Your path to university just got easier
Our free Direct Entry application allows non-school leavers and current University of Newcastle students wishing to change programs to apply directly to the University for eligible undergraduate degrees, without going through UAC.
What is the Direct Entry Portal?
Our Direct Entry Portal provides an application pathway for individuals who are not transitioning directly from high school. This includes those who have taken a gap year, gained work experience, completed previous studies, or are currently studying at the University of Newcastle and wish to change from an undergraduate diploma, undergraduate certificate or undergraduate degree to another undergraduate degree.
Why apply directly?
- Have an ATAR (or equivalent) of at least 50.
- Completed (or on your way to completing) an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) at Certificate III level or above.
- Completed a higher education diploma or an undergraduate certificate at the University of Newcastle and wish to use those results to gain admission to an undergraduate degree.
- Completed (or partially completed) any bachelor’s degree or postgraduate level study, including non-award study, or an overseas equivalent.
- Completed an enabling course or preparatory program (e.g. TAFE NSW Tertiary Preparation Certificate or Open Foundation).
- Completed a Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT).
If you have not completed any formal secondary, vocational (VET), or higher education studies, there is still a place for you. We have a range of options to get you on the pathway to your dream degree. Our recommended pathways include Open Foundation and Yapug.
Benefits:
- free application, saving you from UAC’s application fee
- same admission criteria as applying through UAC
- weekly offer rounds ensure minimal waiting time after your application is assessed
Programs
You can apply for any undergraduate program through the Direct Entry Portal, except for the programs listed here:
- Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Honours) (Diagnostic Radiography)
- Bachelor of Midwifery
- Bachelor of Music and Performing Arts
- Bachelor of Music and Performing Arts/Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)
- Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy
- Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours)
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours)
- Joint Medical Program
You can apply for these programs through the Universities Admission Centre (UAC).
*Excluded programs will be reviewed annually and may change.
Who can apply?
Domestic applicants who completed a secondary qualification (e.g. NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC), International Baccalaureate (IB), or an equivalent from another state) in 2025 or earlier are eligible.
Current domestic students enrolled in a higher education diploma, undergraduate certificate, or undergraduate degree at the University of Newcastle can also apply for an undergraduate degree through Direct Entry, provided their preferred program is available through this application pathway.
A student is considered domestic for university admission purposes if they are an Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen (or dual citizenship holders of either Australia or New Zealand), Australian permanent resident, or Australian permanent humanitarian visa holder.
International applicants, including those currently onshore studying another qualification, have the option to apply directly to the University through our international admissions process.
How to apply
- Apply: Applications are currently open.
- Add your qualifications: Provide details of your qualifications, including secondary studies, tertiary studies (including VET), preparation programs, online open courses, professional awards, STAT results, and English language proficiency results. If documentation is required to evidence your qualifications, you will be emailed. Our portal also includes 'Help text' to guide you through the application process.
You may need to provide supporting documentation for qualifications completed outside the University of Newcastle. You don't need to provide academic transcripts for studies completed at the University of Newcastle, as we can access your academic record.
Preferences
You can choose up to three preferences when you apply, and you have the flexibility to change your preferences throughout the application period. Offers are based on your highest eligible preference, so it's important to prioritise your preferred degree as your top choice.
Accepting your offer
You will have seven days to accept your early offer and secure your place at the University of Newcastle.
Hunter the Hippocampus has produced a video to help you through the process.
Hunter is here to help you accept your offer.
2026 Key dates
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2027
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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.