Summer Down Under Program 2027

Program Snapshot

• Duration: Friday 18 June - Saturday 31 July 2027
• Location: Newcastle, Australia
• Season: Australian Winter – pack warm clothes!

Join a 6-week immersive study abroad program at the University of Newcastle, located on one of Australia’s most naturally stunning campuses.

What is the Summer Down Under Program?

The Summer Down Under Program is a six-week (up to seven weeks with exams) study abroad experience at the University of Newcastle, running from 18 June to 31 July 2027 (or until 7 August with exams). Designed for students seeking a short-term international study experience, the program combines academic study at a top 1% globally ranked university with a curated Australian lifestyle package. Students can enrol in one or two fully credited courses and will receive an official transcript upon completion.
The program includes a comprehensive package of inclusions, such as on-campus accommodation, a Welcome Day in Sydney, and signature experiences like a Hunter Valley Wine and Wildlife Tour and a Whale Watching Tour.

Note: Scheduled during the Northern Hemisphere summer break, the program takes place in Australia’s mild winter so warm clothing is recommended.

Academic Offering

Students participating in the 2027 Summer Down Under Program can choose to enrol in either one or two courses, with each course worth 10 units of credit (equivalent to approximately 3 US credits or 7.5 ECTS). The final list of courses available for 2027 are not yet finalised. As a guide, the University of Newcastle offered more than 100 courses during the 2026 Midyear Session, including over 30 recommended face-to-face study abroad course options spanning business, sustainability, health, science, technology, culture, and the arts. Students are encouraged to review the 2026 course listings to gain an understanding of the breadth of study opportunities typically available through the program.

View the 2026 Midyear Session course list HERE.

Campus Experience

• Callaghan Campus: 
• Set in 140 hectares of bushland with award-winning architecture, close to beaches and the city centre.
• NUSpace City Campus:
  Located in the heart of Newcastle CBD, overlooking the harbour and near white sand beaches.
• Student Life:
  Access to gym, library, cafes, shops, and vibrant campus events. [Explore Uni Life]

Accommodation & Program Experience

Students will stay in modern, fully furnished on-campus accommodation at the University of Newcastle, providing a convenient and supportive home base throughout the Summer Down Under Program. Accommodation costs are included in the program fee, giving students easy access to classes, campus facilities, and a vibrant student community.

The program fee also includes a range of exciting cultural and social experiences designed to help students make the most of their time in Australia. Highlights include a Welcome Day in Sydney on 18 June, a Hunter Valley excursion, a whale watching tour, and a program completion celebration, creating opportunities to connect with fellow students while exploring some of the region's most iconic destinations.

Getting to Newcastle

Students participating in the Summer Down Under Program will be supported with transport from Sydney to Newcastle as part of the program experience.

As part of the Welcome Day in Sydney on 18 June 2027, a dedicated coach transfer will be provided from Sydney to Newcastle. The service will include convenient pick-up points at:

• Sydney Airport (for students arriving on 18 June 2027)
• Sydney Central Station (for students who choose to arrive in Sydney prior to the program)

Following the Sydney Welcome Day activities, students will travel together by coach to Newcastle and check into their on-campus accommodation.

Students who prefer to travel independently to Newcastle may also arrange their own transport and make their own way to the University. Information on transport options, including train, bus, car, and airport connections, can be found on the University's Getting to the University of Newcastle webpage.

Once in Newcastle, students can take advantage of a range of transport options, including free campus shuttle buses, regular train services, and local bus networks.

To help students get started, an Opal Card loaded with AUD $20 credit will be provided upon arrival. The Opal Card can be used on public transport throughout New South Wales, with additional credit able to be added by students as required.

Please note: The Sydney-to-Newcastle coach transfer on 18 June 2027 is included as part of the program fee. At the completion of the program, students are responsible for arranging and funding their own onward travel, whether returning to Sydney, travelling elsewhere in Australia, or continuing to another destination.

What’s included

✔ 43 nights of on-campus accommodation
✔ 1–2 fully credited academic courses 
✔ Welcome Day in Sydney (including lunch)
✔ Sydney–Newcastle transfer (Welcome Day)
✔ Signature experiences: Hunter Valley Wine & Wildlife Tour
and Whale Watching Tour
✔ Orientation activities, campus tour and completion event
✔ Access to campus facilities and services
✔  Wi-Fi and Opal transport card (preloaded with $20 AUD)
✔ Official academic transcript and certificate of completion

What’s not included

✘ Additional accommodation (for exam period, if applicable) 
✘ Flights and travel insurance 
✘ Meals and personal expenses 
✘ Additional Opal card top-ups

Entry Requirement

• Minimum GPA of 2.0/4.0 or equivalent
• Proof of English proficiency required if English is not your first language
• Prerequisites may apply for some courses
• For exchange students, you must be nominated by your home institution and confirmed by University of Newcastle

Program Fees

• Summer Down Under Program (10 Units) [119422A] - AU$7,499 (≈ US$5,350 / €4,600)
• Summer Down Under Program (20 Units) [119422A] - AU$9,499 (≈ US$6,780 / €5,830)
• Summer Down Under Program (Exchange) [119423M] - AU$4,499 (≈ US$3,210 / €2,760)*

Exchange Program requires nomination by your home institution and approval by the University of Newcastle. Exchange rates indicative as at May 2026 and subject to change.

Summer Down Under guide

Studying abroad at the University of Newcastle gives you the chance to open up your world, expand your academic horizons and connect with people from around the globe.

View the 2026 guide to learn more

Contact us

Contact person: Jonathan Hynes, Head of Study Abroad

Email:  study-abroad@newcastle.edu.au