Childcare Facilities for Students

At the University of Newcastle, we understand that balancing study and family life is essential to the wellbeing and success of our students. That’s why we are deeply committed to providing supportive, flexible, and inclusive environments for student parents and carers, including recent mothers returning to study.

The University's Balancing Family / Carer Responsibilities with Work and Study Policy recognises the impact that caring responsibilities can have on educational opportunities and establishes a commitment to supporting access to childcare facilities for students and staff. This policy was effective from the 23rd of May 2023 and will be reviewed on the 23rd of May 2026.

Childcare available to students during 2025

The University provides access to on-campus childcare services operated by KU Children's Services at its Callaghan and Ourimbah campuses. These facilities support students with young children by providing convenient childcare options close to their place of study.

At Callaghan, Kooinda Workbase Child Care Centre offers priority access to University students and provides care for infants from birth, toddlers and preschool-aged children. This is particularly valuable for students returning to their studies following the birth of a child.

Newcastle campus (Callaghan)

• KU Kintaiba Children’s Centre
  Kooinda Workbase Child Care Centre - priority access for students.

Central Coast campus (Ourimbah)

• KU Ourimbah Pre-School and Children’s Centre - provides on-campus childcare accessible for students

Supporting student parents on campus

As an accredited Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace by the Australian Breastfeeding Association, we ensure our campuses are welcoming and accommodating for parents. We offer comfortable, private spaces across campus for breastfeeding, expressing and storing milk, and nappy changing, so that returning to work or study after the birth of a child is a supported and respectful experience.

Free support for student parents and carers includes:

• Parent Rooms: Dedicated spaces for feeding, changing and caring for young children while on campus.
  Carers and Kids Rooms: Child-friendly spaces within University Libraries where students can study while supervising their children.
  Flexible study arrangements: Options to help students balance their academic commitments with parenting and caring responsibilities.

By providing on-campus childcare, parenting facilities and flexible study support, the University helps reduce barriers to education for student parents and supports their continued participation in university life.