A joint initiative of the University of Newcastle and NSW Department of Education.
High Performing Students Program
The High Performing Students Program gives outstanding high school students a chance to try university-level courses while still in school.
This program helps students reach their academic goals, explore career options, and get to know the university. Students may even earn credit that counts toward future university studies.
For over ten years, the program has helped students in the region get a head start on university, building critical thinking and independent learning skills to support their future goals.
The program aims to keep our top talents in the area and grow local opportunities.
A fresh feel for 2025
We are excited to announce that the Program has undergone a dynamic redesign for 2025.
Students can choose to study face-to-face at Merewether High School, or opt for an online format.
To be eligible for the High Performing Students Program, students must meet one or more of the following requirements:
- Australian citizen
- Holder of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa
- Permanent resident of Australia
- New Zealand citizen
- Dual citizenship holder of Australia or New Zealand.
There are no age restrictions for enrolment but students must display a suitable level of maturity and commitment.
The cost for each course in 2025 is:
- Face-to-face - $450
- Online only - $400.
Withdrawals made by the census date will be refunded; however, any requests made after the census date will not be eligible for reimbursement.
By joining the High Performing Students Program, students become enrolled in University of Newcastle courses and officially take on the role of university students.
As university students, they will have access to:
- The Careers Service
- Academic Learning Support Services
- Campus Libraries
- Study and wellbeing resources
- Industry engagements
- Modern education and learning technologies
- And so much more!
Courses typically span 15 weeks and are taught by experienced academics with extensive expertise in their fields. Our tutors adopt innovative teaching methods and are sensitive to the diverse needs of students.
When a course is successfully completed, students are eligible to receive credit towards a future university degree program.
2025 Courses
The following courses are available to students in Semester One:
This course explores the challenges and opportunities that come with the globalisation of markets and production, which affect managers in both local and international companies.
Students will learn about the cultural, political, economic, and technological factors that drive globalisation, introducing them to basic ideas in global economics and international business.
The course will also look at how globalisation impacts different areas of management, like human resources, marketing, and supply chain management.
Alongside learning how managers make strategic decisions across cultures and countries, students will discuss and critique the focus on profit in large global companies, considering the role of corporate social responsibility.
This course is available online and face-to-face.
Degrees that may be eligible for credit
- Bachelor of Business and associated combined degrees
- Bachelor of Tourism, Hospitality and events
- Bachelor of Commerce and associated combined degrees
- Bachelor of Business Analytics
This course offers a combined introduction to human biosciences, covering the anatomy and function of major organ systems as well as how diseases affect them.
Students will explore possible health careers, like Medical Radiation Science, Nutrition and Dietetics, Occupational Therapy, Pharmacy, Nursing, and Biomedical Research.
Teaching will be a mix of in-person lectures, hands-on tutorials, practical exercises, and online learning. Students’ understanding will be assessed through reflection activities, online quizzes, and a final exam.
This course is available online and face-to-face.
Degrees that may be eligible for credit
Discrete mathematics is the study of mathematical structures that are separate or distinct, unlike calculus, which looks at continuous change. This area is key in both pure and applied mathematics and is also the foundation of modern computing.
Discrete mathematics is important in the sciences, with growing applications like understanding DNA sequences in molecular biology.
This course introduces students to the basics of discrete math, including topics like set theory, logic, counting, probability, recurrence relations, and graph theory. It provides essential knowledge for students in a Bachelor of Mathematics degree and is required for those studying Computer Science or Software Engineering.
This course is available online and face-to-face.
Degrees that may be eligible for credit
Electives
Core courses
The University of Newcastle reserves the right to withdraw courses from the High Performing Students Program if there is insufficient interest.
How to apply
Applications for the High Performing Students Program are now open until Sunday 9 February 2025, 11:59pm.
As part of your application process, you will be asked to provide:
After you submit your application, a staff member will review and reach out to you regarding your application.
Need more information?
Send an email
Call (02) 4921 5000
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.