There are usually a lot of unknowns when we think about starting something new. This is perfectly normal; however, many people allow their concerns or fears to get in the way of deciding to study. Many obstacles to starting univeristy are based on wrong information or half-truths, and some of these are easily overcome by accessing accurate information and support.
Reason 1: "It's too expensive"
Reality: There are many ways to fund University Study
Course Fees
As a domestic student you have a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) at university. This means that you only make a contribution towards the cost of your education (known as the student contribution) while the Australian Government contributes the majority of the cost.
As an international student you are only able to study in an international fee-paying place and must pay international student fees.
For up to date information on University of Newcastle Course fees, check out the University of Newcastle website regarding Fees and Scholarships .
For up to date information on how to pay for your course via Commonwealth assistance HECS-HELP, go to the Going to Uni website .
How do I pay?
Don't panic! You don't need to pay the total amount upfront. There are a number of options available through the Commonwealth assistance HECS-HELP scheme .
Other Expenses to Consider
Text Books
You will usually need at least one text book for each of the subjects you are studying and prices can vary greatly. Before you rush out and buy textbooks, check with your lecturer to see which books are essential to purchase, which ones may have multiple copies in the library for students to borrow, and which may be available second hand from past students.
Uniforms & Equipment
If you are studying a course such as nursing, you will usually need to purchase a uniform to wear on clinical placements (pracs). The university will provide you with information on costs and where to purchase uniforms.
Special Instruments
If you are studying courses such as health sciences, architectural studies or creative industries you may be required to purchase specialist technical equipment. The university will provide you with details of costs and where to purchase essential equipment. Check out subject/unit outlines to get an idea of the materials required before you start your course.
Fixing your Financial Concerns – Show Me the Money!
Scholarships and Bursaries
Universities offer a range of financial support to new and continuing students.
Some financial support is based on academic achievement and there's also lots of support for students from low-income backgrounds. Check out scholarships to find information on applying for available financial support.
The most important thing to do is APPLY!
Student Loans
The Student Loans Scheme provides interest free emergency loans on a short term basis to students who demonstrate genuine need and whose continued study might be placed in jeopardy if assistance were not available.
Loans may be approved for rent, bond, living expenses and textbooks.
Loans are NOT available for the payment of HECS or to purchase capital items such as computers or cars.
For further information see our Student Loans Scheme policy .
Youth Allowance/AUSTUDY
The Commonwealth Government provides financial support to eligible students to help them with living expenses while they are studying.
Don't decide you're not eligible! Make sure you apply for Youth Allowance (if you're 16-24 years of age) or Austudy (if you're 25 years of age or older).
Check out Centrelink for updated information on benefits that you may be eligible to receive.
Part-time Employment while Studying
Most students need to work at least a few hours per week in a part-time job to earn some income while they are studying.
The University of Newcastle Careers Service provides listings of casual/part-time employment for students seeking part-time employment.
Working while studying gives you an edge in the graduate job market.
Reason 2: "It’s Too Hard to Get in – You Have to be a Genius"
Reality: There are Many Pathways to get into University
HSC entry
You will get an ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank) based on your senior secondary results. It doesn't matter how long ago you finished school - you'll get a rank for your results.
Check out University of Newcastle - How to Get in Section of our What can I study page for more information on entry to the University of Newcastle based on senior study. Other universities have similar information on their websites, and you can also look at the UAC website for this information.
If your ATAR is not high enough to get you into university have a look at the alternative entry paths available
Previous University Study
You will be awarded a rank based on your prior tertiary study - university or vocational education and training. You may need to have completed at least one year of full-time study, or a completed TAFE diploma to obtain a competitive rank. Your studies can be at the following levels: degree (bachelor), diploma, advanced diploma, associate diploma or associate degree. A rank can also be obtained from completing an
Open Foundation course.
Check out University of Newcastle What can I study page for more information on entry to University of Newcastle based on previous tertiary study.
Mature Age & Alternative Entry
There are many Alternative Entry Paths to university including:
Reality: There is a lot of assistance available to help you prepare for university study and pass your subjects
A Careers Counsellors Comments...
A high ATAR is not an automatic guarantee of success at university. Students who are interested in their discipline, have a goal are usually more committed and motivated. These are the students who are more likely to do well at university studies than a disinterested student with a high ATAR.
Check out the most recent entry ranks for courses you are interested in pursuing.
