FAQs for parents
Why study at the University of Newcastle?
The University of Newcastle offers students the ideal combination of lifestyle and learning. Read more about the University.
What can my son or daughter study?
Currently we have over 90 undergraduate programs that your son or daughter can choose from.
How can I help my son or daughter choose a program of study?
The best advice you can offer your child is to choose a subject they are interested in. If they choose a subject they enjoy or have a natural talent in, they will generally graduate successfully. Most of our degrees take between 3 and 4 years of full-time study to complete, so it is important that this time is spent studying something they enjoy. Generally speaking, students whose choice is influenced by their friends or parents end up dropping out or only just scraping through.
It is also important for your son or daughter to gather all the information and advice necessary to make an informed decision. Sometimes their idea of what a program entails is not always an accurate portrayal of the actual study program.
Useful sources of information include:
- University Future Students website
- University brochures
- High school careers advisors
- UAC guides
- Friends and family
How does my son or daughter apply for entry to your University?
Entry to undergraduate programs is by application via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) Our main intake is at the beginning of the year, for which applications open in early August of the previous year. All year 12 students are given a UAC guide through their school. Alternatively, they can be purchased from your local newsagent from August each year. The UAC guide details the official closing dates and late application deadlines. Late applications incur a late fee and may not guarantee that the application will be processed in time for an offer in the main round of UAC offers. The closing date for a change of preference in the main round is early January. The University of Newcastle will seek to make the majority of its offers of admission in the main round. Late round offers are only made if there are vacancies.
More information on admissions is available here
What is a UAI?
The Universities Admission Index (UAI) is the entry score you need to gain an undergradate place at the University of Newcastle. The UAI ranks your HSC results against all other NSW and ACT students for that year. UAI scores required for entry into university differ depending on popularity, number of places and the difficulty of the course.
Click here for more information about your UAI
What UAI does my son or daughter need to be accepted into University?
For some of our programs, the UAI is based on the demand for a particular program. Popular programs with high demand usually have a high UAI. Other programs have a UAI which is set at the academic achievement level required for the course and not based on demand. Please note that the UAI required for entry into our University can change from year to year.
Click here for an indicative list of the UAI required for entry into our programs.
How much will it cost for my son or daughter to go to University?
The cost of studying at University varies depending on the course. Our Fees and Charges information gives you a complete view, including cost per subject. The main costs that students incur when they come to University are the cost of their tuition fees.
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP)
According to the UAC, Commonwealth Supported Places are: "courses that require you to contribute a set amount towards the cost of your course, with the Commonwealth Government paying the remainder. Most students are able to choose whether they wish to pay the cost upfront or defer it."
In addition to the program fees, students will be required to purchase textbooks and any other materials they may need for their courses such as special drawing pencils etc.
Students living away from home will also need to pay for living costs which may include items such as accommodation, food, travel expenses, bills etc.
More information on accommodation costs available here
Is my son or daughter eligible for a scholarship?
The closing dates for scholarships vary but some close as early as September. Get in early and check them out! Please note that at this time of year our scholarship pages are updated often. You may need to visit regularly to keep up with the latest scholarship information. All details and scholarship application forms can be found on the Fees and Scholarships website.
In addition to scholarships offered by the University, Commonwealth Learning Scholarships (CLS) are offered by the Australian Government and cadetships or scholarships are offered by various Industry or Rotary groups.
Cadetships and other industry based scholarships are displayed in the local paper and on industry websites.
Is there on campus student accommodation?
Housing over 950 students, the University of Newcastle has four residential Colleges: Barahineban, Edwards Hall, Evatt House and International House. More than half of these rooms are reserved for existing residents. The Colleges can offer you a range of social, cultural and sporting opportunities in an environment conducive to study and academic achievement. Each College is under the care of a Head of Residence and a team of residential staff. Each College has its own ethos and students have a choice of catered or self-catered lifestyles. Our Ourimbah Campus has a self-catered residential unit (Blue Gum House). More information on accommodation and how to apply is available on our accommodation website
What support services exist for my son or daughter?
We offer a wide range of student support services. More information is available on our student support website
Is there support for students with a disability?
The University has a comprehensive support unit for students with a disability.
Is it possible to study part-time?
Most of our programs can be studied on a part-time basis. A full time load is generally 80 credit points, which is approximately 4 subjects a semester. You can choose to study part-time and complete 1, 2 or 3 subject in a semester, this will lengthen your degree depending on the schedule you choose. Please be aware that part-time does not necessarily mean night time lectures and tutorials.
Can my son or daughter study overseas?
Yes. You can undertake 6 months of study at another University and, depending on what you study, it will count towards your degree. Our University has links with other institutions all over the world. You can also receive a scholarship to help with your travel arrangements. More information is available on our student exchange website
Where is the University located?
The University of Newcastle has three Campuses in New South Wales. The largest campus is Callaghan, located in Newcastle. The contact details of our campus locations are:
University of Newcastle
Callaghan Campus
University Drive
Callaghan NSW 2308
Tel: 02 4921 5000
Callaghan website
Our second campus is Ourimbah, located on the Central Coast, 1 hour north of Sydney. This is a multi-sector campus that we share with Hunter Institute TAFE and Central Coast Community College.
University of Newcastle
Ourimbah Campus
10 Chittaway Road
OURIMBAH NSW 2258
Tel: 02 4348 4030
Ourimbah website
Our third and newest campus is Port Macquarie Campus on the Mid-North Coast. The campus is located on the North Coast Institute of TAFE Campus.
University of Newcastle
Port Macquarie Campus
Cnr Oxley Highway and Widderson Street
Port Macquarie NSW 2444
Tel: 02 6580 3500
Port Macquarie website
