University of Newcastle
Admission criteria and entry schemes
To secure your place at the University of Newcastle, you must meet the criteria within one of the listed categories. You will also need to meet English language proficiency requirements and any additional selection criteria, which may include an audition, interview, or test.
Undergraduate applicants
Australian Year 12 students
Admission is based on your selection rank, which includes your ATAR or equivalent rank obtained upon completing the Australian Year 12 qualification or International Baccalaureate (IB), along with any applicable adjustment factors.
Selection rank adjustments
Selection rank adjustments can potentially secure you an offer for a degree, even if your ATAR falls below the published lowest selection rank. The University of Newcastle considers adjustment factors in calculating your selection rank, allowing for an increase of up to a maximum of 12 points for participating degree programs.
University of Newcastle Adjustment Points
Equity adjustments
The University of Newcastle participates in the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) to support applicants who have encountered educational or other disadvantages. Through the EAS, the University of Newcastle may grant up to four adjustment points to applicants demonstrating disadvantage. EAS applications at are centrally processed through UAC.
How Educational Access Schemes work
Leader, athlete, and performer adjustments
The University of Newcastle is dedicated to supporting elite athletes, performers, artists, and leaders. If you have proven experience, you could receive up to four adjustment points. To be eligible for consideration under this scheme, complete the appropriate application.
University of Newcastle Elite Athletes
University of Newcastle Leaders and Performers
Regional and rural adjustments
The University of Newcastle’s Regional and Rural Adjustment Scheme supports students from regional and rural Australia who have recently completed an Australian Year 12 qualification or the International Baccalaureate (IB). Under this scheme students who attend secondary schools in designated postcodes receive five adjustment points. This scheme is applicable to all undergraduate programs, excluding the Bachelor of Medical Science/Doctor of Medicine (Joint Medical Program) and Bachelor of Midwifery. No application is required for participation in this scheme.
Year 12 subject adjustments
The University of Newcastle's Year 12 Adjustment Scheme recognises high-achieving Year 12 students by potentially adding up to four adjustment points, depending on their performance in relevant Year 12 subjects. No additional application is necessary for participation in this scheme.
University of Newcastle Subject Adjustments
Criteria that may apply in addition to the ATAR
In addition to meeting the standard criteria for admission, certain courses may have additional selection criteria, such as a portfolio of work or an audition. These criteria are considered either instead of or in conjunction with your ATAR or equivalent rank. Specific details about additional selection criteria and the ways you can fulfill these requirements are provided in the course descriptions on UAC’s course search.
If you are completing your Year 12 studies overseas and are seeking admission to a course with additional selection criteria, please contact the University of Newcastle.
Bridging and refresher courses
NUPrep short courses are designed to improve your academic skills and refresh your knowledge before embarking on your degree. These courses are not intended to substitute the assumed knowledge or recommended studies inherent to your specific degree. Extensive research indicates that students who successfully complete a NUPrep short course generally perform better in their degree studies.
NUPrep short courses, offered at no cost to all students, are scheduled in the weeks leading up to the start of your academic journey. These courses are available both on-campus and online, typically spanning a duration of approximately 15–20 hours.
We offer courses in a range of key areas such as academic survival skills, writing for university, digital literacies, maths for beginners, introduction to programming, foundation chemistry, foundation physics, general computing for academic studies, mathematics, physics, and programming. These NUPrep courses are offered free of charge to all students, they are available either on campus or online and typically have a duration of around 15–20 hours.
University of Newcastle NUPrep
Other admission options
Early Entry Program
The University of Newcastle’s Early Entry Program is for NSW students completing Year 12 (Higher School Certificate or International Baccalaureate) at an approved school in 2025.
Early entry considers your Year 11 results so you can earn an offer to your chosen degree before you commence your exams. Selection rank adjustments are not considered for early offers.
You can apply for any undergraduate program through the Early Entry Program, except* for the programs listed here:
- Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Honours) (Diagnostic Radiography)
- Bachelor of Midwifery
- Bachelor of Music and Performing Arts
- Bachelor of Music and Performing Arts/Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)
- Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy
- Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours)
- Joint Medical Program
You can apply for these programs through the Universities Admission Centre (UAC).
*Excluded programs will be reviewed annually and may change.
An early offer to the University of Newcastle secures your place, offering certainty during a potentially stressful period.
University of Newcastle Early Entry Program
Schools Recommendation Scheme
The Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS) rewards applicants who have achieved excellent Year 11 results, and who are highly recommended by their high school, with an early offer of admission.
Your application will be evaluated based on:
- your Year 11 studies
- your school’s rating
- other relevant admission requirements.
Selection rank adjustments are not considered for the SRS.
