The percentage of students meeting the 200 aggregate mark required for admission to the National University of Samoa (NUS) has seen a significant decline, dropping from 65 per cent in 2023 to 47 per cent in 2024.

This drop was confirmed by A’eau Christopher Hazelman, the Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O.) of the Ministry of Education and Culture (M.E.C.), who provided an overview of the 2024 national examination results.

A’eau highlighted that despite an increase in the total number of students sitting the national examination the overall passing rate has decreased.

The results indicate a pressing need for improvements across various educational levels, particularly in preparation for higher education.

For 2024, a total of 3,937 students sat the national examination. Of these, 1,524 students achieved the required 200 aggregate mark for admission to N.U.S., combining English with their best three subjects.

This represents a noticeable drop in comparison to 2023, when 1,309 students, or 65 per cent of the 2,021 exam takers, met the NUS admission criteria.

In addition, 1,347 students passed and are eligible for enrollment in NUS' Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs.

Unfortunately, 370 students did not pass, failing to qualify for admission to either NUS or TVET.

The figures present a clear trend of declining performance and underscore the need for targeted reforms in the education system, particularly at the college level.

A’eau emphasised the urgency of addressing these challenges to better prepare students for both higher education and the workforce.