Information for parents
Going from school to university can be a big transition for your son or daughter. Below are frequently asked questions that cover things such as selecting a degree, the application process, fees, scholarships and other support services.
In addition to this, we hold open days on our campuses throughout the year. These give you the opportunity to visit the campus, view our facilities and talk to staff about study options.
Find out more about events and key dates
FAQs
Why the University of Newcastle?
There are many reasons to choose the University of Newcastle. Our graduates go onto great careers, we’re hands-on and responsive in our teaching, we provide a great environment for study and our research is world-class.
We offer over 85 undergraduate degrees and have over 35,000 students across our three campuses in Newcastle, Central Coast and Port Macquarie.
Find out more about the University of Newcastle
How can I help my son or daughter choose a degree?
The most successful graduates are those who have chosen areas of study they really enjoy or have a natural talent in.
It is important that students do their research and see what skills and qualifications are required for the careers they are interested in. Encourage them to look at employment prospects, salaries and working hours to make sure it will suit the lifestyle they want. A good way to do this is to look in the positions vacant section of the newspaper or on employment website. The next step is to research the degree that will help them meet their career aspirations.
Find out more about our degrees
How does my son or daughter apply for entry to University?
Entry to undergraduate degrees is by application via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). The main intake is at the beginning of the year, applications open in early August of the previous year. All year 12 students are given a UAC guide through their school or can be purchased from a newsagency. The UAC guide details the official closing dates and late application deadlines. Late applications incur a late fee and may not guarantee that the application will be processed in time for an offer in the main round of UAC offers. The closing date for a change of preference in the main round is early January. The University of Newcastle makes the majority of its offers of admission in the main round. Late round offers are only made if there are vacancies.
Visit the entry requirements page or visit the UAC website
What is an ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank)?
NSW and ACT year 12 students will this year receive an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) to determine their entry to university. The ATAR has replaced the Universities Admission Index (UAI).
The rank shows how well a student performed in the HSC compared to other students and is based on overall marks. Each degree has a set number of places with a minimum ATAR for entry, which is the ATAR of the last person admitted to the degree.
What ATAR does my son or daughter need to be accepted into University?
The ATAR is based on the demand for a particular degree. Popular degrees with high demand usually have a high ATAR. Previous year ATARs (UAIs) should be taken as a guide only as ATARs can change from year to year according to demand.
To view previous ATAR scores download the undergraduate prospectus
How much will it cost for my son or daughter to go to University?
Undergraduate places are called Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). This means the Australian government pays for some of the degree, and students pay the rest (HECS). Some degrees are more expensive than others and the amount students contribute varies depending on the course.
There are a range of different payment options including HECS-HELP. This is a loan that the government provides and the student makes repayments on once they start working and their income passes a certain level.
Visit the fees and scholarships website
Are there other costs?
In addition to the degree fees, students will need to purchase textbooks and any other materials they may need for their degree. Students living away from home will also need to pay for living costs such as accommodation, food, travel expenses and bills.
Is my son or daughter eligible for a scholarship?
Scholarships are available to help with all kinds of study costs including textbooks, fees,
accommodation and living expenses and range from $500 to $10,000 per annum.
Scholarships may also be granted for sport, particular degrees, Indigenous students or even travel – and you don’t necessarily have to be at the top of the class to receive a scholarship.
Encouarge your son or daughter to look into what they may be eligible for – and they don’t have to stop at one application.
Find out more about fees and scholarships
What accommodation options are there?
There are four residential Colleges: Barahineban, Edwards Hall, Evatt House and International House. The colleges offer a range of social, cultural and sporting opportunities in an environment conducive to study and academic achievement. Each College is under the care of a Head of Residence and a team of residential staff. Our Ourimbah Campus has a self-catered residential unit (Blue Gum House).
We also provide assistance with finding off campus accommodation and our staff are available to offer advice and information about share housing and rental accommodation.
Find out more about accommodation
What support services exist for my son or daughter?
There a wide range of student support services available to help your son or daughter transition in to uni and get the most out of their study. Some of these include a careers service, counselling service and a student mentoring program. Our Centre for Teaching and Learning also offers advice and support on essay writing, preparing for exams, English and maths skills and also host a range of workshops and courses.
For more info visit the current students website
Is it possible to study part-time?
Many of our programs can be studied on a part-time basis. A full time load is generally 80 credit points, which is approximately four subjects a semester. Students can choose to study part-time and complete 1, 2 or 3 subjects in a semester, this will lengthen the time of the degree program. Please be aware that part-time does not necessarily mean night time lectures and tutorials.
Can my son or daughter study overseas?
Our University has links with other institutions all over the world and offer scholarships that can help with travel arrangements.
Find out more about international student exchange
How is University different to school?
Uni is not 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday. Students at uni have more independence and will need to to manage their own time and learning. While there is plenty of support available for first year students, your son or daughter will need to manage their own timetable, get assignments in on time, and seek assistance from lecturers and tutors when they need it.
Full-time students generally need to put in around 40 hours of study time per week (this does depend on the individual and the degree program they are studying).
It’s important that students learn to balance their academic life with social activities. At University, clubs and societies and other social events are usually organised by students rather than staff.