The University of Newcastle, Australia
A regional research university on 140 hectares of bushland, strong in engineering and medicine, with open pathways.
- Students
- 37,000
- Tuition
- A$40,540
- From · 2027 (domestic); 2026 (international, latest published)
- Founded
- 1965
- QS World Ranking
- #244
- 2027 edition
About UON
The University of Newcastle has delivered university education in the Hunter region since 1965. In 1966 it moved from Tighes Hill to a bushland site that became the Callaghan campus, which now covers about 140 hectares of natural bushland 12 km from Newcastle's city centre. Today it has more than 37,000 students across three colleges and 13 schools, with campuses at Callaghan and in Newcastle city, on the Central Coast (Ourimbah and Gosford), in Sydney, Port Macquarie and Singapore.
UON is strongest in engineering, health and medicine. Its engineering degrees include 12 weeks of industrial experience, it is ranked among the world's top 25 for Mining and Mineral Engineering, and it runs the Joint Medical Program with the University of New England, delivered in Newcastle, the Central Coast and Armidale. It also scores highly for social impact, placing in the top 30 worldwide in the THE Impact Rankings.
The university is known for widening access: the Open Foundation and Yapug enabling programs lead to guaranteed entry, and NSW Year 12 students can receive early offers based on Year 11 results. It suits students who want a research university with regional roots, a regional city and practical, placement-heavy degrees.
I look ahead
University motto
Why students choose UON
All UON engineering students complete 12 weeks of industrial experience, and Automation and Control is ranked 2nd in Australia and 18th in the world.
The Early Entry Program gives NSW Year 12 students an offer based on Year 11 results before their HSC exams.
Completing UON's Open Foundation or Yapug enabling program, or a UON Diploma, gives guaranteed entry to a degree.
New international students starting in 2027 are automatically considered for tuition scholarships of 20% (International Excellence) or 30% (Vice-Chancellor's International Academic Merit, for a selection rank of 85 or equivalent), with no separate application.
Admissions
2027 entry (Semester 1 starts 22 February 2027; Trimester 1 starts 1 February 2027)
Selectivity
UON does not publish an acceptance rate. Domestic entry is by selection rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) via UAC; degree pages list selection ranks such as 63.00 for Business, 70.00 for Nursing, 77.00 for Computer Science and Engineering, and 87.00 for Law (Honours).
Typical entry requirements
| ATAR / selection rank (NSW HSC and interstate) | Selection ranks: Business 63.00, Nursing 70.00, Computer Science 77.00, Mechanical, Civil and Electrical Engineering (Honours) 77.00, Law (Honours) 87.00 |
|---|---|
| Early Entry (NSW HSC or IB, participating schools) | Offer based on four or more Year 11 RoSA results (8 units, including two units of English) or a Certificate III or higher; conditional on completing the HSC or IB |
| Enabling and VET pathways | Guaranteed entry for completers of Open Foundation, Yapug or a UON Diploma, and for Certificate IV or higher VET qualifications |
| English language | IELTS 6 IELTS 6.0 overall with at least 6.0 in each section for Engineering, Computer Science and Business; Nursing requires IELTS 7.0. Other tests are accepted under UON's English Language Proficiency for Admission Policy. |
Deadlines
- International students, Trimester 1 2027 Non-binding Next deadline · In 24 days30 October 2026
Last day to apply; accept and pay by 11 December 2026; classes start 1 February 2027.
- International students, Semester 1 2027 Non-binding In 45 days20 November 2026
Last day to apply; accept and pay by 1 January 2027; classes start 22 February 2027.
- International students, Trimester 2 2027 Non-binding In ~4 months5 February 2027
Classes start 10 May 2027.
- International students, Semester 2 / Trimester 3 2027 Non-binding In ~7 months14 May 2027
Accept and pay by 25 June 2027; classes start 16 August 2027.
International dates are UON's published last days to apply for 2027 intakes. The 2027 Early Entry Program for NSW Year 12 students has closed (final preferences were due 24 September 2026, with supplementary offers on 1 October 2026); domestic applicants can still apply through UAC.
How to apply
Domestic students apply through UAC (with access to schemes such as the Schools Recommendation Scheme, Subject Spotlight and adjustment factors) or through UON's free Early Entry Program; students not coming straight from school can use Direct Entry. International students apply online through UON's application portal or a contracted education agent, ideally at least 12 weeks before their start date.
What admissions looks for
- A selection rank at or above the degree's published rank, with adjustment factors for strong results in relevant HSC subjects or special circumstances.
- For Early Entry, strong Year 11 results across at least 8 units including English, or a completed Certificate III or higher.
- For international applicants, an equivalent academic qualification plus the degree's English requirement (IELTS 6.0 for most, 7.0 for Nursing).
- For the Subject Spotlight Scheme, strong HSC results in subjects related to the chosen degree.
Tips for applying to UON
- 1 International applicants should apply by 20 November 2026 for a February 2027 Semester 1 start, or by 30 October 2026 for Trimester 1.
- 2 If you narrowly miss a selection rank, look at the Subject Spotlight Scheme and adjustment factors, or the Open Foundation pathway, which leads to guaranteed entry.
- 3 Engineering degrees include 12 weeks of industrial placement, which can be done in one block or in shorter placements of at least two weeks.
- 4 International students who accept an offer and pay the deposit on time for Trimester 1 or Semester 1 2027 may also receive a $1,500 Global Access Grant.
