Good Health and Well-being
Sexual & Reproductive Health Care Services for Students
The University of Newcastle provides students with access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, information and education, supporting informed choices about their health, sexuality and relationships. In 2025, this included campus medical services, free sexual health resources and student education on safe sex, consent, healthy relationships, contraception and sexually transmissible infections (STIs).
Confidential sexual and reproductive healthcare on campus
The University’s on-campus medical centres at Newcastle (Callaghan) and the Central Coast (Gosford) provide confidential appointments for students. Their services include sexual health checks, STI advice, contraception and safe sex advice, cervical screening, pregnancy testing and advice, antenatal care, and contraceptive implant insertion and removal. They can also arrange referrals when specialised care is needed.
Students covered by Medicare are bulk-billed for consultations. Eligible international students insured through listed Overseas Student Health Cover providers are directly billed to their insurer, with no out-of-pocket cost for covered consultations. Some services or procedures may not be covered, so the University does not claim that every treatment is free. Appointments are generally required, and students can discuss their individual needs confidentially with medical staff.
The University’s January–March 2025 student wellbeing report confirms that its University Health Service medical centre was operating during the reporting year, recording more than 2,600 GP consultations and nearly 1,200 nurse consultations in that quarter across all types of healthcare. These are whole-service totals, not counts of sexual health consultations.
Free resources, prevention and service referrals
The University of Newcastle supports students' sexual and reproductive health by providing free preventative resources, accessible health information and guidance on accessing confidential healthcare services.
Students can access free condoms and water-based lubricant at designated University locations, including NuSpace and student service and library spaces at Callaghan. The University's sexual health resources and information also provide practical advice on STI testing, HIV prevention and contraception options. A free HIV self-test kit vending machine is available at NuSpace, providing an additional option for accessible testing.
Through its sexual health and relationships guidance, the University promotes sexual health awareness and informed decision-making, covering topics such as consent, safer sex practices, STI prevention and regular sexual health checks. Students are also directed to the University Health Service and local sexual health clinics for confidential, non-judgemental advice, testing and treatment.
These resources and referral pathways help students access preventative supplies, reliable information and professional support for their sexual and reproductive health.
Sexual and reproductive health education in 2025
In September 2025, the University participated in SEXtember, a five-university initiative offering sexual health and relationships education. Its own programme included four University-hosted sessions: an International Student Health Hub overview on 9 September; a sexual health, relationships and disability discussion and an in-person international student sexual health and peer education workshop at NuSpace on 11 September; and an update on sexual and reproductive health services on 23 September. Presenters included NSW Multicultural HIV and Hepatitis Service and Family Planning Australia.
The University’s Health Promotion team engaged approximately 700 students through workshops, campaigns and pop-up events during January–March 2025, covering sexual health alongside mental health, nutrition and physical activity. This combined activity total reflects the breadth of health education and is not a sexual-health-only count.
Consent, respectful relationships and inclusive support
From 17 to 21 March 2025, Respect at Uni Week provided conversations and learning activities about consent, gender equity and preventing gender-based violence. The theme, Beyond the Stereotypes: Rethinking Masculinity in the Prevention of Gender-based Violence, encouraged students and the wider University community to examine harmful behaviours and practical ways to foster safer relationships.
In 2025, the University’s Student Living orientation programme also incorporated consent education and partnerships with Consent Labs, UNSA and the Wollotuka Institute. The University reported 530 completions of consent training over three days as part of an orientation programme serving more than 800 commencing residents.
ALLY Network and gender and sexuality support
The ALLY Network aims to create a more inclusive culture at the University by promoting greater visibility and awareness of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and/or queer, asexual, agender, aromantic and other diverse sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTIQA+). The University also directs students to confidential counselling and specialist support in the University and wider community. Read more on the University's Gender and sexuality support.
Through accessible healthcare, free preventative resources, education and confidential support, the University helps students make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health. Its 2025 activities strengthened practical health knowledge and respectful relationships across the student community.
Sexual activity without consent is sexual assault, which is always a crime.
It isn’t enough to assume someone has given consent for sexual activity. It is essential that each person in a sexual encounter is sure that anyone else involved has given their full consent. The best way to make sure of this is to ask them.
All students at the University must complete the Respect Matters modules annually in Canvas by the end of your first term of study. The course is designed to help you understand how to seek consent, how to recognise it and how to identify situations where it can’t be given.
Sexually Transmissible Infections (STIs) are easily transmitted during sexual contact, often show no symptoms, and are on the rise. Using condoms every time will help protect you and your partner from STIs. If you think you have an STI - don't panic. Make an appointment with a doctor. Get a check.
For more information on STIs and sexual health, visit the following websites for advice and information:
Getting an STI check is a good way to look after your and your partner's sexual health.
Sexual health checks are recommended:
- Every 12 months or with change of partner
- If you have unprotected sex
- If the condom breaks
A sexual health check is a check-up by a health professional for sexually transmissible infections (STIs) and other sexual health issues. It can provide you with the chance to discuss your sexuality and sexual and reproductive health.
Confidential and non-judgemental sexual health checks can be arranged at any of the following sexual health service providers
Pacific Clinic Hunter Street Newcastle
Resources
Access more sexual health resources
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.