This scheme is applicable to most undergraduate programs, excluding* the:
- Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Honours) (Diagnostic Radiography)
- Bachelor of Midwifery
- Bachelor of Music and Performing Arts
- Bachelor of Music and Performing Arts/Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)
- Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy
- Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours)
- Bachelor of Medical Science/Doctor of Medicine (Joint Medical Program)
*Excluded programs will be reviewed annually and may change.
The University may limit the number of offers made in some courses.
How the Schools Recommendation Scheme works
Year 12 Subject Spotlight Scheme
The University of Newcastle considers more than just your ATAR for entry into many of our degree programs. If you recently completed an Australian Year 12 qualification or International Baccalaureate (IB), your performance in individual HSC subjects is matched with related university degrees to determine eligibility for your preferences. You are rewarded for your hard work and strong results with a guaranteed offer. No separate application required; just list your preferred University of Newcastle degree program as your first preference in your UAC application.
University of Newcastle Subject Spotlight Scheme
School Based Traineeship
The University of Newcastle’s School Based Traineeship (SBT) provides entry into the Bachelor of Nursing for Year 12 students who successfully complete the School Based Traineeship.
This opportunity is specifically designed for Year 12 students who complete their traineeship within the Hunter New England or Central Coast Local Health Districts.
University of Newcastle School Based Traineeship
Limited ATAR
The University of Newcastle does not consider the NSW Limited ATAR for admission.
Open Foundation
Open Foundation is a free pathway program that supports individuals without direct entry qualifications into undergraduate degree programs. Open Foundation facilitates entry and develops essential skills for successful university level study.
Open Foundation is available to Australian citizens and Australian permanent residents who are currently residing in Australia, with a minimum age requirement of 17*. Open Foundation is delivered either part-time (2-8 semesters of study) or full-time (1-2 semesters of study) at Newcastle (Callaghan) and Central Coast campuses, it is also offered online across two semesters.
Upon successful completion, Open Foundation students secure guaranteed entry into designated undergraduate degree programs at the University. Additionally, they can use their final program grades to competitively apply for admission to various other degrees, including Nursing, Law, and more.
Open Foundation can be used for admission to 785000 Bachelor of Medical Science/Doctor of Medicine (Joint Medical Program) through the Excellence Through Equity Pathway to Medicine.
Completion of Open Foundation is recognised by numerous universities across Australia.
* Applicants turning 17 in the year of study require parental/guardian consent for enrolment.
Yapug
Yapug is a free pathway program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (First Nations) people who hold no prior qualifications required for direct entry into an undergraduate degree program. Yapug is a specialty pathway program that facilitates entry and develops essential skills for successful university level study.
Yapug is available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (First Nations) people who are currently residing in Australia, with a minimum age requirement of 17*.
Yapug is offered as either one-year full-time (two semesters) or two-years part-time (3-4 semesters) at our Newcastle (Callaghan) and Central Coast (Ourimbah) campuses.
Upon successful completion, Yapug students secure guaranteed entry into designated undergraduate degrees at the University. Additionally, they can use their final program grades to competitively apply for admission to various other degrees, including Nursing, Law, and more.
Yapug can be used for admission to 785000 Bachelor of Medical Science/Doctor of Medicine - Joint Medical Program) through the Miroma Bunbilla Program.
Completion of Yapug is recognised by numerous universities across Australia.
* Applicants turning 17 in the year of study require parental/guardian consent for enrolment.
Tertiary Preparation Certificate (TPC)
Tertiary Preparation Certificate students are eligible for admission. For information, please visit AskUON and search using the term “TPC".
Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
The University will consider STAT Multiple-Choice results for admission where applicants have recently completed non-traditional senior secondary schooling without a formal Year 12 qualification (e.g., Steiner education or registered homeschooling) or those who completed an Australian senior secondary qualification but did not perform well at school and have no other qualifications.
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age by 1 March in the year of admission. STAT results are accepted without a time limit for admission purposes.
STAT is considered for entry into select programs at the University. For information regarding programs that accept STAT scores for admission, please visit AskUON and search using the term “STAT”. For further information, visit the STAT website
The University accepts previous university studies and studies in various TAFE courses. Completed accredited Australian Qualifications Framework courses, Certificate III and above, from private colleges may also be considered as a basis for admission in many of our programs. Ensure you include comprehensive details of all your tertiary studies in your application.
Please note that Certificate III qualifications are not accepted for the Bachelor of Nursing.
Direct Entry
The University of Newcastle's Direct Entry application is for individuals who are not coming directly from high school. This includes those who have taken a gap year, have work experience including military experience, or have studied at another institution.
Newcastle University Direct Entry
Australian citizens or permanent residents with overseas qualifications should enquire about admission eligibility through the University of Newcastle’s before applying via UAC. For individuals holding overseas secondary or tertiary qualifications from countries where English is not the standard language of instruction, proof of English language proficiency is required.
