policy delineates the provisions of delivering formally recognized workplace training by the industry and assessment, ensuring compliance with National Standards and the PNG National Qualification Framework (NQF). Emphasizing the importance of private sector training with formal recognition, this policy aims to enhance the quality and effectiveness of work force development.
Registration and Compliance
- Organizations must be registered with the PNG Investment Promotion Authority and have a Tax Identification Number with the IRC
- They must posses the necessary infrastructure, qualified staff and a plan to deliver training to a viable cohort of participants
- The programs must meet national and international industry standards and align with the PNG National Qualifications Framework.
- Ongoing quality assurance measures, including periodic reviews and evaluations, must be maintained to ensure these programs meet established academic and industry standards.
2. Private Sector Involvement
- The policy underscores the crucial role of private sector training in developing as skilled and competitive workforce.
- Formal recognition of private sector training ensures that programs are credible and valued, enhancing the employability and career prospects of participants.
3. Benefits to Workforce Development.
- By meeting these criteria, eligible organizations can effectively contribute to developing a skilled and competitive workforce.
- This supports economic growth, industry development, and social inclusion by providing equitable access to quality education and training opportunities.
Through this policy, we aim to foster a collaborative environment where Higher Education Institutions and private sector organizations work together to deliver high quality, formally recognized training programs. This approach not only aligns with the national standards but also equips the workforce with the necessary skills to thrive in a dynamic and competitive market, both locally and internationally.
I encourage all stakeholders, including students, educators, and industry partners, to familiarize themselves with these policies and actively participate in in their implementation. By working collaboratively, we can achieve our shared vision of a robust and dynamic higher education sector that serves the needs of our nation and prepares our students for success in an increasingly interconnected world.
All these policies can be downloaded from the DHERST’s website: www.dherst.gov.pg
Hon. Kinoka Hotune Feo, MP
Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science, Technology and Sport
This is press release by DHERST to the general public.
