Pathways
There are other pathways into uni. If you did not complete Year 12 or didn’t get the marks for your dream degree, we have enabling programs to get you started.
Fast-track Open Foundation
Fast-track Open Foundation is a free pathway program that can be completed in 12 weeks by eligible students. Just a single semester of enabling study means you can move quickly into your degree - even starting mid-year! In response to Covid-19, Open Foundation in 2021 will be open to students who:
- Will be turning 18 by December 31, 2021
- Are a current Year 12 applicant (ie: 2020 HSC student)
- Achieve a result of Band 2 or above (or band E2 for extension subjects) in each subject attempted in 2020
Students who preference Newstep or Open Foundation will have their results reviewed and eligible students will be provided with an offer to study Fast-track Open Foundation in 2021.
Open Foundation
If you are seeking a new career direction, considering attending university after time in the workforce or looking to further pursue your interests, our Open Foundation program can help make this happen with guaranteed entry to over 40+ degrees. Flexible study means you can learn at your own pace, including online, part-time or full-time options. This is a free pathway program for people who do not have the qualifications required for direct entry into an undergraduate degree.
Newstep
If you did not complete Year 12 or missed the chance to get the marks needed for university entry, our Newstep program offers you the perfect pathway between senior schooling and University, providing you with guaranteed entry to over 40+ degrees. Study on-campus at Newcastle or the Central Coast. Our free Newstep program offers a guaranteed pathway to an undergraduate degree. Newstep is available for students between 18-20 years of age in the year of study.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander entry
Yapug is a free pathway designed to help Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people gain entry into undergraduate degrees, including a pathway into Medicine. Start your university experience in a culturally appropriate learning environment, supported by indigenous peers and staff. You don't have to meet the requirements for entry to university or have any prior experience. To be eligible, you must be over 18 years of age and have confirmation of your indigeneity. Yapug offers flexible study options including full-time and part-time study and provides guaranteed entry to over 40+ degrees.
Non-award admission and cross-institutional study
If you want to study one or more subjects at university without advancing to a degree or diploma you can choose non-award study. You can apply for non-award admission as preliminary work for a higher degree, for professional requirements or because of an interest in the area.
If you are currently studying at another university you can complete courses at the University of Newcastle for credit towards your degree.
Newcastle International College (NIC)
NIC is the official on-campus pathway college for international students, offering various Foundation and Diploma courses leading to either Year 1 or Year 2 at the University of Newcastle. The Foundation Program leads to over 100 undergraduate degrees, including Medicine .
From 2020, NIC also offers a Pre-Masters Program that provides a pathway for international students wishing to study a master’s degree at the University of Newcastle.
University of Newcastle Language Centre (ELICOS)
Need to improve your English language skills to gain entry into a degree program at the University of Newcastle, or would like to improve your English skills to boost your career? English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) are designed to enable international students to develop their English language skills for a variety of purposes.
We offer a range of programs to suit varying levels of English language proficiency, and all courses prepare students for further study at the University of Newcastle.
Give Yourself the Best Start at Uni
Our preparation programs have been designed to help you make a successful transition
to university and to support you through your studies.
NUPrep Plus
Our University Preparation Program (UPP) has been designed to help you make a successful transition to university and to support you through your studies. UPP is a free program providing you with academic knowledge and confidence in the weeks leading up to your new degree.
NUPrep Bridging and Refresher Courses
Our free Bridging and Refresher Courses will help you feel confident about entering university study. They are designed to build your academic skills and knowledge prior to commencing your Enabling Pathways program or undergraduate degree.