What you'll 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.
Learn more
Open
Foundation
Looking for a new direction? If you’re considering a more satisfying career, dreaming of finally going to university or looking to chase your passion, Open Foundation can make it happen.
Your free pathway to Uni
Open Foundation is a free pathway program offered at the University of Newcastle for people who do not have the qualifications required for direct entry into an undergraduate degree program.
Regardless of your background or level of previous education, you’ll develop the skills you need, not only to gain entry, but to find success at university and beyond.
You will receive a Certificate of Attainment from the University upon completing Open Foundation as evidence of the skills and knowledge you’ve gained from the program!
Completion will also guarantee you admission into over 40 degrees at the University of Newcastle.
To be eligible for a place you must be:
an Australian citizen or permanent resident currently living in Australia
Why go to uni?
Uni will open many exciting doors for you. A uni degree not only gives you a career but it teaches you how to tackle problems from different angles, to think outside the box. It allows you to turn your passions into a fulfilling career and prepares you for a future full of possibilities.
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Better jobs and pay
A uni degree is your ticket to not only a job but a lifelong career with greater employment prospects and higher salaries 1.
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Follow your interests
No matter what you’re into there is a uni degree to suit you. Further narrow your focus by choosing a major, meaning you specialise in a group of subjects as part of your degree.
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Go global
Uni opens doors all over the world. Not only will you be exposed to global experiences while studying, many degrees qualify you for jobs around the world.
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Feel prepared for work
Uni is not just taught in the classroom. You get real-world, practical experience from the very start. Feel prepared to enter the world when you graduate.
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Enjoy the flexibility
Uni allows you take control of your learning and design your timetable around your other commitments. Uni also has a fun side with lots of clubs, parties, concerts and events.
1 KPMG, November 2018.
Flexibility to suit your lifestyle
Studying at university requires a significant commitment of your time, so we offer flexible delivery options to choose from in order to best balance your study with work, social and family commitments.
NEW! Fast-Track Open Foundation
In response to Covid-19, Open Foundation in 2021 will be open to students who:
- Will be turning 18 OR 19 by December 31, 2021, AND
- Complete the HSC in 2020 and achieve a result of Band 2 or above (or band E2 for extension subjects) in each subject, OR
- Completed the HSC in 2019 and have not commenced any other tertiary education
Get a Fast-Track to your degree by studying Full-Time to complete Open Foundation in just 1 Semester.
Your guaranteed
pathway to a University of Newcastle Degree
Upon successful completion of Open Foundation, you will be guaranteed early entry into selected degrees at the University of Newcastle.
You’ll also be able to use your final grades from the program for competitive admission to all other degrees at the University. Your application is free of charge and made directly to the University for both Semester 1 and Semester 2 intakes.
Open Foundation is also recognised as an entry qualification for many universities and training providers around Australia.
View all University of Newcastle degreesCertificate of Attainment
You will receive a Certificate of Attainment from the University upon completing Open Foundation as evidence of the skills and knowledge you’ve gained from the program!
NEW! Credit for TAFE studies
If you have recently completed a TAFE NSW fee-free short course you are eligible for 10 Units of credit towards Open Foundation. You must have commenced the TAFE course from March, 2020 and have successfully completed it by July 13, 2020.
Get in touch with us to confirm eligibility and have this credit applied.
Hear about it from others
Compare your optionsIn 2018 I decided to enrol in Open Foundation, graduating in 2019 with an equivalent ATAR of 90. I have no doubt that if I did not do Open Foundation, these results would not be possible because it gave me the skills to study at university. It not only helped me academically, it also helped me find a direction in life.
Daniel, Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Arts.
Completed Open Foundation, 2019