Your path to university just got easier
Our free Direct Entry application for non-school leavers allows you to secure a place at the University of Newcastle, without going through UAC.
What is the Direct Entry Portal?
The University of Newcastle’s Direct Entry Portal provides an application pathway tailored for individuals who are not transitioning directly from high school. This includes those who have taken a gap year, gained work experience, or pursued studies at another institution.
If you have decided on your preferred program at the University of Newcastle, this direct application process is the quickest and most straightforward way to secure your place.
Benefits:
- free application, saving you from UAC’s application fee
- same admission criteria as applying through UAC
- weekly offer rounds ensure minimal waiting time after your application is assessed
Programs
You can apply for any undergraduate program through the Direct Entry Portal, except for the programs listed here:
- Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Honours) (Diagnostic Radiography)
- Bachelor of Midwifery
- Bachelor of Music and Performing Arts
- Bachelor of Music and Performing Arts/Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)
- Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy
- Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours)
- Joint Medical Program
You can apply for these programs through the Universities Admission Centre (UAC).
*Excluded programs will be reviewed annually and may change.
Who can apply?
Domestic applicants who completed a secondary qualification (e.g. NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC), International Baccalaureate (IB), or an equivalent from another state) in 2024 or earlier are eligible.
A student is considered domestic for university admission purposes if they are an Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen (or dual citizenship holders of either Australia or New Zealand), Australian permanent resident, or Australian permanent humanitarian visa holder.
International applicants, including those currently onshore studying another qualification, have the option to apply directly to the University through our international admissions process.
How to apply
- Apply: Applications are now open apply direct.
- Add your qualifications: Provide details of your qualifications, including secondary studies, tertiary studies (including VET), preparation programs, online open courses, professional awards, STAT results, and English language proficiency results. If documentation is required to evidence your qualifications, you will be emailed. Our portal also includes 'Help text' to guide you through the application process.
Preferences
You can choose up to three preferences when you apply, and you have the flexibility to change your preferences throughout the application period. Offers are based on your highest eligible preference, so it's important to prioritise your preferred degree as your top choice.
Accepting your offer
You will have seven days to accept your early offer and secure your place at the University of Newcastle.
Hunter the Hippocampus has produced a video to help you through the process.
Hunter is here to help you accept your offer.
2025 Key dates
Interested in undergraduate study?
Explore our upcoming events and past webinars
Starting uni as a non-school leaver
After a gap year working in education, Harrison knew he wanted to make a difference in the classroom. He chose the University of Newcastle for its hands-on teaching experiences and hasn't looked back.
Discover how Harrison's journey exemplifies the opportunities available for non-school leavers.
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.