Open Foundation
If you are looking for a pathway into university, considering a career change or simply chasing your passion, Open Foundation can make it happen.
Your free pathway to uni
Open Foundation is your FREE pathway to university. It will help you develop the skills you need not only to gain entry, but to succeed at university and beyond.
Upon completion, Open Foundation provides you with competitive entry into ALL degrees at the University of Newcastle and access to our Guaranteed Admissions Scheme.
Regardless of your background, university is for you.
About Open Foundation
Course requirements
To be eligible for admission, applicants must:
- be turning 17 or older in the year you begin study*
- be an Australian citizen or have Australian permanent residency status
- be residing in Australia for the duration of your studies
* Applicants turning 17 in the year of study require parental/guardian consent to proceed with enrolment.
Please note:
Applicants who are currently enrolled in High School below Year 12 or equivalent will require parental/guardian consent to proceed with their enrolment and must complete Open Foundation Extended (60 units). This excludes students who are seeking to enrol in a University Enabling program and concurrently attending high school under an agreement between the University of Newcastle and the relevant high school.
English requirements
You must comply with the level of English proficiency for the program you are applying for.
Applications to study in Semester 1, 2024 have now closed!
Applications for Semester 2, 2024 will open Wednesday 3rd April.
How to apply
- When applications are open, hit 'Apply now'.
- Create or sign into your account
- Begin your application by selecting 'Get started!'
- Select your program, preferred location of study and when you would like to commence
- Provide 100 points of identification with certified copies of your documentation.
For application assistance, download our Step-by-Step Application Guide (PDF, 1.5MB).
Applications to study in Semester 1, 2024 have now closed!
Semester 1, 2024 key dates:
- 26 February 2024 - Semester 1 commences
- 22 March 2024 - Semester 1 census date
- 7 June 2024 - Semester 1 concludes
- 10 - 22 June 2024 - Semester 1 exam period
Semester 2, 2024 key dates:
- 3 April 2024 - Applications open
- 22 July 2024 - Semester 2 commences
Download your free Pathways to University guide
Study options
Studying at university requires a significant commitment of your time. To help you balance your study with work, social and family commitments, we offer flexible delivery options.
Note: This tool is for information and reference only. To ensure you are enrolled with this selection, you will need to complete the application process here.
Your full-timepart-time options
Got a question about Open Foundation?
Why go to uni?
Guaranteed entry into over 70 undergraduate degrees
Upon successful completion of Open Foundation, you will be guaranteed entry into selected degrees at the University of Newcastle.
You’ll also be able to use your final grades from the program for competitive admission to all other degrees, including Nursing, Medicine, Law and more. Many other universities also recognise our Pathway Programs. For the University of Newcastle, your application is free of charge and made directly to the University for both Semester 1 and Semester 2 intakes.
Did you know you can study more than 4 courses in Open Foundation?
Our new Extended Open Foundation option allows you to study 6 courses instead of the standard 4.
Extended Open Foundation allows you to explore different study areas and build on your skills as you prepare for your degree program. You can discover the right area of study for you by trialling a few of the courses you are interested in. If you’d like to spread your study over 2 semesters, but still remain enrolled full time (including for your Centrelink support), this option is for you.
We're here to support you
What will I study?
Going to uni is a journey of discovery. You'll learn new things and have exciting new experiences. Uni is not like school, you're in charge of your own learning and can choose subjects that work best for you.
Find out what you can study
Here to support you with every step
We’ve been offering Open Foundation for nearly 50 years and our support services are as strong as ever. We have experienced academic and support staff available to ensure your transition to university is as smooth as possible.
More information about support
Helping you find your path to uni
Steph's pathway to uni 1:40
You don't need any qualifications to get into uni. Through Open Foundation, Steph is now studying her dream degree.
There are lots of pathways to university 2:53
Meet Charlotte, an Open Foundation graduate 1:42
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.