Papua New Guinea TESAS Scholarships
The Papua New Guinea Tuition Fee Free Assistance Scheme (TESAS) is a government-funded program that assists students by covering their tuition fees at public universities in the country. This scheme aims to make higher education more accessible to students from diverse backgrounds by relieving the financial burden of tuition costs. Students who meet specific academic and citizenship requirements can apply for TESAS funding, which is distributed by the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology (DHERST). This program ensures that deserving students can access education without the worry of paying tuition fees, thereby promoting greater participation in higher education and contributing to the nation’s development.
TESAS is specifically designed for students attending government-sponsored tertiary institutions, with the primary support being the coverage of tuition fees. However, students receiving TESAS funding are still responsible for other expenses such as living costs, transportation, and personal items. Additionally, recipients must maintain a certain academic standard to continue receiving TESAS support. The government’s focus on this scheme reflects its commitment to improving access to education and developing a skilled workforce to meet the needs of the country.
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| What are PNG Government's TESAS, NON TESAS and HELP LOAN |
Non-TESAS Scholarships
Non-TESAS applies to students who are selected to attend tertiary institutions but will not receive financial assistance from the government through the TESAS program. This category includes students who are enrolled in private universities or institutions that are not covered under TESAS. Unlike TESAS recipients, students under the Non-TESAS category must cover all their education-related costs, including tuition fees, airfares, accommodation, books, and other living expenses. Since the government does not provide any financial support for Non-TESAS students, these students are responsible for organizing and funding their entire education.
Non-TESAS students are usually required to find external scholarships or personal funding to cover the costs of their studies. Many private institutions in Papua New Guinea have Non-TESAS eligibility, meaning that students who attend these institutions must bear the full cost of their education. While this can be a significant financial burden, Non-TESAS students often seek other funding options such as bank loans, personal savings, or scholarships offered by non-governmental organizations. The lack of government funding through TESAS highlights the disparity in financial support available for students attending different types of institutions.
Eligibility and Retention of TESAS Scholarships
Students who are initially enrolled in a Non-TESAS program may become eligible for TESAS after a year of study, provided they meet the required academic standards. If a student performs well in their studies and meets the TESAS eligibility criteria, they may be considered for the government’s financial support in the following year. This transition from Non-TESAS to TESAS is an opportunity for students who initially did not qualify for government assistance to benefit from the scheme. The eligibility for TESAS is primarily based on a student's academic performance and their ability to meet the established criteria set by the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology (DHERST).
However, students who initially qualify for TESAS must continue to meet the academic standards to maintain their eligibility. If a student's academic performance drops below the required level, they may lose their TESAS funding and be reverted to Non-TESAS status. This ensures that only students who demonstrate consistent academic achievement are supported by the government, maintaining the integrity of the TESAS program. As such, students must remain committed to their studies throughout their tertiary education to retain their eligibility for TESAS funding.
Government HELP Loan Assistance
Both TESAS and Non-TESAS students can benefit from the Government’s Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) Loan. This loan is designed to assist students at the tertiary level who require financial aid to cover their fees. The HELP Loan is available to all students, regardless of whether they are receiving TESAS funding or not, and can be used to cover tuition fees and other eligible expenses. To apply for the HELP Loan, students must submit an application through the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology (DHERST). The loan serves as a valuable option for students who may need additional financial support to pursue their studies at universities and other tertiary institutions in Papua New Guinea.
For further information read >> PNG TESAS
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