Distance Education FODE Application 2023 Guide

The PNG government and Education Department realised that there is a need to focus on Flexible, Open and Distance Education. The govt knows that there is an unprecedented growth in the number of students due to the Free Education Policy. So, find out about the FODE application form 2023 and what you can do.

We compiled the information from FODE and news articles to give you the best head-start. If you are a student wanting to upgrade your marks or continue your education with FODE, you’ll find this article useful.

Who is eligible for Flexible, Open and Distance Education (FODE)

Anyone who wishes to improve his/her education can study at FODE. The students can be school leavers, disabled people, employed or unemployed, teenagers or adult, single or married.

Students studying at FODE are classified as either Full Correspondence (FC) students or Upgrader Students (US).

  • FC – FODE students who are studying ALL the courses from Grades 7 – 12 offered through the FODE system.
  • US – students who are upgrading marks for certain courses through FODE.

FODE Application form 2023

The FODE study centres open in February of every year. If you are trying to get the FODE application form for 2023, check out your nearest study centre. The FODE staff are always helpful, they’ll help you out.

It is perhaps important to visit your FODE centre to get the latest information. The support staff and professional staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have in regard to the:

  • FODE application forms,
  • enrolment info for FC and US,
  • starting dates,
  • entry test and
  • fees.

For those in Port Moresby and Central Province, visit the FODE centre near the Australian High Commission, Waigani.

How to enrol – Fode Application Form

FODE enrolment centres are in the 22 provincial centres in PNG called the Study Centres. The FODE Study Centre in your area conducts the entry test, Pre-Enrolment Test (PET). The entry test measures the English and Mathematical ability level of new students who wish to continue their education FODE.

Here is how to enrol at a FODE:

  • Discuss your intention to study with FODE Support Staff at the provincial FODE centres (recommended).
  • Find out about the FODE application form 2023
  • All the students enrolling for the first time with FODE must do the Pre-Enrolment Test (PET).
  • Pay a compulsory entry test fee K50 into the FODE account.
  • Sit for the English and Mathematics entry test.
  • Your answer sheets will be corrected at the provincial marking centre.
  • Check the entry test result at your FODE centre.

New students who pass the entry test may enrol at FODE. However, students who fail the test will re-sit for PET at a later time.

Some centres are charging a K75 entry test fee. To avoid any inconveniences, it is recommended that all *new* students contact their FODE centres.

PNG FODE Approved Course Programs

For Grades 7 and 8, you are required to do all six (6) subjects.

FODE APPLICATION Flexible, Open and Distance Education

For Grades 9 and 10 students, you must complete five (5) subjects and one (1) optional to be certified. Business Studies and Design & Technology Computing are optional.

FODE Education for Grade 9 and 10

For Grade 11 and 12 students, the subjects are in line with the Upper Secondary Approved Matriculation and align with the courses offered in conventional secondary schools throughout the country.

FODE Grade 11 and 12

From the above three subject streams, the selection of Option one is based on the PET test results and FODE placement criteria.

Important: For newly enrolled students and continuing students of FODE, please download the detailed subject and study outline for Grades 7 & 8, 9 & 10 and 11 & 12.

How to study successfully at FODE

We also recommend that new students of FODE should discuss the course outlines, and study guides on the first day of enrolment. Make sure you communicate all your expectations with the staff at your FODE centre.

The best thing to do is to get the staff’s email address. If the FODE staff is easy to provide his/her phone number, do not hesitate to get it. You may need it.

Make friends quickly. Get to know one or two other students. Talk about courses and materials that you may need. Sharing information is the best thing to do when you are working independently. In fact, you’ll be doing the work on your own time, at your own convenience, so your friends’ network is your lifeline at FODE.

It is important to work in a small team to share ideas and resources. Always ask or seek help from staff, students and family & friends.

At PNG Insight we provide Mathematics Resources for PNG students and teachers. It is aimed at mainstream students in Grades 7 – 12. But, you’ll find our resources helpful. Check out the

  • Grade 8 – 12 exam questions,
  • list of units and topics,
  • Study guides, and
  • Maths skill questions.

What is FODE?

The National Education Department recognises distance education is an important means to deliver education. Flexible, Open and Distance Education (FODE) is mandated to offer a distance learning pathway for students missing out – or dropping out – of mainstream secondary education. FODE is an integral part of the National Education System.

Study approved PNG curriculum

At FODE students study the approved primary and secondary education curriculum in their own time, in their own homes, and at their own pace.

FODE is ideally:

  • the alternative choice for students who decide to study at home, or in an open and flexible environment.
  • for continuing education for students who for various reasons cannot continue their education in the mainstream school system.
  • the second chance education for the upgrading of Grades 8, 10 and 12 exam grades/results.

Emphasis on flexible, open and distance education

The number of students dropping out of primary and secondary schools is alarming. Over 150,000 Grade 8, 80,000 Grade 10 and 30,000 Grade 12 passed through the mainstream education system. Seventy-five of them drop out and are absorbed into the communities.

The PNG govt, through the Education Ministry and the National Education Department, has realised that the ideal way to address the issue is through FODE.

Here is what the new Education Minister said about the FODE enrolment…

‘A team from the Education Department is working on a plan to have all school leavers absorbed into the [FODE] system…. so we can reduce the number of student dropouts doing nothing out there.’ Jimmy Uguro, MP

Visit PNG Mathematics Resources website >>Mathematics Resources

We hope this information helps you as you continue your education. Join us on Twitter and Facebook and stay up to date on educational info like this.

Leave a comment below and let us know what you think.

This Post Has 5 Comments

  1. Franklyne Aiwati

    This is inspiring and yes helpful. I would like to join if m not that late yet.

  2. VALENTINE HABU

    I want to study online

  3. Felix Lapel

    Very interesting.. FODE=”Zero failures”.. I believe it..

  4. Academia Nomad

    Thanks for the effort in putting together the information. I’m sure will be helpful for students. Trying to re-blog but cannot find the re-blog option.

    1. PNG INSIGHT

      Hi, feel free to share the article. Cheers

Comments are closed.