Students at the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNG UoT) late last year received the new school fee structure for 2026 with a noticeable rise in fees and a surprisingly short payment deadline.

Speculations on the school fee payment deadline filled social media platforms, mainly WhatsApp and Facebook, stating that students had until January 16th to complete full payments or they would not be eligible to register for the academic year.

Students expressed their frustration through social media stating that without the DHEARST TESAS list students would be confused on the correct category of fees to pay.

Mr. Darren Maino, President of the Lae City Students and Staff Association, expressed that “the increase in the school fees will be a big challenge to students this year”

“Students and the general public are advised to interpret information disseminated through the official PNGUOT communication channels,” said Mr. Maino. 

Meanwhile, the PNG University of Technology Student Representative Senate (SRS) announced on their official channel yesterday, 7th of January, that the article published by Post Courier about the fee’s deadline contained information that was not verified by the university.

The university around 12PM today released a public statement authorized by their Registrar Mrs. Veronica Thomas, clarifying that the school fee payment deadline will be extended to the 30th of January.

The statement also noted that the extension of the deadline comes with the condition that students, both new intakes and continuing, are required to pay a minimum of 60% of the total fees including outstanding fees before registering for the academic year 2026.