What you'll study
Going to uni is a journey of discovery. You’ll learn new things and have exciting new experiences. Uni is not like school, you’re in charge of your own learning and can choose subjects that work best for you.
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Apply now to study Open Foundation
Looking for a new direction? If you’re considering a more satisfying career, dreaming of finally going to university or looking to chase your passion, Open Foundation can make it happen.
Jim, Completed Open Foundation 2015
Studying a Bachelor of Communications
Your free pathway to Uni
Open Foundation is a free pathway program offered at the University of Newcastle for people who do not have the qualifications required for direct entry into an undergraduate degree program.
Regardless of your background or level of previous education, you’ll develop the skills you need, not only to gain entry, but to find success at university and beyond.
To be eligible for a place you must be:
an Australian citizen or permanent resident currently living in Australia
Why go to uni?
Uni will open many exciting doors for you. A uni degree not only gives you a career but it teaches you how to tackle problems from different angles, to think outside the box. It allows you to turn your passions into a fulfilling career and prepares you for a future full of possibilities.
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Better jobs and pay
A uni degree is your ticket to not only a job but a lifelong career with greater employment prospects and higher salaries 1.
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Follow your interests
No matter what you’re into there is a uni degree to suit you. Further narrow your focus by choosing a major, meaning you specialise in a group of subjects as part of your degree.
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Go global
Uni opens doors all over the world. Not only will you be exposed to global experiences while studying, many degrees qualify you for jobs around the world.
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Feel prepared for work
Uni is not just taught in the classroom. You get real-world, practical experience from the very start. Feel prepared to enter the world when you graduate.
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Enjoy the flexibility
Uni allows you take control of your learning and design your timetable around your other commitments. Uni also has a fun side with lots of clubs, parties, concerts and events.
1 Smart Australians Report, October 2012, The National Centre for Social and Economic Modelling.
Flexibility to suit your lifestyle
Studying at university requires a significant commitment of your time, so we offer three flexible delivery options to choose from in order to best balance your study with work, social and family commitments.
Your guaranteed
pathway to a UON Degree
Upon successful completion of Open Foundation, you will be guaranteed early entry into selected degrees at the University of Newcastle.
You’ll also be able to use your final grades from the program for competitive admission to all other UON degrees (excluding Medicine). Your application is free of charge and made directly to the University. Offers will be made before the end of December in the year you study.
Open Foundation is also recognised as an entry qualification for many universities and training providers around Australia.
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Hear about it from others
Compare your optionsOpen Foundation was an amazing learning environment as preparation for an undergraduate degree. It provided me with the core skills to be able to to think critically, write academically and ease me into university life. I highly recommend the program.
Kim, Bachelor of Nursing, Central Coast campus