Entry options
Regardless of your educational background, we’ve got a place for you. Your application will be assessed against our admission criteria, and we will extend an offer based on your eligibility and individual circumstances
Early Entry NSW students only
For domestic Year 12 students completing the NSW HSC or equivalent at a recognised school.
- Considers Year 11 results, allowing you to secure an offer before HSC exams begin.
- Admission via the Early Entry scheme is free.
Direct Entry
Pathway for those who are not transitioning directly from high school.
- For example, those who have taken a gap year, gained work experience, or pursued studies at another institution or training organisation.
Apply via UAC
Apply via Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) for programs across multiple NSW universities.
As part of your application, you may be eligible for:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scheme as an Indigenous applicant, you may receive up to four adjustment points towards your selection rank.
- Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS) if you're a Year 12 student currently completing your HSC (or equivalent), you can apply for entry based on your Year 11 results and a recommendation from your school.
- Subject Spotlight Scheme based on strong results in HSC subjects related to your chosen degree, without relying solely on your ATAR.
- Adjustment Factors receive adjustment points added to your selection rank based on academic performance or special circumstances.
Guaranteed Entry
Applicants who have, or will gain, a VET qualification at Cert IV level or higher.
- Students who have, or will, complete Open Foundation or Yapug enabling program at University of Newcastle.
- Applicants who have, or will, complete a Diploma at University of Newcastle.
School Based Traineeship (SBT) Nursing students
Applicants who have completed the NSW School Based Traineeship can apply for Bachelor of Nursing.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Admission Scheme Indigenous students
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Admission Scheme allows Indigenous applicants to receive up to four bonus points added to their ATAR (or equivalent rank).
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is an alternative pathway to university. It can be used for entry into select degrees.
Military Academic Pathways
Use your military experience to further your education journey.
Postgraduate application
We offer world-class postgraduate programs with flexible study options to help you make a career change, chase a promotion, or secure any qualification to suit your needs.
Open Foundation
Free pathway to university to gain competitive entry to all undergraduate degrees.
Yapug Indigenous students
Free pathway to university for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to gain competitive entry to all undergraduate degrees.
Your Next Move
You can apply through Your Next Move if you’ve recently completed an enabling pathway such as Open Foundation or Yapug.
- Available only for University of Newcastle students.
Joint Medical Program (JMP) Regional Excellence Program
The Regional Excellence Pathway is available to school leavers who have completed Year 12 in the footprint of the JMP, and attained an ATAR of 99.00 or higher.
Law School Indigenous Early Entry Scheme Indigenous students
As an Indigenous student, gain Early Entry before HSC exams begin, to Bachelor of Laws (Honours) Combined program.
Law School Refugee Early Entry Scheme Refugee students
As an Refugee student, gain Early Entry before HSC exams begin, to Bachelor of Laws (Honours) Combined program.
Miroma Bunbilla Program Indigenous students
The Miroma Bunbilla Program is a 5-day pre-entry pathway to the Joint Medical Program for eligible Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students.
Non-award study
Study of a single course (subject), not as part of a degree.
- Applicants may be eligible to receive credit for completed non-award courses if they choose to pursue a degree with us in the future.
Cross-institutional study
Allows students at other universities to complete a course (subject) with us and have that course contribute to their degree at their 'home' university.
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.