GPA for Teachers Colleges in PNG (2024 Teacher Education Requirement)

To enhance the quality of teaching in Papua New Guinea, the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology (DHERST) has raised the GPA requirement for Teacher Education Programs in primary Teacher Colleges to 2.8, effective from 2024. 

This move aims to capture and trained a generation of highly skilled educators equipped to tackle the diverse challenges within the country's education system.

Why the Change?

The decision to raise the bar for entry into teacher training programs in teachers colleges stems from a shared concern among DHERST, the National Department of Education (NDOE), and the Teaching Service Commission (TSC). 

The goal is clear – attracting students with strong academic backgrounds to ensure that our teachers are well-equipped to shape the future of education in Papua New Guinea.

Up until 2023, the GPA for teachers colleges was raised from 2.0 to 2.4, as reported in this article. But, 2024 and onwards, students will have to score a higher GPA to be eligible to enter teachers colleges.

Revised Entry Requirement: GPA 2.8

Starting from the academic year 2024, all Teacher Colleges are mandated to set a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.8 for aspiring students applying through the National Online Application System. 

This adjustment is a strategic step towards producing highly qualified educators capable of meeting the diverse challenges within the country's education landscape.

Implementation and Scrutiny Process

Teacher Colleges and their Councils play a pivotal role in implementing this change. Their responsibility is to uphold the directive throughout the application process, assuring that non-school leavers' applications undergo careful examination.

The objective is to select well-qualified candidates to maintain a balanced enrollment and prevent overcrowding, thus safeguarding the quality of education and the vital student-teacher ratio.

Grade 12 school leavers, your eligibility to apply for teacher training will be determined and indicated within the National Online Application System (NOAS).

Collaborative Oversight for Quality Assurance

To ensure the successful implementation of this new directive, DHERST, NDOE, and TSC are working in close collaboration. Their partnership extends beyond ensuring compliance; it encompasses fostering high-quality teacher training and guaranteeing that graduates meet the most stringent standards.

Non-school leavers should pay close attention to this updated GPA requirement. If your GPA falls below the minimum threshold for entry into teacher colleges, you will not be considered for selection. 

Even if you manage to gain admission with a lower GPA and subsequently graduate, you may encounter difficulties obtaining teacher registration. NDOE inspectors may even investigate how you were admitted to the teachers college in the first place. Without registration, you will not receive payment from the TSC. Therefore, it is crucial to heed this directive carefully.

GPA for Teachers Colleges in PNG

The new minimum GPA requirement of 2.8 for Teacher Education Programs in primary Teacher Colleges is a significant step towards elevating the quality of teacher education in Papua New Guinea. 

This change aims to attract more highly qualified students to the teaching profession, ensuring that our future teachers are well-prepared to meet the challenges of educating the next generation of Papua New Guineans.

Conclusion (GPA for PNG Teachers Colleges)

To improve the quality of education in Papua New Guinea, the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology (DHERST) has raised the GPA requirement for Teacher Education Programs in primary Teacher Colleges to 2.8, starting in 2024. 

This aims to attract highly qualified educators. Teacher Colleges and their Councils must carefully review applications to maintain a balance and avoid overcrowding. Grade 12 school leavers can check their eligibility for teacher training in the National Online Application System (NOAS).

Here is the GPA requirement for teacher education & training prior to 2024.

Source: DHERST Circular No. 08/2023, 15th of August, 2023

What is the highest GPA in the US?

In the United States, the highest possible grade point average (GPA) is a 4.0. This is considered to be an "A" or "excellent" grade and is the highest possible grade that a student can earn. 

The GPA is an important measure of a student's academic performance and is used by colleges and universities to evaluate the qualifications of prospective students. 

A high GPA is often considered to be a sign of academic excellence and can open doors to scholarships, honours programs, and other opportunities.

How is GPA calculated?

The GPA is calculated by taking the number of grade points earned in a particular class and dividing it by the number of credit hours for that class. For example, if a student earns an "A" in a 3 credit hour class, they would earn 12 grade points (4.0 x 3) for that class.

It's worth noting that some schools may have a different grading scale, for example, some schools use a scale of 5.0 instead of 4.0, but the highest grade is still a 5.0. 

Some schools also use a plus and minus system where a student can earn a 4.3, 4.7, and so on.

How to maintain high GPA

Maintaining a high GPA is not easy, it requires hard work, dedication, and good study habits. 

Achieving a 4.0 GPA is an admirable goal, but it's important to remember that it's not the only measure of success. 

College admissions officers look at a variety of factors when evaluating applications, including extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation.

