No Poverty
Low or Lower-Middle Income Countries Student Support
The University of Newcastle is committed to expanding access to higher education for students from low and lower-middle income economies and for individuals facing significant social and financial disadvantage. Through scholarships, tuition support and targeted education programs, the University helps remove financial and practical barriers to participation and supports students to develop skills that benefit their communities.
Funded study opportunities for Papua New Guinean health professionals
In February 2025, the University welcomed health professionals from Papua New Guinea, a lower-middle-income country, to its Graduate Certificate in Nutrition program. Developed and delivered by Professor Lesley MacDonald-Wicks and the University’s School of Health Sciences, the program was funded through a $1.2 million Australian Government grant provided by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) under Australia Awards Papua New Guinea. It supports participants to strengthen nutrition assessment and health promotion skills that can help address malnutrition in their home communities.
In 2025 30 fellows were supported through a full fee waiver and stipend to study for this award. These University-reported figures describe the direct financial support available to participants. The 12-week program drew professionals from Papua New Guinea’s 22 provinces across four regions and included one week of immersion in Indigenous health in Tamworth with the University’s Department of Rural Health. This combination of fully supported postgraduate learning and practical, culturally informed training strengthens the skills of health professionals working across Papua New Guinea.
Scholarships for students seeking asylum
A key initiative is the Scholarship for Asylum Seeker Program (SASP), which creates pathways to university education for people seeking asylum in Australia. The program delivers comprehensive support through full tuition fee waivers, living stipends, and dedicated case management. Beyond financial assistance, students receive tailored academic, social, wellbeing, and practical support from a SASP Coordinator, helping them navigate the challenges of university study and build a strong foundation for future success. In 2025 SASP scholarships were awarded to 3 students enrolled in the University of Newcastle.
SASP helps address financial and educational barriers faced by people on temporary protection and bridging visas, who may otherwise face substantial international tuition fees. By covering eligible recipients’ tuition and providing individual support, the University enables students who have experienced displacement to pursue undergraduate education.
Additional financial and student support
The University further strengthens educational equity through a range of complementary initiatives through the University’s Equity Scholarships Scheme, including:
- Equity scholarships and grants that reduce financial barriers for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Academic, wellbeing and career development services that support student success and enhance graduate outcomes.
- Flexible payment arrangements and financial assistance programs that help students experiencing hardship remain engaged in their studies.
The University’s Equity Scholarships Scheme also recognises refugee backgrounds alongside financial hardship and other barriers to education. Its support is available to eligible Australian citizens and permanent residents, including permanent humanitarian visa holders, complementing targeted initiatives for students seeking asylum.
Building health education capacity in Papua New Guinea
In September 2025, the University announced that its Field Epidemiology in Action (FEiA) team had been awarded $499,496 through the Australian Government’s Strategic Policy Grants Program to develop a civil–military training initiative in Papua New Guinea. The University-based multidisciplinary team is working with the Australian and Papua New Guinea Defence Forces and Papua New Guinea’s National Department of Health on plans to strengthen practical emergency response training. This initiative extends the University’s educational partnerships in the Pacific, alongside its directly funded study opportunities.
Through tuition support, tailored scholarships and regional education partnerships, the University is expanding opportunities for people facing barriers to study and strengthening professional expertise in communities with significant development needs. These initiatives contribute to more accessible higher education and lasting educational and social benefits.
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Anti Racism
At the University of Newcastle, we stand firmly against racism in all its forms. We recognise that racism is a pervasive issue that is endemic in our society and embedded in Australian history and contemporary mainstream culture. Our commitment to fostering an inclusive and culturally responsive university requires us all to actively confront and dismantle racism.
Conversations about racism can be confronting. However, engaging in an open dialogue with those who experience racism is an essential first step to identify and combat racist practices and systems. It is no longer appropriate to simply state zero tolerance to racism in principle without meaningful action and accountability. If leaders are not willing to engage in anti-racism in practice, then undisclosed and unchallenged racism will continue to grow.
We believe that every member of our university community, including students, college staff, administrators and affiliates, deserve to work and learn in an organisation that is free from racism. We acknowledge the historical and ongoing injustices faced by marginalised groups, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, international and refugee populations, but can also come in other forms of racism including Islamophobia and Antisemitism. We are dedicated to promoting equity and justice through education, dialogue, and mutual respect. We acknowledge that racism exists in society and therefore our institution and that proactive collective actions are necessary to address this.
We invite every member of our community to join us in this vital work.
Anti-racism working party
The University of Newcastle’s Anti-Racism Working Group has drafted an Anti-Racism Policy. Extensive consultation with key stakeholders and the University community regarding this Policy has taken place. To support the Policy, the Anti-Racism Working Group is also developing a framework of activity to support the Policy. The Policy, and its associated work, will bolster institutional accountability and demonstrate our commitment to a diverse and inclusive university.
Support and reporting options
Staff and/or students who directly or indirectly experience or observe racism should seek immediate support.
For students:
Student counselling services
For staff:
Human Resource Services - Staff Care
EDI Unit
Related programs and services
The University’s commitment to anti-racism is demonstrated in many services, supports and programs.
Respect at Uni
The Respect at Uni team is committed to creating a safe and respectful culture on our campuses, in our online spaces and in our wider community. We believe everyone has a right to live free from violence, abuse and disrespect.
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CEEHE
The Centre of Excellence for Equity in Higher Education (CEEHE) is a site of innovative research and practice. Our work aims to address persistent inequalities and generate transformative impact for equity in and beyond higher education.
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Wollotuka
The Wollotuka Institute is committed to the advancement and leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples at a local, national and global level.
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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.