Top things you should know before applying for Postgrad study
Applying to study a postgraduate qualification may seem like a big decision that requires a lot of thinking and analysing. But don’t worry, we have put together some key steps that you can take to make the process easier!
With over 85 degrees, FEE-HELP options available and the flexibility to shape study around your lifestyle, now is the time to do what’s important to you.
Step 1: Understanding why and how you want to study
Understanding why you want to study is a crucial aspect when it comes to postgraduate qualifications. Are you chasing a promotion at work, or are you after a complete career change? Knowing this will assist you when the time comes to choose the right type of degree based on your aspirations, career goals and life goals.
Understanding the motives behind your decision will particularly help you in choosing between a generic postgraduate qualification versus a specialised postgraduate qualification. Understanding this will also enable you to choose between studying a full Master degree or a shorter Graduate Certificate / Graduate Diploma qualification that you could use as steppingstone into a corresponding Master qualification.
All the above options have their own unique advantages that revolve around your needs, wants, availability of time and effort needed to successfully complete them.
Traditionally, Master degrees offer a more in-depth approach into the study area, whilst still giving you the choice of generic or specialised learning. Alternatively, if you are time poor and not yet ready to commit to a full Master degree, you can choose a Graduate Certificate and get a glimpse into what studying at the University of Newcastle can be like. Many of our Graduate Certificates also offer credit exemptions into Master degrees.1
Hear from current students and alumni on why they have chosen to study postgrad.
Step 2: Researching your degree
Congratulations! You have completed the first step. But where to from here? We recommend using the Degree Comparison Tool on our website. With this easy-to-use tool, you will be able to check and compare the key points of your shortlisted degree and download a personalised PDF file that includes all the information you need.
You can also refer to degree pages that have more in-depth information about what you will study.
- Program duration: This is the duration of time required to finish the program if studying in a full-time capacity or the maximum amount of time allowed to complete the program, if studying in a part-time capacity.
- Mode of delivery: This outlines the different ways the program is delivered (online, face-to-face)
- Program Handbook: Your Program Handbook details the rules and structure of your program, including the number and type of courses you need to complete, and the maximum amount of time allowed to complete your program.
Step 3: Understanding fees and costs
Most postgraduate programs offered at the University of Newcastle are full fee-paying programs. But don’t worry, you are not required to pay upfront for the entire program. With staggered payments, you only pay for the courses you enrol into for each term of study.
All course fees are reviewed annually with updated fee information made available to students prior to re-enrolment for the next calendar year. For a complete overview of Program Fees, current year coursework fees and associated conditions visit our postgraduate fee information page.
Eligible domestic students can apply for an interest-free loan from the Australian Government through the FEE-HELP loan scheme. As per the arrangement with HECS-HELP for undergraduate degrees and select postgraduate degrees, this means you only start paying your course fees once your salary is at the minimum level to start making payments.
Financing your studies is also possible through scholarships. Make sure to check the scholarship opportunities that you may be eligible for.
Step 4: Understanding university support systems
Current students can access a range of support services that are on offer at the University of Newcastle. This could include academic support, financial assistance programs, health and wellbeing tips and more.
Academic support
Access one-to-one (online and face-to-face) study support, attend a PASS session or study skills workshop, or find out more about other academic services to help you with your studies.
Personal support
Find out more about personal support services such as counselling or chaplaincy, financial assistance options, plus health and wellbeing tips.
Step 5: Understanding the application process
Applying to the University of Newcastle is a simple and straightforward process. Applying only takes around 10 minutes and there is no fee for direct applications. Whilst applications for most programs can be accepted through the Online Application Portal, if you want to apply for the Master of Clinical Psychology or the Master of Professional Psychology, you will need to submit your application through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
If you are not sure where to start, just click on the Online Application Form and you will be directed to the correct area based on the information that you provide.
Watch our video for helpful tips on submitting your application.
1Credit Exemptions are assessed upon application, and are based on case-by-case assessments
2International applicants will have to follow a separate procedure to submit their applications. Please click here for more information.
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.