Support & services

As a research degree student, you will have a range of support mechanisms and services at your fingertips to help you achieve your research goals, and balance work, family and social commitments.

To support your research project, you will have access to a minimum of $1,500 (or part-time equivalent) each year. This money can be used for expenses such as travel to a conference or consumables you might need to carry out your research.

Find out about our research higher degree scholarships.

You will automatically be granted a student computer access account on completion of enrolment.

Our computer labs, libraries and the student hubs offer a mix of computers and printing facilities for student use. As a postgraduate student you will have access to a range of specialised/reserved facilities.

If you have a wireless enabled device, you can connect to our network from hotspots located in popular indoor and outdoor areas around the Newcastle (Callaghan) and Central Coast (Ourimbah) campuses.

We run regular free seminars and encourage all research students to take advantage of what's on offer.

Seminars cover key topics such as confirmation and thesis writing, which can be particularly beneficial if you need to develop new skills, are facing hurdles or procrastinating. Participating in seminars is also a great opportunity to network with other research students.

Our careers service is a great way for you to get free information and advice about careers, study and employment.

On-campus careers expos give you the chance to meet potential employers and explore career options.

Careers counsellors are available to help with the critical things employers are looking for such as a well-prepared resumé and a great cover letter. They'll also provide you with information on potential employers, salary, labour markets and professional association contacts.

The service has connections with thousands of potential employers and last year advertised approximately 1,700 job vacancies to students and graduates.

Find more info at careers service. 

The Student Loans Scheme provides interest-free emergency loans on a short-term basis to students who demonstrate genuine need and whose continued study might be placed in jeopardy if assistance were not available.

Completing your research degree will be an exciting and challenging experience and you will definitely need secure, affordable and comfortable accommodation during this time.

Whether you're interested in on-campus or off-campus accommodation, we have services to help you.

Your accommodation costs will vary based upon the option you choose.

The convenience of on-campus living could mean your research project and supervisor are just a short stroll away from your home.

You'll have easy access to all the sporting, library, health, counselling and academic facilities that are available.

We offer almost 1,000 beds across four residential colleges at the Newcastle campus including Edwards Hall, International House, Evatt House and Barahineban. Blue Gum House is the residential college at our Central Coast campus, offering 26 rooms.

Each college has its own unique atmosphere and hosts a number of social, cultural and sporting activities. You can choose from fully or semi-catered or self-catered. Do some research and pick the option that's right for you.

The demand for on-campus accommodation is high, so apply early.

For everything you need to know about on-campus accommodation and to apply visit our accommodation service.

Our libraries will be an invaluable resource throughout your research degree experience.

You will have access to more than 1.3 million items, 300,000 plus eBooks and over 80,000 electronic journals. You can also make requests for information via SMS, email or phone, 24 hours a day.

Our libraries also feature comfortable informal work areas - meet friends, collaborate, or simply use as a change of scenery whilst you do some reading.

If you are having difficulty finding particular books or journals, our dedicated library team members are there to help.

Our student hubs are one-stop-shops for getting information about the University, completing online forms, submitting or collecting assignments, getting a parking permit, logging on at an internet express terminal, or getting together with friends to chill out in the café and lounge areas.

Your research is likely to make significant demands on your time but its important to keep healthy and take some breaks. A the University of Newcastle, we offer a range of sport and recreation options that can be a great way to keep fit, make new friends and have lots of fun.

Here’s what’s on offer:

• More than 20 sporting clubs, including snow sports
• Affordable membership to the Hunter’s largest health and wellness facilities
• Sporting scholarships
• Participation in the Australian University Games
• University of Newcastle Sports Awards
• Training and education for sport and fitness careers
• Activities offered through Australian University Sport, the Australian Institute of Sport and NSW Institute of Sport

We offer a range of activities and facilities to help you keep an active body and clear mind:

• The Forum Sports & Aquatic Centre, with a 50-metre indoor heated pool; state-of-the-art gymnasium offering strength and cardio training; a cycle studio and a full program of group fitness classes; one of the highest climbing walls in Australia; and an indoor basketball court
• Six sporting fields for cricket, rugby union, rugby league, soccer, baseball, touch football and Ultimate Frisbee
• The Ray Watt Pavilion – training home of the Newcastle Jets football team
• A regional rowing pavilion at Berry Park
• The Forum Health & Wellness Centre – Harbourside in the Newcastle City precinct offers a range of group fitness classes, cardio and strength training, as well as personal training and access to a 25-metre heated pool

Find more info at the forum.