Your free pathway to uni
Open Foundation is your FREE pathway to university. It will help you develop the skills you need not only to gain entry, but to succeed at university and beyond.
Upon completion, Open Foundation provides you with competitive entry into ALL degrees at the University of Newcastle and access to our Guaranteed Admissions Scheme. In addition, as an Open Foundation graduate you'll gain access to our alumni community and benefits.
Regardless of your background, university is for you.
About Open Foundation
Course requirements
To be eligible for admission, applicants must:
- be 17 or older prior to submitting an application;
- be an Australian or New Zealand citizen (including dual citizens), an Australian Permanent Resident or a holder of a Permanent Australian Humanitarian visa;
- be residing in Australia for the duration of their studies;
- students studying online must be residing in New South Wales at the time of application;
- not have successfully completed an enabling program or tertiary studies at either the University of Newcastle or any other higher education institution (with the exception of the Elite Athletes Pathway Program); and
- meet any other admission criteria prescribed at the time of application.
English requirements
You must comply with the level of English proficiency for the program you are applying for.
How to apply
- Hit 'Apply now'
- Create or sign into your account
- Begin your application by selecting 'Get started!'
- Select your program, preferred location of study and when you would like to commence
- Provide 100 points of identification with certified copies of your documentation.
For application assistance, download our Step-by-Step Application Guide (PDF, 1.5MB).
Applications for Semester 1, 2026 are open now!
- 21 July 2025 - Semester 2 commences
- August 2025 - Applications open for Semester 1, 2026
- 25-29 August 2025 - Semester 2 recess
- 31 October 2025 - Semester 2 concludes
- 27 January, 2026 - Semester 1 commences
- 30 January, 2026 - Applications close for Semester 1, 2026
Download your free Pathways to University guide
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Study options
Studying at university requires a significant commitment of your time. To help you balance your study with work, social and family commitments, we offer flexible delivery options.
Note: This tool is for information and reference only. To ensure you are enrolled with this selection, you will need to complete the application process here.
Your full-timepart-time options
Open Foundation
Full-time | On-campus
Go with full-time if you can dedicate 20 to 40 hours to study per week. Including all class, study time and assessments. More info
On-campus
Newcastle (Callaghan)
Central Coast (Gosford)
Duration
1-2 semesters
Start date
Semester 1 begins 27 January 2026
If you are wanting to start your degree ASAP, only have a few commitments outside of your studies, and want to experience the perks of studying on campus, full-time on-campus Open Foundation is for you.
- 30-40 units per semester.
- 50+ courses available at Callaghan (Newcastle).
- 35+ courses available at Gosford (Central Coast).
- Choose to study our standard 40 unit program or our 60 unit extended program, where you can trial a number of study areas to find what suits you.
- 6-8 hours per week.
- Up to 2 hours per 10 units of study. Your face to face classroom time where you can meet your academics and ask questions in a smaller class setting.
14-28 hours per week.
This includes a variety of online materials that you must work through in your own time. It can include readings, researching, assignment work, discussion board participation and revision.
You can use the Library or our study area facilities if you are looking for a study space on campus.
Open Foundation
Full-time | Online Study
Go with full-time if you are a NSW resident and you can dedicate 20 to 40 hours to study per week. Including all class, study time and assessments. More info
Flexible online (NSW only)
Blend flexible online study with non-mandatory, face-to-face events.
Duration
1-2 semesters
Start date
Semester 1 begins 27 January 2026
If you are a NSW resident and hoping to start your degree in 6-12 months, have minimal commitments outside of your studies but require flexibility around where and when you will study, flexible online Open Foundation is for you.
For online students who wish to have some face-to-face connection, non-mandatory sessions will be available to support students at a number of regional locations.
- 30-40 units per semester.
- 20+ courses available.
- Choose to study our standard 40 unit program or our 60 unit extended program, where you can trial a number of study areas to find what suits you.
- 6-8 hours per week.
- Up to 2 hours per 10 units of study. A mandatory online session each week where you get to speak directly with your academics in a smaller 'online classroom' setting.
14-28 hours per week.
This includes a variety of online materials that you must work through in your own time. It can include readings, researching, assignment work, discussion board participation and revision.
Complete your out-of-class study in a time and location that suits you. You are also welcome to use the Library or study areas if you are close by too.
Open Foundation
Part-time | On-campus
Go with part-time if you can only dedicate up to 20 hours to study per week. Including all class, study time and assessments. More info
On-campus
Newcastle (Callaghan)
Central Coast (Gosford)
Duration
2-8 semesters
Start date
Semester 1 begins 27 January 2026
If you are looking for flexibility but want to experience the perks of studying on-campus, part-time on-campus Open Foundation is for you. It's perfect if you have existing work, family or carer commitments, offering flexibility to complete the program in up to four years.
- 10-20 units per semester
- 50+ courses available at Callaghan (Newcastle)
- 35+ courses available at Gosford (Central Coast)
- Choose to study our standard 40 unit program or our 60 unit extended program, where you can trial a number of study areas to find what suits you.
- 2-4 hours per week
- Up to 2 hours per 10 units of study. Your face to face classroom time where you can meet your academics and ask questions in a smaller class setting.
8-14 hours per week.
This includes a variety of online materials that you must work through in your own time. It can include readings, researching, assignment work, discussion board participation and revision.
You can use the Library or our study area facilities if you are looking for a study space on campus.
Open Foundation
Part-time | Online Study
Go with part-time if you are a NSW resident and can only dedicate up to 20 hours to study per week. Including all classes, study time and assessments. More info
Flexible online (NSW only)
Blend online learning non-mandatory, face-to-face events.
Duration
2-8 semesters
Semester 1 begins 27 January 2026
If you are a NSW resident, self-motivated and looking for flexibility, plus have work, family or carer commitments, flexible online Open Foundation is for you.
For online students who wish to have some face-to-face connection, non-mandatory sessions will be available to support students at a number of regional locations.
- 10-20 units per semester.
- 20+ courses available.
- Choose to study our standard 40 unit program or our 60 unit extended program, where you can trial a number of study areas to find what suits you.
- 6-8 hours per week.
- 2 hours per 10 units of study. A mandatory online session each week where you get to speak directly with your academics in a smaller 'online classroom' setting.
8-14 hours per week.
This includes a variety of online materials that you must work through in your own time. It can include readings, researching, assignment work, discussion board participation and revision.
Complete your out-of-class study in a time and location that suits you. You are also welcome to use the Library or study areas if you are close by too.
Got a question about Open Foundation?
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What will I study?
Going to uni is a journey of discovery. You'll learn new things and have exciting new experiences. Uni is not like school, you're in charge of your own learning and can choose subjects that work best for you.
Find out what you can study
Here to support you with every step
We’ve been offering Open Foundation for over 50 years and our support services are as strong as ever. We have experienced academic and support staff available to ensure your transition to university is as smooth as possible.
More information about support
Helping you find your path to uni
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Hear about Seb's journey from Open Foundation to Medicine.
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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.