Department of Higher Education Research Science and Technology (DHERST)

In his speech to Minister Huai Jinpeng last week, Polye said his agenda for 2024 and his urge to developing countries is to invest in affordable and accessible internet access.

Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Don Polye warned parents that higher learning is costly and parents should not rely on the government to help them every year.

In deliberating on the support provided to the education sector by the government including the Tertiary Education Student Assistance Scheme or TESAS, DHERST authorities are concerned that many parents do not prepare well to fund their children’s school fees at tertiary institutions.

Minister for DHERST, Don Polye apart from his announcement of bringing in Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the PNG education, confirmed international engagement, application of HELP, and the research budget enhancement for 2024.

Minister Polye emphasized that this year, DHERST will remain steadfast in its collaboration with the Government of Australia and the People's Republic of China.

Part of the plan will see the department facilitate the creation of additional space in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), to accommodate the increasing number of Grade 12 school leavers.

This involves establishing elevated standards of education and welcoming private HEIs to complement government schools.

Prime Minister James Marape has welcomed the 2024 MAP, following a comprehensive session on Thursday, January 4, 2023, with Higher Education Research Science and Technology Minister, Don Polye and Acting Secretary Professor Fr Jan Czuba.

Parents and guardians voiced their frustration, questioning the selection process by the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST).

Principal Fredrick Mahisu explained that the grade point average (GPA) is not the only determining factor behind a student’s acceptance into a tertiary institution. Subject combinations are also taken into consideration.

“Even though a good number of my students scored a GPA of 2.1 and above, they were not selected. And some of them were put in the national admission pool.”

Over 35,000 students have benefitted from HELP, with a total expenditure exceeding K177 million, as of the 31^st of December, 2023.

HELP is a flagship initiative of the Marape Rosso government introduced in 2020 and aims to assist students facing financial constraints in paying their tertiary institution fees.