As a member of the local and global community, the University of Newcastle strives to motivate all our graduates and staff to give back where they can.

Whether you can give an hour or a whole semester, we have flexible options to suit your lifestyle. No need to work or study at the University – most of our volunteering programs are also open to members of the community.

Ways to volunteer

Man helping woman with work

Mentoring

Looking to pass on your expertise? Through the University's various mentoring programs you have the opportunity to share your experience and wisdom. It's not just the mentees who benefit either - mentors often find themselves learning from the students they're guiding.

Engage with students as they strengthen their leadership skills in this global-facing program. Help them achieve the Six Agilities that will prepare them for the future work force.

Students participating: Open to all University of Newcastle students.

Currently seeking: Callaghan Alumni with minimum four years' experience in their field.

Time commitment: 11 hours face-to-face.

Empower women in business, commerce, entrepreneurship and law by fostering the leadership skills of high school and university students. Inspire women as they become confident in their ability to manage their own career.

Students participating: Women in any stage of their Faculty of Business and Law degree and young women completing high school.

Currently seeking: Women established in business, commerce, entrepreneurship or law.

Time commitment: Flexible.

Connect with soon-to-be students at one of the University's open days. This is a unique opportunity for students to hear first hand experiences of those who have gone before them. Contact us at alumni@newcastle.edu.au to register your interest.

Students participating: Callaghan and Ourimbah based students.

Currently seeking: All alumni near Callaghan and Ourimbah.

Time commitment: One to two days.


Guest speaking

Guest speaking

Lend your voice to one of the University's many events held throughout the year. By becoming a guest speaker, you can share your experience, research, inspirational story, or unique perspective – no matter your degree or industry background.

Get in touch and we will connect you with the perfect event that will showcase your achievements.

Share your story

Share your story

We are very proud of our alumni and want to hear your story – your achievements, your initiatives, your challenges and travel stories. We are also keen to hear stories from your time as a student including all those late-nights, O-week parties, and eureka! moments.

Share your story with us or email us.

Philanthropy

Philanthropy

You can give financially to the University of Newcastle, whether it’s to support students in need or to provide essential support for our ground-breaking research. No matter how big or small your gift may be, you will join a community of likeminded supporters who use their generosity to positively change the lives of others.

The Student Hardship Fund provides crucial assistance to students facing emergency situations such as a personal crisis, a natural disaster including bushfires and floods, or those impacted by COVID-19. Alternatively, you can support our research to help fuel new ideas and new discoveries; help treat diabetes, tackle pollution, solve climate change, design life-changing software, find new ways to assist Indigenous communities…the list goes on.

Services in-kind

Services in-kind

Expertise is priceless. If you have speciality knowledge in any area and would like to donate your time and services, please get in touch.

In-kind donations of time, goods, or services, can make a big difference to many of our philanthropy and volunteering projects.

Homestay program

Homestay program

Become a Homestay family for an international student and show them the Australian way of life! The University believes that each person can make a positive difference in the life of another. We want to bring together people from all walks of life so they can experience a new culture in a safe and friendly setting.

Beginning in 1998, Homestay is fully operated by the University and accommodates 500 students every year.

Children's University Newcastle

Children's University Newcastle

Children's University Newcastle supports extracurricular learning opportunities for students across the Hunter, Newcastle and Central Coast. First launched in 2016, children aged seven to 14 are encouraged to be active learners as they develop self-efficacy, confidence and an appreciation of education outside the classroom.

Each participant receives a passport where their hours of learning are recorded and stamped by registered organisations - referred to as learning destinations. Once 30 hours of learning are reached, students are invited to attend a graduation ceremony to celebrate their achievements.

Research volunteer

Research volunteer

Want to do your part for science? Put your hand up to become a research volunteer.

Opportunities for current students

Uni Crew is the University of Newcastle's student volunteering program.

Being a volunteer isn’t just a wonderful way of helping the University and broader community, it’s also a terrific benefit to yourself – both personally and professionally. Volunteering provides opportunities to make new friends, create opportunities to diversify your university experience outside the classroom, as well as engage in a variety of activities, initiatives, and events on and off campus.

Teach Outreach is a volunteer placement program run by the School of Education that connects schools, early childhood centres, and community organisations directly with volunteer teacher education students.

If you are an education student looking to volunteer or a community partner in need, please find out more.

Watt Space loves volunteers – and you can gain professional arts administration practice while making a real difference.

If you are a current University of Newcastle student, you can help with openings, front of house, installation and exhibitions, events and be involved with all Watt Space programs.

The University Gallery has a volunteer program for students, with the possibility of accreditation towards Museology.

Assist with visitor services, exhibition openings, public and educational programs, guided tours, care of artworks, and researching the history of the University Collection.