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 17 or older prior to submitting an application;
- be an Australian or New Zealand citizen (including dual citizens), an Australian Permanent Resident or a holder of a Permanent Australian Humanitarian visa;
- be residing in Australia for the duration of their studies;
- students studying online must be residing in New South Wales at the time of application;
- not have successfully completed an enabling program or tertiary studies at either the University of Newcastle or any other higher education institution (with the exception of the Elite Athletes Pathway Program); and
- meet any other admission criteria prescribed at the time of application.
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).
Applications for Semester 1, 2026 are open now!
- 21 July 2025 - Semester 2 commences
- August 2025 - Applications open for Semester 1, 2026
- 25-29 August 2025 - Semester 2 recess
- 31 October 2025 - Semester 2 concludes
- 27 January, 2026 - Semester 1 commences
- 30 January, 2026 - Applications close for Semester 1, 2026
Download your free Pathways to University guide
a confirmation email shortly.
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 30-40 hours to study per week. That includes all class, study time, self-directed learning, and assessments.
On-campus
Newcastle (Callaghan)
Central Coast (Gosford)
Duration
1-2 semesters
Start date
Semester 1 begins 27 January 2026
- Full-time study requires you to enrol in 30-40 units per semester (3-4 courses)
- Choose to study either our 40 unit or 60 unit program, depending on what suits you!
- Check out the full list of courses here
- Not all courses are available at every campus location, check out the program handbooks below to find out what’s available:
- 40 unit Open Foundation
- 60 unit Open Foundation
- Your face-to-face classroom time where you can meet academics and ask questions in a smaller class setting.
- Prepare to dedicate up to 2 hours a week per 10 units of study for your integrated learning sessions.
- Time you will spend outside of class, working through a variety of online materials. This can include readings, research, assignments, discussion board participation or revision.
- Self-directed learning should occur prior to your Integrated Learning Sessions
- Prepare to dedicate approximately 8 hours a week per 10 units of study for self-directed learning.
Open Foundation
Full-time | Online Study
Go with full-time if you are a NSW resident and you can dedicate 30-40 hours to study per week. That includes all class, study time, self-directed learning, and assessments.
Flexible online (NSW only)
Blend flexible online study with non-mandatory, face-to-face events.
Duration
1-2 semesters
Start date
Semester 1 begins 27 January 2026
- Full-time study requires you to enrol in 30-40 units per semester (3-4 courses)
- Choose to study either our 40 unit or 60 unit program, depending on what suits you!
- Check out the full list of courses here.
- Find out more information in the program handbook below:
- 40 unit Open Foundation
- 60 unit Open Foundation
- A mandatory online session each week where you get to speak to academics in a smaller “online classroom” setting.
- Prepare to dedicate up to 2 hours a week per 10 units of study for your integrated learning sessions.
- Time you will spend outside of class, working through a variety of online materials. This can include readings, research, assignments, discussion board participation or revision.
- Self-directed learning should occur prior to your Integrated Learning Sessions.
- Prepare to dedicate approximately 8 hours a week per 10 units of study for self-directed learning.
- Optional face-to-face support will be offered at regional locations for online students.
Open Foundation
Part-time | On-campus
Go with part time if you can only dedicate up to 20 hours to study per week. That includes all class, study time, self-directed learning, and assessments.
On-campus
Newcastle (Callaghan)
Central Coast (Gosford)
Duration
2-8 semesters
Start date
Semester 1 begins 27 January 2026
- Part-time study requires you to enrol in 10-20 units per semester (1-2 courses)
- Choose to study either our 40 unit or 60 unit program, depending on what suits you!
- Check out the full list of courses here.
- Not all courses are available at every campus location, check out the program handbooks below to find out what's available:
- 40 unit Open Foundation
- 60 unit Open Foundation
- Your face-to-face classroom time where you can meet academics and ask questions in a smaller class setting.
- Prepare to dedicate up to 2 hours a week per 10 units of study for your integrated learning sessions.
- Time you will spend outside of class, working through a variety of online materials. This can include readings, research, assignments, discussion board participation or revision.
- Self-directed learning should occur prior to your Integrated Learning Sessions
- Prepare to dedicate approximately 8 hours a week per 10 units of study for self-directed learning.
Open Foundation
Part-time | Online Study
Go with part time if you are a NSW resident and can only dedicate up to 20 hours to study per week. That includes all class, study time, self-directed learning, and assessments.
Flexible online (NSW only)
Blend online learning non-mandatory, face-to-face events.
Duration
2-8 semesters
Semester 1 begins 27 January 2026
- Full-time study requires you to enrol in 10-20 units per semester (1-2 courses)
- Choose to study either our 40 unit or 60 unit program, depending on what suits you!
- Check out the full list of courses here.
- Find out more information in the program handbook below:
- 40 unit Open Foundation
- 60 unit Open Foundation
- A mandatory online session each week where you get to speak to academics in a smaller “online classroom” setting.
- Prepare to dedicate up to 2 hours a week per 10 units of study for your integrated learning sessions.
- Time you will spend outside of class, working through a variety of online materials. This can include readings, research, assignments, discussion board participation or revision.
- Self-directed learning should occur prior to your Integrated Learning Sessions
- Prepare to dedicate approximately 8 hours a week per 10 units of study for self-directed learning.
- Optional face-to-face support will be offered at regional locations for online students.
Got a question about Open Foundation?
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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.