What is the highest GPA in the US?

The highest possible GPA in the United States is 4.0, which is considered to be an "A" or "excellent" grade. It is a measure of academic performance and can open doors to opportunities.

 However, it's important to remember that it's not the only measure of success and colleges also consider other factors when evaluating applications.

What is the highest GPA you can get in high school weighted?

The highest GPA that a student can achieve in high school is a 4.0. This is considered the perfect GPA and is the standard used by most schools to measure a student's academic performance. However, some schools use a weighted system, which allows for a higher GPA.

GPA - high school weighted

In a weighted system, certain classes are given extra points or "weight" in the calculation of a student's GPA. These classes are typically more challenging or advanced, such as honours or Advanced Placement (AP) classes. For example, an A in an honours class may be worth 5 points, while an A in a regular class may be worth 4 points.

With a weighted system, the highest possible GPA is 5.0. This is because the extra points earned in the weighted classes can push a student's GPA above 4.0. However, it is important to note that this is a rare achievement and requires a significant amount of hard work and dedication.

GPA - high school unweighted

It's worth noting that not all schools use weighted GPAs. Some use the traditional unweighted system, while others use a hybrid system that combines both weighted and unweighted classes. It's crucial for students and parents to understand the system used by their school, so they can set appropriate goals and understand how their grades are being calculated.

High School GPA

All in all, the highest GPA a student can achieve in high school is a 4.0 in an unweighted system, but in a weighted system, it can be as high as 5.0. This is an excellent achievement and requires students to work hard in challenging classes. 

Understanding the system used by the school is important to set appropriate goals and understand how grades are being calculated.

How to calculate GPA in PNG - Unitech, PAU, UPNG, UoG, WPU, UNRE, DWU, WPU

Grade Point Average (GPA) is converting your grades to an average value by using the Grade Points System explained below. But first, it is useful to know your GPA value for the purpose of selection to a tertiary institution, applying for a scholarship or finding a job. (Click here for the reasons why you should know your GPA).

Grade 12 Grade Point Average (GPA)

The Grade 12 Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated based on certified grades students get having sat the national exams for each subject studied at the upper secondary school. 

Take for instance, a student's subject combination is Language and Literature, Mathematics A, Physics, Chemistry, and Economics at Grade 12 in a particular year. 

The certified grades from the student's subject combination were as follow: 

1. Language and Literature    = A

2. Mathematics A                    = B

3. Physics                               = C

4. Chemistry                           = D

5. Economics                          = E

This particular student's GPA is 2.

Read more about PNG Universities and GPA eligibility for PNG Govt Scholarships

How to calculate GPA in PNG

Here is how the calculation was done based on the Grade points between 4 and 0. 

Hope this helps as you attempt to find out your GPA. If you have any questions relating to GPA and selection to tertiary institutions, kindly see the discussions here. 

Recommended information for working out your GPA for PNG universities and colleges:

• Unified five-point Grade Point Average (GPA) system for all PNG Universities
• How to Estimate School Examination and Certification Grades

TESAS: Grade 12 Guide to Securing a Tertiary Institution Government Scholarship

As a Grade 12 student with a GPA above 2.00, you may have been denied the opportunity to pursue higher education. While this may be disheartening, it is important to remember that there are still options available to you.

It is important to note that if your GPA is below 2.00, it will be extremely difficult to gain admission to a tertiary institution. This post is specifically for Grade 12 students with a required GPA and self-sponsored students. We want to help you to apply for a government scholarship so that you do not have to put burdens on your family.

• If you do not know your GPA, see how to calculate it ⇦. 

• You can also find out why your choice on SLF has a big impact on selection⇦.

In fact, there are many students who tried again and were fortunate to enter universities and colleges in the country. You can also do the same to secure yourself not only space but also a government scholarship - HECAS.

Research the program of your choice thoroughly

First, research the program of your choice thoroughly. The students' services and administration officers will provide the necessary help.  Start with the answers to the following questions before completing and submitting the application form:

• What is the minimum GPA requirement? This question will help you to identify whether you are a hot, warm or cold applicant.
• How many spaces are available? Knowing the number of intakes every year gives the applicant a picture of the space there is. According to the Grade 12 stats, five students are applying for every space available under government scholarships.
• When is the closing date for submission? Getting the time right is important too - your application must not be too early or too late.
• What to do when you've made a submission? Always follow up with the Student Services or Administration for updates. 
• What if you are not selected after having applied? Do not stop there. If you have done the first three steps properly (and are convinced you are the likely candidate), go to the institution and demand the reason why your application was rejected. This must be done before the start of the academic year.

