2026 Grade 12 Selection List PDF: Launching vs Publication Dates You Should Know

The Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST) National Online Selections System (NOSS) is a centralised system that selects students for admission to tertiary institutions in Papua New Guinea. Here is a brief overview of the difference between the ‘DHERST 2026 Grade 12 Selection List’ launch date and publication date, and what you should do if you are a Grade 12 student waiting for the selection list to come out.

DHERST Grade 12 Selection List For 2026- Launching Date

The system uses Grade 12 National Online Application System (NOAS) data and Grade 12 results to select students for universities and colleges in PNG. It is a fast, efficient, and fair process.

The DHERST Selection List Launching Date is when the NOSS system is activated and the selection process officially begins. This usually occurs within 8–10 days after Grade 12 results are finalised and entered.

Watch DHERST’s NOAS press releases on its website for updates on the Grade 12 Selection List Launch Date.

Last year, the launching date was scheduled for 18 December 2024, and the publication date was 20 December 2024.

The “launching” is when the minister officially activates the system. More information is available on the PNG Insight Blog.

Grade 12 Selection List for 2026 – PDF Publication Date

The Grade 12 Selection List Publication Date is the date on which DHERST published the final selection list. This list contains the TESAS status of each selected student, as well as the names of all school leavers and non-school leavers.

As for this year, 2026, both the Grade 12 school leavers and non-school leavers selection are happening simultaneously via the NOAS for the first time.

So, if you are a Grade 12 student SL or NSL, use the Grace Period to update your school leaver’s choices. The DHERST 2024 Grade 12 Selection Grace Period is from the 9th of December 2024 12:01 am to the 14th of December, 11:59 pm.

To find out about the Grace Period and what you should do to maximise your selection options, click on the image.

2026 Selection List Launching vs Publication Dates

The main difference between the DHERST Grade 12 Selection List Launching Date and the Publication Date is that the:

• Launch Date is when DHERST activates the NOSS system and the selection process begins, while
• Publication Date is when DHERST releases the final selection list for 2026.

During the time between the Launch Date, Grace Period and the Publication Date, you should check your NOAS account regularly for updates. You should also contact DHERST if you have any questions or concerns.

Here are two possibilities:

• If you’re selected for one of your five NOAS choices, accept the offer within 10 days. Otherwise, you’ll go into the DHERST Admission Pool, which has over 6,000 spaces.
• If your name is not on the DHERST Grade 12 Selection List, it means you miss out on your NOAS choices and a placement from the Admission Pool.

Top Tips:

Here are some professional tips for navigating the DHERST Grade 12 Selection 2026:

• Be organised and keep track of all important dates and deadlines. (Check here)
• Communicate with your school deputy principals and patrons from your school or provincial education/guidance officers.
• Check the latest in your NOAS account and at www.dherst.gov.pg 2026 selection list
• Be prepared for all possible outcomes.
• Have a backup plan in case you miss out on your choices on the NOAS.

We hope this guide has been helpful. Please contact DHERST if you have any further questions, or leave a comment below. Share this information with your friends and families. You can find the latest information on Grade 12 Selections Lists 2026 at www.dherst.gov.pg