Summer Down Under Program

Program Snapshot

• Duration: Sunday, 24 May – Saturday, 4 July 2026
• 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 study abroad experience hosted by the University of Newcastle, running from Sunday, 24 May to Saturday, 4 July 2026. Designed to give students a taste of international study, the program enhances academic journeys at a university ranked among the world’s top 1%. It takes place across two campuses: the Callaghan campus, set in 140 hectares of picturesque bushland with award-winning architecture, and the NUSpace campus, located in the heart of Newcastle’s CBD, overlooking the harbour and close to white sand beaches. Newcastle itself is celebrated for its vibrant culture, stunning coastline, affordability, and welcoming community. Throughout the program, students are embraced by university staff and locals, and can immerse themselves in Australian culture through a range of organised activities and excursions.

Note: as the program takes place during the mild Australian winter, participants are advised to bring warm clothing.

Academic Offering

• Choose 1 or 2 courses  from  30+ options
• Each course = 10 units (≈ 3 US credits / 7.5 ECTS)
• Includes field trip components
• Download syllabi and confirm credit transfer with your home university

Explore Culture & Identity

• ABOR1110 – Blak Australia (formerly ‘Introduction to Aboriginal Studies’)
• ABOR1420 – Yarning, Media and the Arts
• HIST1051 – The Australian Experience
• INDO1110 – Indonesian Language and Culture Beginners

Shape a Sustainable Future

• MNGT1001 – Introduction to Management and Sustainability
• ENVS2008 – The Sustainable Society
• IREL2003 – The International Politics of Climate Change and the Future World
• THHE2002 – Tourism and Intercultural Encounters

Lead in Business & Innovation

• BUSN1002 – Business Communications
• BUSN2001 – Ethical Principles for Responsible Business
• ECON1111 – Economics for Business Decisions
• MKTG1001 – Foundations of Marketing

Inspire Through Education

• EDUC1101 – Curriculum Pedagogy and Assessment
• EDUC3514 – Primary Kinetics 1
• EDUC3800 – Intercultural Understanding for Educators
• EDUC3802 – Applied Learning in Diverse Contexts
• EDUC3801 – Global Education Pedagogies
• EDUC3810 – Teaching Science with The Creative Arts

Understand the Human Mind

• PSYC1010 – Psychology Introduction 1
• PSYC1200 – Foundations of Psychological Practice
• PSYC2300 – Cognitive Psychology
• PSYC2500 – Introduction to Mental Health and Mental Disorders

Advance in Health & Sport

• EXSS2222 – Applied Sport Science
• HUBS1108 – Fundamentals of Human Anatomy
• HUBS1401 – Human Bioscience
• HUBS2601 – Human Infection and Immunity

Create, Perform, Communicate

• CMNS1031 – Communication Skills
• DESN1700 – Digital Photography
• MUSI2421 – Ensemble Performance and Musicianship

Discover the Science of Life

• BIOL1001 – Molecules, Cells and Organisms
• BIOL1002 – Organisms to Ecosystems
• CHEM1010 – Introductory Chemistry

Build with Technology & Data

• INFT1004 – Introduction to Programming
• MATH1110 – Mathematics for Engineering, Science and Technology 1
• SENG1110 – Object Oriented Programming
• STAT1070 – Statistics for the Sciences

Visit our full Midyear Session course list HERE.

Further Information

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 & Services

• Housing:
  Gold-accredited on-campus accommodation with 24/7 security and a supportive ResLife program
• Internet:
  Free campus-wide Wi-Fi access with student login provided at orientation
• Local Transport:
  There are a range of transport options to get to The University of Newcastle including free shuttle buses, regular train, and bus services.  
  Includes  AUD $20 Opal Card for public transport (top-ups not included)
• Orientation & Welcome:
  The Orientation & Welcome session includes fun activities and local excursions, helping students settle in and explore Newcastle and its surroundings.

Getting to Newcastle

There are a range of transport options to get to The University of Newcastle including free shuttle buses, regular train, and bus services.

Getting to the University of Newcastle

This website will help you plan your journey from your accommodation to campus.

The best way to get around with public transport in New South Wales is through an Opal Card. This will be ready upon arrival at your accommodation in Newcastle.

What’s included

✔ On-Campus accommodation
✔ Orientation & Graduation Ceremony 
✔ Full access to campus facilities, including gym access 
✔ Excursions and cultural activities 
✔ Wi-Fi and Opal Card (AUD $20) 
✔ 1–2 academic courses with field trips
✔ Credit transfer eligibility 
✔ Certificate of completion

What’s not included

✘ Flights 
✘ Travel insurance 
✘ Meals 
✘ Opal Card top-ups 
✘ Personal expenses

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

• Exchange Program – AU$3,999 (~US$2,700 / €2,300 / £2,000) [Must be nominated by your home institution and confirmed by University of Newcastle]
• 10-Unit (1 Course) Program – AU$6,999 (~US$4,700 / €4,000 / £3,500)
• 20-Unit (2 Course) Program –  AU$8,999 (~US$6,000 / €5,100 / £4,500)

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 latest guide to learn more

Contact us

Contact person: Jonathan Hynes, Head of Study Abroad

Email:  study-abroad@newcastle.edu.au