A place at the University Guaranteed

Tuesday 18 January 2005

The University has developed a new scheme in response to the Federal Government's Higher Education package, which allows increased opportunities for a University of Newcastle education.

The University can now offer up to 35% of its student intake as fee-paying places and to assist potential students, the University has developed a Guaranteed Place Scheme.

The Scheme has lower entry scores for admission than required for a HECS place however it will be a set cut-off level, in some cases only fractionally lower than the HECS place cut off.

It will guarantee a fee paying place to students who meet the criteria, giving students greater options of a university education.

Executive Director of Student Services, Gail White, says the University will publish a list of Guaranteed Place cut-off scores on Thursday 20 January 2005.

"Students will know by checking the cut off levels if they can take the fee place option," says Gail.

"Students in a Fee Paying Place do not need to make any up front payment as they will be eligible for a Government FEE-HELP loan, allowing them to defer payment until their income is above $35,000."

The Fee Paying Place standard is based on the Commonwealth Supported cut-off and will apply to both international and domestic students.

Gail White says, "The Scheme is a new development in response to the changes to higher education and will provide access for eligible students who for the past few years have missed out on a university place due to the quota system."

A full list of programs in the Guaranteed Place Scheme (based upon minimum UAI's) for full and part-time students will be published in The Herald and Central Coast Express Advocate on Thursday 20 January 2005.

For interviews: Gail White, Executive Director Student Services on (02) 4921 5313.