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 2026 or completed in 2023, 2024, 2025; and
• Have successfully completed the NSW Department of Education School Based Traineeship, including:
  • Documented evidence of the 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 (course numbers 27129 OR 27121 and 27123 OR 27122 and 27123)
  • OR
  • Option 2: Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) CHC33021 and NESA HSC VET Human Services course codes 27129 and 27123 (Ageing Specialisation)

Note: HSC graduates prior to 2026 can choose to apply for entry into our new Trimester 2, 2026 intake. All supporting documentation for potentially starting in this term must be uploaded to your new UAC application by 29 April 2026.

To be considered for 2027 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 2026 (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 February 2027:

• Completed Higher School Certificate (HSC) and Record of Achievement listing the Human Services VET courses.
• A confirmation letter from either NSW Health, 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. Speak with your Traineeship Coordinator about obtaining this required letter.
• Certificate of Proficiency from the NSW Department of Education confirming the successful completion of the school based traineeship.

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) and have uploaded all essential documentation may be extended an offer of admission to the Bachelor of Nursing. This is contingent on places being available in the program for the next applicable UAC offer round.

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.