School Based Traineeship

To apply, you must be able to meet the following criteria:

• You are a current school leaver completing the NSW HSC in 2025 or completed in 2023 or 2024; and
• Have successfully completed the NSW Department of Education School Based Traineeship, including:
  • Accumulation of 100 days/shifts of industry-based learning (minimum 700 hours of paid employment and training) in a recognised public or private hospital or residential aged care facility within NSW. (For 2023 HSC graduates, a minimum of 600 hours will be accepted) AND either
    • Option 1: Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (Assisting in nursing work in acute care) HLT33115 and NESA HSC VET Human Services courses (codes 27109 and 27101 OR 27109 and 27102): OR
    • Option 2: Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) CHC33021 and NESA HSC VET Human Services course codes 27129 and 27123 (Ageing Specialisation)

To be considered for 2026 entry under the School Based Traineeship Pathway, follow these steps:

1. Apply via UAC: List the Bachelor of Nursing at University of Newcastle in your preferences. Remember to apply as a student currently completing an Australian Year 12 qualification if you’re undertaking your HSC in 2025 (using your student number and PIN). Be sure to list your VET Certificate III qualification in your UAC application. Once submitted, email Admissions@newcastle.edu.au to express your interest in being assessed against this pathway.

2. Provide Documentation: Upload clear colour copies or certified copies of the following documents to your UAC application by 2 January 2026:

• Completed Higher School Certificate (HSC) and Record of Achievement listing the Human Services VET courses.
• A letter from NSW Health or the relevant private hospital or residential aged care facility to verify the completion of the required industry-based learning hours. Total hours must be stated on confirmation letter. It must also be acknowledged that the student is on track for satisfying all workplace competencies by the end of the SBT training contract. Speak with your Traineeship Coordinator about obtaining this required letter.

3. Notify Admissions: Email the University of Newcastle's domestic admissions team at Admissions@newcastle.edu.au to inform them about your uploaded documentation. Your application will be manually reviewed.

• Include your UAC application number in all correspondence.

4. Offers of Admission: Applicants who satisfy all criteria for admission to the University (including the English Language Proficiency requirements) may be extended a conditional offer of admission to the Bachelor of Nursing. Following acceptance of the offer, all students will be required to upload the following document by the Census Date of Semester 1, 2026 (20 February 2026) to remain active in the degree program:

• Certificate of Proficiency from the NSW Department of Education confirming the successful completion of the school-based traineeship.

We are requesting this documentation after the release and acceptance of conditional offers as we recognise that it will be challenging for most applicants to obtain this Certificate by the deadline for the other required documentation.

Once you’ve submitted your UAC application and uploaded clear colour or certified copies of the required documentation to your application, email Admissions@newcastle.edu.au to confirm your submission. This will initiate a manual review of your application. Be sure to include your UAC application number in all correspondence with the Admissions team.

If you meet all admission requirements—including English Language Proficiency—you may be issued a conditional offer to the Bachelor of Nursing.

After accepting your offer, you’ll be required to upload one final document by the Census Date for Semester 1, 2026 (20 February 2026):

Please note: If you do not submit this final document by the census date, your offer will be rescinded and your enrolment in the program may be cancelled.