Completed enabling courses
Successful completion of the Open Foundation or Yapug pathway programs guarantees applicants entry into specific undergraduate degrees at the University of Newcastle. Applicants can also use their final program grades to competitively apply for admission to various other degrees.
Guaranteed Entry Scheme
The University guarantees entry into numerous undergraduate degree programs for individuals who have finished; or will complete, a Certificate IV, diploma, or advanced diploma. No separate application required; just list your preferred University of Newcastle degree program that features in the Guaranteed Entry Scheme as your first preference in your UAC application.
University of Newcastle Guaranteed Entry
Beyond the Guaranteed Entry Scheme, VET qualifications can be used to determine your competitiveness for admission to almost all our programs. To achieve a selection rank suitable for many programs, VET students should complete at least a Certificate III or IV level. Additionally, incomplete diploma or advanced diploma level qualifications can also contribute to obtaining a selection rank.
Please note that Certificate III qualifications are not accepted for the Bachelor of Nursing.
Your TAFE/VET qualifications may also be used for credit towards various University of Newcastle programs. Explore our Credit Transfer Catalogue to discover what credit you may be eligible for.
Direct Entry
The University of Newcastle's Direct Entry application is for individuals who are not coming directly from high school. This includes those who have taken a gap year, have work experience, or have completed a VET qualification.
Australian Year 12 results do not expire. If your only qualification is an Australian secondary qualification completed two or more years ago, you are eligible to apply for admission to the University based on that qualification. However, it's important to note that selection ranks for post-school applicants may vary.
Open Foundation
Open Foundation is a free pathway program that supports individuals without direct entry qualifications into undergraduate degree programs. Open Foundation facilitates entry and develops essential skills for successful university level study.
Open Foundation is available to Australian citizens and Australian permanent residents who are currently residing in Australia, with a minimum age requirement of 17. Open Foundation is delivered either part-time (2-8 semesters of study) or full-time (1-2 semesters of study) at Newcastle (Callaghan) and Central Coast campuses, it is also offered online across two semesters.
Upon successful completion, Open Foundation students secure guaranteed entry into designated undergraduate degree programs at the University. Additionally, they can use their final program grades to competitively apply for admission to various other degrees, including Nursing, Law, and more.
Open Foundation can be used for admission to 785000 Bachelor of Medical Science/Doctor of Medicine (Joint Medical Program) through the Excellence Through Equity Pathway to Medicine.
Completion of Open Foundation is recognised by numerous universities across Australia.
Yapug
Yapug is a free pathway program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (First Nations) people who hold no prior qualifications required for direct entry into an undergraduate degree programs. Yapug is a specialty pathway program that facilitates entry and develops essential skills for successful university level study.
Yapug is available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (First Nations) people who are currently residing in Australia, with a minimum age requirement of 17.
Yapug is offered as either one-year full-time (two semesters) or two-years part-time (3-4 semesters) at our Newcastle (Callaghan) and Central Coast (Ourimbah) campuses.
Upon successful completion, Yapug students secure guaranteed entry into designated undergraduate degree programs at the University. Additionally, they can use their final program grades to competitively apply for admission to various other degrees, including Nursing, Law, and more.
Yapug can be used for admission to 785000 Bachelor of Medical Science/Doctor of Medicine - Joint Medical Program) through the Miroma Bunbilla Program.
Completion of Yapug is recognised by numerous universities across Australia.
Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
STAT is considered for entry into select programs at the University. For information regarding programs that accept STAT scores for admission, please visit AskUON and search using the term “STAT”.
For further information, visit the STAT website.
There are commonly accepted overseas secondary qualifications that UAC may consider for admission. Check your overseas secondary qualification.
If you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident of Australia with overseas qualifications, please visit AskUON and search using the term "overseas qualifications" for further assistance.
English language proficiency
If your qualifications are from countries where English is not the primary language of instruction, you must submit evidence of English language proficiency. For more information, please visit AskUON and search using the term “English language proficiency”.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (First Nations) people can pursue university studies through standard entry procedures or designated pathways.
Simply indicate in your application that you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicant, and the Wollotuka Institute at the University of Newcastle will reach out to connect with you.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges and considers experience and qualifications gained through the Australian Defence Force.
Postgraduate applicants
To gain admission to a postgraduate coursework program, it is typically expected that you hold a bachelor's degree from a recognised tertiary institution in a relevant discipline. Admission criteria may differ depending on the program you are interested in. For specific qualifications and any additional requirements, refer to the specific entry requirements for each program.
Overseas qualifications and English language proficiency
If your qualifications are from countries where English is not the primary language of instruction, you must submit evidence of English language proficiency. For more information, please visit AskUON and search using the term “English language proficiency”.
As part of the application process, you may be required to submit specific documentation. To determine if there are any special requirements, refer to the specific entry requirements for each program..
General information for University of Newcastle
Location
Student Central, The University of Newcastle,
Callaghan NSW 2308