Make every effort to secure a government scholarship

Second, make every effort to secure a government scholarship for the program on successful application. It is tight to get a Higher Education Contribution Assistance Scheme (HECAS) scholarship especially if you are a non-Grade 12 school leaver. That means that you will have to sponsor yourself during the first year of your study. 

Once the door is opened for you, get in, do well academically and apply for a second-year scholarship. Make no mistake, you must perform well and maintain your GPA in the first year. 

Importantly, on successful completion of semester one ask your lecturers, Admin and Student Services staff for help with completing an application for securing your scholarship. 

Complete the application form for the tertiary student scholarship offered by the PNG government and submit the application around May/June to the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST) in Port Moresby.

Follow up with DHERST Scholarship Office 

Always follow up immediately and regularly to find out about your applications. Thimon is one of the best people to help you. His email is Thimon.Bune@dherst.gov.pg. 

To ask for application forms call 301 2052  or email ask@dherst.gov.pg. More information on government yearly scholarships ( TESAS, AES, and HECAS) can be found on the DHERST website. 

About PNG Insight
PNG Insight is an education blog. It aims to highlight the key developments in the education sector in Papua New Guinea. Started in 2014 on Google's blogger (now self-hosted on WordPress), PNG Insight strives to be a platform for critical thinking and discussions; and a source of information.

You can follow us on Twitter (@PNG_Insight) for information on Education and Development in Papua New Guinea.

GRADE 12 SLF GRACE PERIOD: How to Adjust Choices on School Leavers Form

The school leavers' choices every Grade 12 student makes each year is important. Many good students missed out on being selected, simply because they have not received proper guidance to make the right choice on the School Leavers Form (SLF).

I believe if the right direction was provided by the education leaders, students with good marks will increase their chances of entering a higher learning institution.

Good marks are marks with a GPA above the required GPA for higher education entry. For example, one school leaver said:

'I have a GPA of 2.8 and I cannot be offered a space in any of these (higher) institutions...confused?'

A GPA of 2.8 would mean that the student scored Bs and higher Cs. But, why had the student missed the selection to a university, college, or vocational centre on a government scholarship?

Why Students Have Good GPAs Do Not Get Selected

Here are three important factors that disadvantage capable students from entering universities, colleges, or vocational and technical colleges:

1. The increasing number of students passing out of grade 12.

Take a look at the graph and you will realise that the number of students has increased since 2014. By contrast, spaces at tertiary institutions remained relatively low - only 20% of students were selected to continue after Grade 12 each year between 2014 and 2016. 

Unlike the 80s and 90s when there was a handful of National High Schools, today many secondary schools have been established in every province in the country. As the number of secondary schools increases, the number of students also increases. The competition is stiff. 

That is for every space available at a tertiary institution (under HECAS), five students are applying for it. 

2. Students choices on the  SLF

In fact, a 'funnel effect' takes hold where only the student with very good Grade 12 marks and good choices on SLF gets the preference during selections for university or college entries. It is absolutely important that you get both factors (Grade 12 marks +  SLF choice) right. 

Do not let your years of hard work and good marks go to waste. If you are an A, B or C+ student, follow this rule of thumb to get a government scholarship into a tertiary institution:

• SLF Choice 1 -    University
• SLF Choice 2 -    College/Technical Institute 
• SLF Choice 3 -    Vocational/Technical Centre

3. STAT-P Test

The third and most important point to consider when applying for UNITECH or UOG is to sit for the STAT-P (aptitude) test if you are a School Leaver; or the entrance exam if you are a non-SL. All principals and deputy principal academics have to ensure their students intending to attend UNITECH or UOG must sit the entry test - it is mandatory.

It is anticipated that the University of Natural Science and Environment will also conduct entry tests in the future. To get more details on STAT-P, click HERE.

For the non-school leavers, avoid putting a university program as your second choice on your SLF - you are NOT going to make it. University choice on the SLF must be choice #1 if you believe that you will 'smash' the end of the year Grade 12 examinations.

Grade 12 Grade Period - Adjusting Choice

DHERST has not allowed students to adjust their choices. The online School Leavers Choice system makes it easy for students to do just that - changing the choice on their SLF. 

This is a plus for students as it gives you the best chance to match your Grade 12 final marks to the institutions of your choice as discussed in point 2, above.

About PNG Insight

PNG Insight is an education blog. It aims to highlight the key developments in the education sector in Papua New Guinea. Started in 2014 on Google's blogger (now self-hosted on WordPress), PNG Insight strives to be a platform for critical thinking and discussions; and a source of information.

