Options for Entry
There are many ways to get into university. No matter what your background, there are options for entry into the University of Newcastle to help you further your career, re-enter the workforce or explore your interests.
Year 12 and HSC Students
Non School Leavers aged 17-20
Non School leavers aged 20 and over
Indigenous students
TAFE students and Graduates
HSC
Students who are completing their HSC and are eligible to receive a UAI can use this mark to gain entry into University straight from school.
Newstep
Newstep is a tertiary preparation program offered by the University (through our Newcastle and Central Coast campuses) to increase study options for young people aged 17-20 who didn't complete the HSC or did not gain sufficient marks for entry into university. Students who successfully complete Newstep are eligible to apply for all degree programs of the University except the Bachelor of Medicine. Newstep provides you with an opportunity to increase your study skills and explore courses and services offered at the University of Newcastle. Newstep is accepted as an entry qualification by many universities in Australia.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
Administered by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC), the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is a two hour, multiple choice test accepted as a basis for admission to certain programs offered by the University. Fees do apply.
Degree Programs accepting STAT as a possible means of entry in 2009 are:
Faculty of Business and Law
Bachelor of Business
Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Commerce
Bachelor of Commerce
Faculty of Education and Arts
Bachelor of Aboriginal Studies
Bachelors of Arts
Bachelor of Education
Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood)
Bachelor of Early Childhood Teaching
Bachelors of Fine Art
Bachelor of Music
Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Arts
Bachelors of Social Science
Bachelor of Teaching / Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Teaching / Bachelor of Design and Technology
Bachelor of Teaching / Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies
Bachelor of Teaching / Bachelor of Fine Art
Bachelor of Teaching / Bachelor of Health and Physical Education
Bachelor of Teaching / Bachelor of Music
Bachelor of Teaching / Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Theology
Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment
Bachelor of Construction Management (Building)
Bachelor of Design (Architecture)
Faculty of Health
Bachelor of Nursing
Bachelor of Oral Health
Visit the UAC website to find out more.
Entry Support Schemes
Four bonus points for regional students
Current HSC students who attend schools in a defined rural postcode boundary are automatically awarded four bonus points to their admission rank through the University of Newcastle Regional and Rural Preference Scheme. The scheme includes schools and TAFE colleges with postcodes in the Hunter, Central Coast, Central West, Northern Rivers, Mid-North Coast, New England, Western Plains and Broken Hill mail centres. It applies to all undergraduate programs except the Bachelor of Medicine. Students do not need to apply for this bonus.
Applicants seeking entry to the University mid-year should forward their EAS application form directly to the University.
HSC Bonus Scheme
The University of Newcastle is committed to rewarding high achieving HSC students. Commencing in 2009, the HSC Bonus Point Scheme is for applicants applying to specific programs at the University of Newcastle. Details on which HSC subjects and Bands attract bonus points in specific programs will be available on the University website in July 2008.
Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island entry program
This scheme is designed to assist Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (AATSI) applicants to gain entry into university programs. In addition to lodging a UAC application stating their AATSI status, students are also required to attend interviews conducted at the University by either Gibalee at the Central Coast campus or Wollotuka at the Newcastle campus. We recommend that UAC applications are lodged before 30 October to be considered for an interview. Students interested in more information on this scheme may contact Wollotuka on 02 4921 6846.
Find out more about the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander entry program
Educational Access Scheme
If you have experienced educational or other disadvantage you may apply for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS). The University of Newcastle, through EAS, may award up to four additional points to your admission rank to applicants who have demonstrated longterm disadvantage. The Access Scheme does not apply to the Bachelor of Medicine or Graduate Law degree programs.
To apply for the Educational Access Scheme, you must complete the application form contained in the EAS booklet produced by UAC. The booklets are available from UAC or from student centres at participating institutions. Australian 2008 year 12 students may also obtain a copy from schools or TAFE colleges.
Your EAS application form should be forwarded to UAC no later than 30 November. You may submit a late application directly to the University between 1 December 2008 and 7 January 2009. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered. For further information contact the Enquiry Centre on 02 4921 5000 or visit the UAC website.
Open Foundation
Open Foundation is a free tertiary preparation program available at Newcastle, the Central Coast, and by distance for people aged 20 years or more. It can help you if you have been out of the education system for some time and would like to study an undergraduate degree. The program allows you to explore your interest in and capacity for ongoing tertiary studies, and prepares you for study at university level. When you successfully complete the Open Foundation program you are eligible to apply for various degree programs at the University of Newcastle and many other Australian universities the following year.
Find out more about Open Foundation
Yapug
Yapug, offered at the Newcastle campus, is a program designed to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over the age of 17 gain skills for entry into undergraduate degrees at the University of Newcastle. Throughout their time in Yapug, students are encouraged to develop the academic skills and self-discipline required for success in undergraduate study.
Wollotuka offers services to support students through their studies – including counseling and student support, the Aboriginal Tutorial Assistance Scheme (qualified tutors helping students with their studies), a well equipped resource centre, audio and visual materials on Indigenous topics and issues, Indigenous Health Support, and cultural and support programs.
TAFE Students
The University of Newcastle has formed a strong partnership with TAFE NSW Institutes to provide students with pathways for entry into university from TAFE. Many of our students have come to university after completing TAFE studies. Depending on the degree, TAFE qualifications from Certificate III or higher can be considered for entry.
Find out about guaranteed university places for TAFE graduates
Find out more about TAFE pathways
Credit transfer
We are committed to helping students make the most of previous study by providing clearly defined credit transfer pathways between institutions. Students can use TAFE or other qualification to gain entry into the University of Newcastle and can also receive credit towards their degree.
If your TAFE or other qualification is similar to the university degree you choose to study, you may be granted credit (in recognition of prior learning) for up to two years of your degree. The credit transfer arrangements apply only after you are offered a place at the University of Newcastle and have accepted that offer. Credit transfer arrangements are continually under negotiation.
