A joint initiative of the University of Newcastle and NSW Department of Education.
High Performing Students Program 2026
The High Performing Students Program is an opportunity for high school students to try university-level courses while still in high school and upon successful completion, receive credit for future university studies.
For over ten years, the program has helped high school students in the region get a head start on university. The program builds critical thinking and independent learning skills to achieve their academic goals, explore future study and career options, and get to know the University of Newcastle.
A new-look program for 2026
We are excited to announce that the program has been further developed for 2026 to include a choice of 8 courses that align with school Terms.
To be eligible for the High Performing Students Program, students must meet one or more of the following requirements:
- Australian citizen
- Holder of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa
- Permanent resident of Australia
- New Zealand citizen
- Dual citizenship holder of Australia or New Zealand.
There are no age restrictions for enrolment but students must display a suitable level of maturity and commitment.
The cost for each course in 2026 is:
- Face-to-face - $450
- Online only - $400.
Withdrawals made by the census date will be refunded; however, any requests made after the census date will not be eligible for reimbursement.
By joining the High Performing Students Program, students become enrolled in University of Newcastle courses and officially take on the role of university students.
As university students, they will have access to:
2026 courses
Courses typically span 15 weeks and are taught by experienced academics with extensive expertise in their fields. Our tutors adopt innovative teaching methods and are sensitive to the diverse needs of students.
When a course is successfully completed, students are eligible to receive credit towards a future university degree program.
The following courses are available to students:
This course explores the challenges and opportunities that come with the globalisation of markets and production, which affect managers in both local and international companies.
Students will learn about the cultural, political, economic, and technological factors that drive globalisation, introducing them to basic ideas in global economics and international business.
The course will also look at how globalisation impacts different areas of management, like human resources, marketing, and supply chain management.
Alongside learning how managers make strategic decisions across cultures and countries, students will discuss and critique the focus on profit in large global companies, considering the role of corporate social responsibility.
This course is available online and face-to-face.
Degrees that may be eligible for credit
- Bachelor of Business and associated combined degrees
- Bachelor of Tourism, Hospitality and events
- Bachelor of Commerce and associated combined degrees
- Bachelor of Business Analytics
This course offers a combined introduction to human biosciences, covering the anatomy and function of major organ systems as well as how diseases affect them.
Students will explore possible health careers, like Medical Radiation Science, Nutrition and Dietetics, Occupational Therapy, Pharmacy, Nursing, and Biomedical Research.
Teaching will be a mix of in-person lectures, hands-on tutorials, practical exercises, and online learning. Students’ understanding will be assessed through reflection activities, online quizzes, and a final exam.
This course is available online only.
Degrees that may be eligible for credit
Discrete mathematics is the study of mathematical structures that are separate or distinct, unlike calculus, which looks at continuous change. This area is key in both pure and applied mathematics and is also the foundation of modern computing.
Discrete mathematics is important in the sciences, with growing applications like understanding DNA sequences in molecular biology.
This course introduces students to the basics of discrete math, including topics like set theory, logic, counting, probability, recurrence relations, and graph theory. It provides essential knowledge for students in a Bachelor of Mathematics degree and is required for those studying Computer Science or Software Engineering.
This course is available online and face-to-face.
Degrees that may be eligible for credit
Electives
Core courses
Discover the power of storytelling. In this course you will read and discuss novels, poetry and plays to explore how writers bring their ideas to life. You'll get hands-on experience crafting your own stories, learning the techniques and strategies creative writers use. This course will help you unlock your creative potential and find your unique voice.
This course is available online and face-to-face.
ENGL1201 can be used as 10 units of unspecified credit for the majority of undergraduate degrees at the University of Newcastle.
Introduces the basic principles and concepts of cell and molecular biology to explore the nature of life's molecular building blocks and systems and how these interact to form functional cells and ultimately organisms. Students will discover some of the principles behind how cells work and explore ideas about how biological complexity and life itself may have originated. This knowledge underpins our ability to combat disease, to harness solar energy to feed the world, to sustainably power human industry and to recycle our waste efficiently using microbial systems. The production of new cells is vital to the survival of species and there will be an introduction to basic genetic concepts to explain how organisms can pass on their traits which convey selective advantages for survival in a fiercely competitive world. Cells must also communicate with other cells and be able to detect and respond to external stimuli from its environment. Students that have completed this course will be well placed to further their studies in cell and molecular biology, biochemistry, microbial biology, molecular genetics and animal & plant physiology courses at 2000 and 3000 level.
This course is available online and face-to-face.
Degrees that may be eligible for credit:
Legal System and Method I introduces the foundation and structure of the institutions and processes of the Australian legal system, including its origins and cultural contexts. Students are introduced to the sources of authoritative law (statutes and case law), concepts such as the rule of law and separation of powers, and the role of the legal doctrine of terra nullius in the British colonialisation of Australian peoples and places. The nature and function of law is analysed and contextualised. The course provides essential knowledge and skills in the interpretation of judicial precedents and legislation and their application in legal reasoning. A case series is used to demonstrate the evolution of the common law within the constraints of the doctrine of precedent. Students develop fundamental skills in legal research and legal writing. They also develop a growing awareness of legal practice as a distinctive element within the Australian legal process, and the challenges and opportunities of emerging technologies for legal work.
Degrees that may be eligible for credit:
- Bachelor of Laws ((Honours) Combined
- Bachelor of Business
- Bachelor of Biomedicinal Science
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Media and Communication
- Bachelor of Criminology
- Bachelor of Development Studies
- Bachelor of Global Indigenous Studies
- Undergraduate Certificate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- Bachelor of Psychological Science
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Social Science
- Bachelor of Media and Communication
- Bachelor of Coastal and Marine Science
Introduces the sociological perspective through an exploration of contemporary social and cultural issues. Topics may include: socialisation and identity, sex and gender, race and ethnicity, class and social inequality, globalisation and work, deviance and social control, and media and popular culture. Key sociological concepts and theories are used to examine social patterns, social action and social change.
Degrees that may be eligible for credit:
This course is an introduction to an object-oriented programming language. The course introduces the fundamentals of analysing a problem and then implementing a solution as a computer software system using an object-oriented language. Students learn about problem-solving strategies, top-down program development and programming style. The course provides a basic introduction to data abstraction and object-oriented analysis and design. Emphasis is placed on programming and testing.
Degrees that may be eligible for credit:
The University of Newcastle reserves the right to withdraw courses from the High Performing Students Program if there is insufficient interest.
How to apply
Applications for the High Performing Students Program are now open until Friday 19 December 2025, 11:59pm.
As part of your application process, you will be asked to provide:
After you submit your application, a staff member will review and reach out to you regarding your application.
Need more information?
Send an email
Call (02) 4921 5000
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.