You can follow us on Twitter (@PNG_Insight) for information on Education and Development in Papua New Guinea.

UNITECH Selection: Schools Ranked By Number of School Leavers Selected

The University of Technology (UNITECH) has done a great job of letting parents and sponsors know who was accepted into the university. They released the list of accepted students quickly. This shows that UNITECH is committed to making the admission process smooth.

UNITECH also did a good job of selecting students from a variety of schools. They accepted almost 500 students from 95 different schools. This shows that UNITECH is open to students from all over the country.

UNITECH recognized the top 10 schools that produced the most accepted students. They also recognized Menyamya and Okapa Secondary Schools for sending two students each to UNITECH. This shows that UNITECH appreciates the good work of these schools.

To learn more about the selection process and the results of the Grade 12 exams, you can read the latest post on DHERST Selections. The post also includes a table that shows how many students were accepted from each school.

No. of Students Selected	Schools	Ranked by No. of Stds Selected		No. of Students Selected	Schools	Ranked by No. of Stds Selected
51	Sogeri National High	1
47	Port Moresby National High	2		2	Ecom Secondary	53
29	Lae Secondary	3		2	Anglimp Secondary	53
26	Hagen Park Secondary	4		2	AOG Secondary	53
23	Mt Hagen Secondary	5		2	Arawa Secondary	53
21	Goroka Secondary	6		2	Grace Memorial Secondary	53
20	Wawin National High	7		2	Hoskins Secondary	53
18	Kerevat National High	8		2	Ialibu Secondary	53
16	Aiyura National High	9		2	Kimbe IEA High	53
12	Gordon Secondary	10		2	Kitip Secondary	53
12	Kopen Secondary	10		2	Laloki Secondary	53
10	Jubilee Secondary	12		2	Menyamya Secondary	53
10	Busu Secondary	12		2	Mesauka Seconday	53
8	Bishop Wade (Tarlena	14		2	Okapa Secondary	53
8	St Joseph's International Catholic College	14		2	Paglum Adventist Secondary	53
8	Wabag Secondary	14		2	Rosary Secondary	53
8	Marianville Secondary	14		2	St Xavier's Secondary	53
7	Mendi Secondary	18		2	Tari Secondary	53
7	Kerowagi Secondary	19		2	Togoba Secondary	53
7	Wabag Secondary	19		2	Utu Secondary	53
6	Gerehu Secondary	19		2	Vunabosco Agro-Technical Sec.	53
6	Port Moresby International High	19		2	Wabag Secondary	53
				2	Kabiufa Secondary	53
5	Benabena Secondary	23		2	Kimbe IEA High	53
5	Highlands Lutheran International	23		2	Kitip Secondary	73
5	Kila Kila Secondary	23		1	Jiwaka Christian Grammar Secondary	73
5	Malala Secondary	23		1	Cameron Secondary	73
5	Muaina Secondary	23		1	Kagua Secondary	73
				1	Kainantu Tech. Secondary	73
5	Yauwe Moses Secondary	23		1	Karkar Secondary	73
4	Bumayong Secondary	31		1	Dregerhafen Secondary	73
4	De La Salle Secondary	31		1	Kimbe Secondary	73
4	Fr Peter  Secondary	31		1	Iarowari Secondary	73
4	Mogol Secondary	31		1	Kiunga Secondary	73
4	Port Moresby Grammar	31		1	Kwikila Secondary	73
4	St Paul's Lutheran Secondary	31		1	Kwip Dau Secondary	73
4	Tusbab Secondary	31		1	Lihir Secondary	73
4	Tusbab Secondary	31		1	Magarima Secondary	73
				1	Maprik Secondary	73
4	Don Bosco Technical Sec.	31		1	Markham Valley Secondary	73
3	Bugandi Secondary	40		1	Mt Wilhelm Sercondary	73
3	Coronation International High	40		1	OLSH Secondary	73
3	Asaroka Luth. Secondary	40		1	PNG Paradise Secondary	73
3	Goroka Secondary	40		1	Popondetta Secondary	73
3	Gumine Secondary	40		1	St Gabriel Technical Secondary	73
3	Minj Secondary	40		1	St Michael Brahman Secondary	73
3	Notre Dame Secondary	40
3	Passam National High	40		1	Waghi Valley Secondary	73
3	St Ignatius' Secondary	40		1	Wapenamanda Foursquare Secondary	73
3	Tokarara Secondary	40		1	Wesley Secondary	73
3	Utmei Secondary	40		1	Yangoru Secondary	73
Summary: 495 school leavers selected from 95 schools in the country