The median starting salaries for bachelor degree graduates from the University of Newcastle are higher than the Australian average, according to the latest findings from the Australian Graduate Survey.

The 2008 survey of graduates found that the median starting salary of Newcastle graduates was $47,000 compared to the national median of $45,000.

Newcastle performed well in each of the survey's categories:

• 83.1 per cent of bachelor degree graduates had found full-time employment within four months


• 100 per cent of electrical and mechanical engineering, and geology graduates were employed full-time


• more than 97 per cent of medicine, building and nursing graduates were employed full-time


• 15.8 per cent were in full-time study


• the highest median starting salaries were engineering ($56,000), education ($50,500) and computer science and medicine ($50,000).

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nicholas Saunders, said Newcastle graduates were well prepared for a very competitive job market.

"Getting a job and attracting a good salary in today's economic environment is very difficult. Newcastle's innovative blended approach to teaching and learning ensures graduates are equipped to hit the ground running.

"We offer students programs that feature academic rigour combined with contemporary professional training. Our graduates are ready for the work place."

The Australian Graduate Survey is an annual survey of graduates who complete a course of study at an Australian higher education institution conducted by Graduate Careers Australia.

In 2009, the University had a record enrolment of more than 30,000 students. Applications to study in 2010 open soon. For more information visit www.uac.edu.au or attend one of the University's Information Days: Central Coast 22 August, Callaghan 29 August or Port Macquarie 3 September. Find out more about the University's Information Days at www.newcastle.edu.au.