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 turning 17 or older in the year you begin study*
- be an Australian citizen or have Australian permanent residency status
- be residing in Australia for the duration of your studies
- not have successfully completed another enabling program at the University of Newcastle
* Applicants turning 17 in the year of study require parental/guardian consent to proceed with enrolment.
Please note:
Applicants who seek to enrol in Open Foundation as an alternative to completing their school studies due to adverse circumstances will require a declaration of circumstances and parental/guardian consent to proceed with their enrolment and must complete Open Foundation Extended (60 units). This excludes students who are continuing their schooling and are seeking to enrol in Open Foundation units while concurrently attending high school under an agreement between the University of Newcastle and the relevant high school.
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).
Semester 1 applications are now closed. Applications are open for Semester 2, 2025.
- 3 March 2025 - Semester 2 Applications open
- 21 July 2025 - Semester 2 commences
- 25-29 August 2025 - Semester 2 recess
- 31 October 2025 - Semester 2 concludes
Download your free Pathways to University guide
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 (Ourimbah)
Duration
6 months - 1 year
1-2 semesters
Start date
Semester 2 begins 21 July 2025
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 Ourimbah (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.
- 6-12 hours per week.
- Up to 3 hours per 10 units of study. This includes lectures and tutorials.
14-28 hours per week.
This includes 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 | Flexible Online
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
Flexible online
Duration
6 months - 1 year
1-2 semesters
Start date
Semester 2 begins 21 July 2025
If you are 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.
- 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.
- 6-16 hours per week.
- 1 hour of online tutorials per 10 units of study plus a weekly module that takes up to 3 hours to complete.
14-28 hours per week.
This includes 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 (Ourimbah)
Duration
1-4 years
2-8 semesters
Start date
Semester 2 begins 21 July 2025
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 Ourimbah (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.
- 2-6 hours per week
- Up to 3 hours per 10 units of study. This includes lectures and tutorials.
8-14 hours per week.
This includes 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 | Flexible Online
Go with part-time if you can only dedicate up to 20 hours to study per week. Including all classes, study time and assessments. More info
Flexible online
Duration
1-4 years
2-8 semesters
Semester 2 begins 21 July 2025
If you are self-motivated and looking for flexibility, plus have work, family or carer commitments, flexible online Open Foundation is for you.
You will be invited to visit campus 2-3 times each semester to meet other students and staff. This flexibility means you can study at a time and place that suits you.
- 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.
- 2-8 hours per week.
- 1 hour of online tutorials per 10 units of study plus a weekly module that takes up to 3 hours to complete.
8-14 hours per week.
This includes 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?
Why go to uni?
We're here to support you
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.