The PNG National Department of Education announces the online release of the Grade 12 examination results early in December every year. Last year (2025) the result was released on the 5th of December. Following this, the Department of Education has provided Grade 12 results to the higher education department, DHERST, for finalising the Grade 12 Selection List. The NDoE must provide the Grade 12 results on time for DHERST (NOAS) selections. Any change will have a ripple effect on dates set by the higher education department.
In this article, PNG Insight outlines the timelines for the DHERST National Online Selection System (NOSS) for the Grade 12 selection and the subsequent release of acceptance lists to higher institutions in the country. We examine the expected dates based on past selections and updates from the PNG Higher Education Department, and the steps leading up to these announcements to ensure you are well-informed.
DHERST Grade 12 Selection 2026
Unlike the Grade 11 selection, the Grade 12 selection occurs instantaneously through the National Online Selection System (NOSS). This efficient system, NOSS, utilises Grade 12 examination results to select students based on their choices in the National Online Application System (NOAS).
For Grade 12 students and non-school leavers, there are two crucial actions to take immediately: Firstly, log in to your NOAS account now that you know your exam results. Adjust your choices if necessary to optimise your chances of selection.
Secondly, take note of the Selection Day and Grace Period (see dates below).
Key dates to note as you await 2026 Grade 12 selection list:
- Release of Exam Results: early December 2024
- NOAS Grace Period: Commences on Tuesday, 9th December 2025 at 12:01 am and ends on Sunday, 14th December 2025 at 11:59 pm
- Launching (Selection Day) of 2024 Selection for the 2025 Academic Year: Mid-December 2024
- Tertiary Institutions Acceptance List Publication: TBC
This article explains the difference between the Launch Date (Selection Day) and the Tertiary Acceptance Lists Publication Date.
DHERST Tertiary Acceptance Lists PDF 2026
After 18th December 2024, all Grade 12 School Leavers and Non-school Leavers will know their selection status: selected, on the waiting list in the admission pool, or not selected for any higher institution.
For more information for Non-school Leavers about the NOAS, click here
For those selected, congratulations! A new chapter of your academic journey begins. For those in the admission pool, log in to your NOAS account and re-align your choices with your marks to the available spaces in the pool. Note that around 6,000 spaces are in the admission pool, and not all students will be successful.
For those who are unsuccessful, consider upgrading your marks with FODE or university centres and reapplying as non-school leavers next year. Remember to keep your NOAS details safe so you can activate your account when reapplying for a tertiary space in the future.