Costs & financial aid
2027 (domestic); 2026 (international, latest published) · figures in AUD
New international students starting in 2027 are automatically assessed for scholarships with no separate application: the Vice-Chancellor's International Academic Merit Scholarship (30% of annual tuition, for undergraduates with a selection rank of 85 or equivalent) or, if ineligible or places are filled, the International Excellence Scholarship (20% of annual tuition for each year of study); students from South and Central America may receive the 25% Excelencia Internacional Scholarship. A $1,500 Global Access Grant may be added for Trimester 1 or Semester 1 2027 starters who accept and pay on time. All new domestic undergraduates are in Commonwealth supported places and can defer their contribution through HECS-HELP.
- 30% of annual tuition fee (selection rank 85+ or equivalent)
- Vice-Chancellor's International Academic Merit Scholarship (2027)
- 20% of annual tuition fee
- International Excellence Scholarship (2027)
- $1,500
- Global Access Grant (T1/S1 2027 starters)
Academics
Academic calendar: Semesters and trimesters (Semester 1 from 22 February 2027; Trimester 1 from 1 February 2027)
Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours)
Selection rank 77.00, four years with 12 weeks of industrial experience; UON is 2nd in Australia for Automation and Control.
Joint Medical Program
Delivered with the University of New England across Newcastle, the Central Coast and Armidale, with the Miroma Bunbilla pre-entry pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours)
Civil and Structural Engineering is in the world top 200; selection rank 77.00.
Bachelor of Nursing
Selection rank 70.00, with an IELTS 7.0 requirement for international students.
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
The most selective of the degrees checked, with a selection rank of 87.00.
Open Foundation
UON's enabling program for students without the usual entry qualifications; completing it gives guaranteed entry into a degree.
Research
- Top 30 in the world in the THE Impact Rankings, including 3rd for Climate Action and 3rd for Life Below Water.
- Ranked 25th in the world for Mining and Mineral Engineering.
- Engineering students work with industry partners such as Ampcontrol through the ResTech research partnership.
Schools & faculties
- Newcastle Business School
- School of Architecture and Built Environment
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy
- School of Computer and Information Sciences
- School of Education
- School of Engineering
- School of Health Sciences
- School of Humanities, Creative Industries and Social Sciences
- School of Law and Justice
- School of Medicine and Public Health
- School of Nursing and Midwifery
- School of Science
QILT figures cited by UON: 90.4% of undergraduate graduates find employment within four months, with a median undergraduate starting salary of $71,000.
Student life
The Callaghan campus is set in about 140 hectares of natural bushland, with wetlands and buildings such as the Auchmuty Library spread through the trees, while the Newcastle City campus puts students in the CBD. Students celebrate Autonomy Day on 1 July each year. UON offers on-campus accommodation and support for international students covering settling in, academic help, health, counselling, religious and career services. Prospective students can attend UON events to explore its programs, campuses and support services.
- Callaghan campus sits in about 140 hectares of bushland on Awabakal Country.
- Campuses in Newcastle, the Central Coast, Sydney, Port Macquarie and Singapore.
- Autonomy Day is celebrated by students on 1 July each year.
- The Miroma Bunbilla Program supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students into medicine.
Location
Greater Newcastle, including the cities of Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, is the second-most-populous metropolitan area in New South Wales and the hub of the Lower Hunter region. The main Callaghan campus lies about 12 km from the city centre, and UON also has a Newcastle City campus in the CBD, with shuttle, train and tram connections between them.
Nearest airport: Newcastle Airport (NTL)
Notable alumni
- RG Ross GittinsEconomics journalist and author; graduated from the Faculty of Economics and Commerce in 1970
- SE Sandra EadesNoongar doctor and the first Aboriginal medical practitioner awarded a PhD; began medical studies at UON in 1985
- KB Khaw Boon WanFormer Singapore Minister for Health, National Development and Transport; studied engineering and commerce on a Colombo Plan scholarship
- GQ Gary QuinlanAustralia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, including two terms as President of the Security Council
- AS Arthur SinodinosChief of Staff to Prime Minister John Howard and Senator for New South Wales
- CK Cheryl KernotFormer Australian Democrats leader; teaching diploma
Frequently asked questions
What ATAR do you need for the University of Newcastle?
Selection ranks vary by degree, for example 63.00 for Business, 70.00 for Nursing, 77.00 for Computer Science and Engineering, and 87.00 for Law (Honours). Adjustment factors can raise your rank.
How much are UON fees for international students?
The latest published (2026) indicative annual fees range from about A$40,540 (Business) to A$46,695 (Civil Engineering); 2027 rates are not yet published. New international students are automatically assessed for a 20% or 30% tuition scholarship.
When is the application deadline for international students for 2027?
20 November 2026 for Semester 1 (starting 22 February 2027) and 30 October 2026 for Trimester 1 (starting 1 February 2027); 14 May 2027 for the August intake.
What IELTS score does UON require?
Most undergraduate degrees, including Engineering, Computer Science and Business, require IELTS 6.0 overall with 6.0 in each section; Nursing requires 7.0.
Does the University of Newcastle have a medical school?
Yes. Medicine is taught through the Joint Medical Program with the University of New England, delivered in Newcastle, the Central Coast and Armidale.
Sources & methodology
Figures on this page were checked against official university publications, national application services and ranking publishers in September 2026. Each number is shown with the year or admissions cycle it describes. Always confirm deadlines and fees on the university's own website before applying.
Explore nearby in the world top 100
Universities ranked close to UON in the QS World University Rankings 2027.