Scholarship programs at the University of Newcastle have been boosted, with the announcement of two new grants from Xstrata Coal.

A $60,000 grant has been provided to the University's School of Environmental and Life Sciences to provide undergraduate scholarships in the discipline of geology.

A further $60,000 has been provided to the University's Tom Farrell Institute for the Environment to help with the career development of graduates wishing to undertake research training on the environment or environmental management.

Dr Bernard Curran, Executive Officer of the University of Newcastle Foundation, said the business community was an important benefactor in supporting research at the University.

"The University is delighted Xstrata Coal is providing such generous support for scholarships and is assisting the University to strengthen its research programs," he said.

The University of Newcastle Foundation has recently launched a major fundraising campaign to enable it to increase the number and range of scholarships available to students.

Dr Curran said scholarship supporters, like Xstrata, helped the University attract the best students.

"The more high quality students we attract to the University, the better the potential for learning and research, the greater the success of our graduates and the greater benefit to the community," he said.

"For less advantaged students, a scholarship may mean the difference between deciding to attend university or not.

"The University of Newcastle Foundation hopes that through a successful fundraising campaign it will be able to increase the number of students and increase the support it provides to them."

People wishing to become scholarship donors can contact the University Foundation on 02 4921 7454 or visit www.newcastle.edu.au/foundationlaunch