Education System in Papua New Guinea - An Overview
The Independent State of Papua New Guinea is a country in Oceania. It occupies the eastern half of the island of New Guinea and numerous offshore islands. The western part of Papua New Guinea is occupied by the Indonesian provinces of Papua and West Papua.
Education in Papua New Guinea is not compulsory; in mid 1980s only one-third population was literate. Though, the government is attempting to improve the education system and to provide education for all children. There are state run schools for primary education and national high schools for secondary education.
Further, Papua New Guinea has two types of schools, that is, Government run and Private Schools. In addition to these, there is an international school system that ends at high school. Teaching curriculum in International school systems is British based and the fees is high.
Primary education takes six years to complete. After grade six students are tested and screened for admission into provincial high school, which lasts up to completion of grade 10. After successful completion of high school education students are require to appear in an examination for admission into senior high school. Senior High Schools imparts education at grades 11 and 12. However, after grade 10, students also have the choice to attend some technical or vocational school, which prepares them for the job market. After successful completion of senior high school students may join University classes for Higher Studies.
Stages of Education in Papua New Guinea
Level: Introductory
- School Type: Local Community School
- Language: Local Languages
- Age: 7 and 8 years
Level: Primary
- School Type: Local Community School
- Language: Local Languages
- Age: 9 to 12 Years
Level: Middle School
- School Type: Local Community School / Provincial High School
- Language: Local Languages / Official languages (English, Tok Pisin, Hiri Motu)
- Age: 13 to 16 Years
Level: Secondary School
- School Type: National High School
- Language: Official languages (English, Tok Pisin, Hiri Motu)
- Age: 17 and 18 Years
Level: Vocational School (Duration Varies)
- School Type: National High School / University
- Language: Official languages (English, Tok Pisin, Hiri Motu)
- Age: 17 to 19 Years
Level: Tertiary
- School Type: University
- Language: Official languages (English, Tok Pisin, Hiri Motu)
- Age: 19 Years
The Papua New Guinea has an A-to-D grading system, with D being a failing grade.