Press Release

EducationSecretary Clarifies STAT-P Test Fee Only Applies to Select University Programs andnot national examinations

The Secretary for Education Dr. UkeKombra, PhD, OBE has clarified that the fee associated with the SpecialTertiary Admissions Test (STAT-P) only applies to certain Grade 12 studentsapplying to higher education institutions.

“This fee does not apply to thenational examinations that are conducted for Grades 8, 10 and 12,” Secretary, Dr.Kombra

Dr. Kombra confirmed that the fee isexclusively for the cost of administering the STAT-P test itself. It is not anapplication fee being collected by the Department of Higher Education,Research, Science and Technology (DHERST) or the Department of Education, nordoes it affect the standard application process for the majority of students.

"It is very important that allstudents, parents, and schools understand this is a selective fee," theSecretary stated. "The fee only applies to a minority of students who areseeking entry into specific university programs where the receiving institutionhas mandated the STAT-P test as part of its entry requirements."

The vast majority of highereducation institutions in Papua New Guinea do not require the STAT-P for entry.Consequently, the vast majority of Grade 12 students applying this year willnot be required to pay this fee.

Students are strongly urged to relyon the official Application System for guidance. The system is designed to beclear and transparent and will explicitly indicate which university programsrequire the STAT-P test when students select their preferences. If a programdoes not list the STAT-P as a requirement, no associated fee will be charged tothe student.

Authorized for release by

DR. UKE W.KOMBRA, PhD, OBE.

Secretaryfor Education