Make some back-up plans - Plan A and Plan B at least - so that you have a pathway into the course you really want.
You can choose another course that you are interested in and by achieving well in that you can often improve on your scores and reapply for your preferred university program.
Get more information from:
Reason 3: "I Didn’t Finish High School and/or my Secondary Education was Years Ago"
Reality: You Don't Need to have Finished Year 12
Did you know you don't need to have completed year 12 to go to university and it doesn't matter how long ago you were at school?
There are many Alternative Entry Paths to university including:
Newstep
Open Foundation
Yapug
Mid Year intake
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) via UAC
Credit Transfer
Reason 4: "It's Just a Piece of Paper These Days"
Reality: A degree is more than just a piece of paper
Nowadays it's accepted that lifelong learning is a crucial part of everyone's career development. It's not enough to complete your secondary schooling and decide that you won't have to learn anymore. The world is changing, technology is increasing rapidly and occupations that wouldn't have been heard of 20 years ago are emerging. Ongoing learning is critical to ensure that you can actively participate in work and non-work life.
Listen to Bethany's story
VIDEO
Tania's story
I gained valuable experience working overseas during my summer breaks including three months in Antarctica . Now I’m working with emerging solar thermal technologies at the CSIRO Energy centre.
Tania, Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical)
Ellie's story
When I graduate, I know the practical, hands-on experience I’ve gained through my degree will give me confidence, knowledge and skills to be ready for the workforce.
Ellie, Bachelor of Communcations
Jeremy's story
Interactive clinical placements heightened my experience as a pharmacy student. Networking with students and other health professionals helped shape my career. I’m now working as an intern in a big city hospital.
Jeremy, Master of Pharmacy
Marlee's story
Even from first year, students get to observe and experience first -hand what their chosen profession is all about. My dream job is to work overseas, helping patients with brain injuries.
Marlee, Bachelor of Speech Pathology
Reason 5: "There Are Too Many Barriers"
Reality : There is support for everyone
The University of Newcastle believes that everyone deserves a chance to succeed and aims to give everyone a fair chance to compete and achieve to his or her full potential by providing individuals from under-represented groups (for example, low-SES, rural and Indigenous students) with access to admissions and support programs. The University of Newcastle offers positive support to the cultural and social diversity within their students.
PASS is a program that supports you in your study of courses. PASS consists of one-hour non-compulsory weekly sessions where students work collaboratively. Each session is facilitated by PASS Leaders.
Disability Support Service offers practical assistance and advice to students with a permanent or temporary disability or medical condition. If students are experiencing difficulties with their studies due to the effects of their disability they can register with the Disability Support Service.
Learning Development works with students and academic staff to help all students learn and write effectively at all stages of their degree program. We do this by teaching Academic Skills, English Language proficiency, and Maths skills relevant to most disciplines across the university.
Indigenous Student Support and Development is a major focus in the University's strategic plan. The focus to increase and enhance student attraction, participation, retention and success is a vital component of Indigenous education at the University and nationally.
Learn more about the Wollotuka Institute
The aim of the program is to provide student support to new students of the University of Newcastle.
Learn more about Mentoring .
Connect 2 Success is an initiative of student services to assist students achieve their academic potential. This program is free and voluntary.
The University of Newcastle offers student support by providing services such as career counselling , disability support , personal counselling, on campus accommodation support, student loans, chaplaincy and a health service staffed by General Practitioners and Nurses.
If you are a first year student, visit the My Journey site containing a helpful guide on how to succeed at University.
If you are not sure how to make a good course/career choice you can explore some links between study and career opportunities through Degrees to Careers or myfuture .
The University of Newcastle offers various supports to students from non-English speaking or cultural backgrounds to assist them to adapt and succeed at university.
Read some international student testimonials .
This activity asks you to reflect on your Top 3 fears that prevented you from considering university study, and then to write down what you now know since working through this module.
Australian Bureau of Statistics information indicates that people aged 15-64 with a higher education qualification are HALF as likely to be unemployed as people who don't have a higher education qualification.
Employers value graduate skills and experiences.- technical skills gained as well as transferable skills such as written and verbal communication, problem-solving, analytical skills, teamwork, organisational skills.
Transferable skills are gained through a range of experiences
Working part-time while at University
Volunteering in Australia or overseas
Awards or scholarship
Extra curricular experiences such as sport or drama.
You need to understand the value you have gained from your experiences and to present these to employers so they can also see their value.
