Students with a high enough grade-point average will now automatically qualify for admission at the University of Hawaii’s campuses in Hilo and West Oahu and all seven UH community colleges.

A new initiative meant to simplify the college admissions process by removing barriers for Hawaii’s public high school seniors, Direct2UH is a result of a partnership between the University of Hawaii and the Hawaii Department of Education.

The initiative was introduced during a pep rally Monday at Kauai High School. According to the Hawaii Department of Education, it will provide free, direct admission to nine University of Hawaii campuses based on students’ grade-point averages without making them complete a traditional application.

Once students complete a short online form, their admission will be confirmed contingent upon their high school graduation in May.

“Direct2UH recognizes the hard work of our public school students by making the path to college clearer and easier,” UH President Wendy Hensel said in a statement. “This is about opening doors to lifelong success, enabling our students to pursue their dreams, contribute to our communities and build an even stronger Hawaii, right here at home.”

Currently, about half of seniors from public schools in Hawaii pursue higher education after graduation. Direct2UH aims to increase college enrollment rates by making it easier for graduating seniors to enter college.

The University of Hawaii Maui College is among the UH campuses participating in the Direct2UH initiative. UH Manoa is expected to join the program in 2026.

For more about the Direct2UH initiative, go to direct2uh.com.