The University of Newcastle, Australia

The University of Newcastle has secured an extra 55 Commonwealth Supported Places for enabling programs in 2012 increasing the total to 1560.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Caroline McMillen, said through the increase the Australian Government had recognised the vital role and transformative power of higher education to communities in our regions.

In November, the Commonwealth Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations advised universities that Commonwealth Supported Places for enabling programs would be capped in 2012, resulting in a potential loss of 50 places at the University of Newcastle.

The University made a strong case to the Government about the importance of enabling programs to Newcastle and its regions and is delighted that this case has been accepted.

“Equity and access to education are important platforms for Newcastle. We have a proud tradition of providing greater access to higher education for disadvantaged groups,” Professor McMillen said.

“The Government’s decision to support Newcastle’s focus on these programs means that the University can continue to provide valuable and much needed opportunities to ensure as many people as possible can access a university education.”

In 2012, the University will provide 1560 places in its enabling programs, which include Open Foundation, Newstep and Yapug. These programs prepare people for university over the course of a year and provide them a credential to apply for a degree.

Approximately 85 per cent of University of Newcastle students who complete an enabling program go on to undergraduate study. Enabling students make up approximately 20 per cent of our commencing undergraduate EFTSL. Some 15 per cent of our students who enrol in study at Honours level have a prior enabling background.

For interviews with Vice-Chancellor, Professor Caroline McMillen, contact Media and Public Relations Officer Carmen Swadling on 02 4985 4276 or 0428 038477.