The Mount Hagen School of Nursing is preparing to enroll between 40 and 50 students for its 2026 academic year, following strong interest from applicants across the country says the College Director, Mr. Gabriel Kewa.
Mr. Kewa said the school has received more than 300 applications for its Diploma in General Nursing programme, highlighting the growing demand for tertiary education opportunities in the Highlands and beyond.
“We have a lot of students applying. So far, we are looking at taking in around 40 to 50 students, depending on the infrastructure and accommodation we have available,” Mr. Kewa said.
He added that the institution will operate as a fully boarding college, citing student safety and welfare as a key reason for the decision. Dormitories and classrooms have been developed over several years to ensure students can be accommodated within the school compound.
“We are living in times where safety is a real concern, especially for our young women. Because of that, we have built dormitories and classrooms so students can live and study on campus,” he said.
The school currently has two dormitories, one with 45 beds and another with 80 beds, which can comfortably support the planned intake.
Mr. Kewa also provided an update on campus development works, saying that carpenters are currently carrying out minor finishing touches on school buildings.
These include small geometry adjustments such as steps, ladders, and other ground-level improvements to ensure facilities are ready for the incoming students.
The programme on offer is a three-year Diploma in General Nursing, with classes scheduled to commence in the third week of February 2026. However, Mr. Kewa confirmed that student registration has been delayed from the original schedule.
“Initially, registration was set for 2nd to 13th February, but that has now changed,” he said.
“Registration will take place from 16th to 27th February 2026, and students are expected to come in during this period to complete their registration.”
Tuition fees have been set at K10, 500 per year, which includes boarding, meals, and other essential services.
Mr. Kewa noted that the Mount Hagen School of Nursing is the only institution in the area offering a diploma-level nursing qualification, while other colleges in the region focus on Community Health Worker (CHW) training.
“This will be the only college running diploma-level nursing courses here in Mount Hagen,” he said.
Applicants have come from provinces including Enga, Hela, Southern Highlands, Chimbu, and the Islands region. Mr. Kewa said the selection process is underway, with a minimum GPA requirement of 2.5.
“We have screened all applications and issued evaluations to 87 candidates. From there, we will narrow it down to our final intake,” he said.
The Mount Hagen School of Nursing is expected to finalize its intake list ahead of the start of the academic year.
