University of Newcastle

Newcastle, AUSTRALIA

Introduction

The University of Newcastle, Australia is a world-class institution with an exceptional record of achievement making an impact within its own region and across the globe.

Our research is world-class and diverse. Our degree programs within business and law, education and arts, engineering and built environment, health and medicine, and science and information technology are internationally recognised and our partnerships and collaborations drive innovation. Our alumni are leaders and our students are preparing to make a difference in the world.

We are a multi-campus institution, with two main campuses in Newcastle (Callaghan) and the Central Coast (Ourimbah), with a student population of over 35,500 including more than 6,600 international students from over 100 countries. We have state-of-the-art facilities and our teaching and learning spaces are award winning with architecturally designed buildings and world-class infrastructure.

Our high academic standards, superb recreational facilities, natural surroundings, award-winning buildings and excellent access to the latest technology are all part of the reason why the University of Newcastle is an excellent choice as your Study Abroad destination.
The University of Newcastle has been ranked number 1 in Australia and number 28 in the world by the latest independent Times Higher Education's (THE) rankings of the world's top 100 universities under 50 years old.

In 2013, QS World University Rankings also placed the University of Newcastle in the top three per cent in the world, specifically at position 298, and at 26th in the world on their list of the world's highest achieving universities under the age of 50 - the QS Top 50 under 50. 

Taking a closer look at the 2014 QS Subject Rankings, 12 University of Newcastle disciplines are now ranked in the top 200 universities across the globe.  Our star performer is the Civil and Structural Engineering discipline which entered the world's Top 50, increasing its ranking by 14 places up to 45th in the world.

The City of Newcastle

Newcastle, Australia is a vibrant and diverse city with a population of 350,000. In 2011, the highly respected travel guide Lonely Planet listed Newcastle - Australia's seventh largest city and economic hub of the Hunter region - among the world's Top 10 Cities.

Nestled on Australia's spectacular NSW coast and surrounded by some of the state's most popular destinations, Newcastle is an all-round great choice as a safe and friendly place to live.  The city itself has a lot to offer - great weather, beautiful surrounds, an unbeatable lifestyle and a vibrant cultural identity that is truly its own. The city is recognised world-wide for its ongoing transformation and has come a long way since its 90 year history as the 'Steel City'.

When you choose the University of Newcastle, you will enjoy the area's stunning scenery and world-famous destinations, including the Hunter Valley Wine region, historic Maitland, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens and Barrington Tops National Park. 

Newcastle is also the gateway to the state's north coast. The city itself is an interesting mix of old and new architecture, dominated by the magnificent Christ Church Cathedral that sits atop The Hill, with views over the busy harbour, the city and coastline.

Terms of Exchange

Study Level Undergraduate Students: Acccepted
Graduate Students: Accepted
Computer Science Majors: Accepted Period

Fall, Spring, or Academic Year

Application Procedures

English Proficiency Tests and Minimum Scores: 
IELTS: 6.0 overall with a minimum score of 6.0 in each of the sub-tests of speaking, listening, reading, and writing. 

See: http://www.newcastle.edu.au/international/study-with-us/study-abroad-and-exchange/eligibility

Disciplines Available:

• Engineering:Chemical
• Civil
• Electrical
• General
• Mechanical
• Software
• Surveying IT/Computing:Computer Science

Additional application materials:

You must provide original or certified copies of all application documents, unless these are sent directly from the International Office of a partner institution or authorised education agent. 

• An official transcript of your student record
• Evidence of English Proficiency as per policy
• Supporting cover letter from home institution confirming nomination. This must be sent from your International Office.
• Copy of your passport

Course Registration & Academic Information

Semester Dates Fall: Late July to early November
Spring: early March to mid-June
Academic Calendar 

Course Contents

A list of all the University’s degree programs is available here.    
You will need to click on the degree which contains the discipline in which you are interested to access the course descriptions.

Workload per semester

As part of your Australian Student Visa requirements, all Study Abroad and Exchange students must be enrolled at a full time capacity. The standard full time workload is 40 unites (4 courses) per semester.

The minimum full time workload is 30 units (3 courses) per semester.

The maximum full time workload is 50 units (5 courses) per semester.NOTE: 1 course= 10  units= 10 hours.

Full-time study requires 30-50 hours of your time each week for class work, reading, studying, and assignements, so be sure to think about your study commitment. 

Grading System 

HD High Distinction (85-100)
D Distinction (75-84)
C Credit (65-74)
P Pass (50-64)
UP Ungraded Pass. There are no marks associated with this result and you have met the level requirements to pass the course.
FF Fail (0-49)

Academic Transcripts

Students are able to access their exam results through MyHub.  All Study Abroad and Exchange students will receive an official academic transcript which will be sent directly to your institution or representative after the official release of results. A request for this is not required, transcripts can take 3 - 4 weeks to arrive.

Before a transcript can be issued, all outstanding fees must be finalised (eg. library fines, excursions, course materials, accommodation, etc). Any negative service indicator in a student's account due to outstanding balances will block transcripts from being issued, or a student re enrolling.

Accommodations

Is on-campus accommodation available to exchange students?
UoN offers a range of on-campus accommodation at both the Callaghan and Ourimbah Campuses. Find out all the information you need to know about living on campus including what your options are, different residential colleges, how much it costs, how to apply and take virtual tours of our different room types at our on-campus accommodation guide.

Off Campus Accommodation

Finding off-campus accommodation is one of the biggest decisions faced by students. For those students who do not get placed on campus or don't want live on campus, the Accommodation Service has a comprehensive database and accommodation guide, which offers access to an abundance of quality housing that surrounds the University and Newcastle area. Consequently there is an opportunity for students to live closer to the beach and night life. 

Temporary Accommodation

We recommend that you stay in temporary accommodation for a few days when you first arrive in Newcastle so that you can familiarize yourself with the area. During this time, you can consider the different accommodation options available to you. Read more about finding temporary accommodation here.

Pre-Arrival

Student Visa

When you accept our offer, you will be issued with an Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE). This verifies to the Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) that you are a legitimate student

Obtaining a Visa

To find out how to apply for a student visa, view visa options or make other visa enquiries, please contact the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP)

Overseas Student Health Cover

The Australian Government requires all holders of a student visa to have approved health cover for the duration of their visa, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). The University has a preferred arrangement in place with Allianz Global Assistance to assist students streamline this process. The University will deduct the cost of your health insurance from your deposit. This ensures that from when you arrive in Australia you have health cover.
 
Students on certain scholarships and those with reciprocal health insurance arrangements in their home country maybe exempt from this requirement. If you are a Swedish or Norwegian student, you are exempt from health cover as this is provided under the National Health Insurance Scheme.
 
Allianz Global Assistance is a well recognised provider of health insurance for international students in Australia. Details about the protection it provides and how students can claim reimbursement of expenses related to their primary health care can be found at OSHC Allianz Assistance.
 
Also available to students is a 24 hour helpline with an interpreter service which students can use in an emergency.

Arrival & Orientation

When should I arrive?
Orientation is a great time to meet new people, make new friends and familiarise yourself with the campus and the City of Newcastle.

Is airport reception available?
Most international students arrive in Australia at Sydney's International Airport and then travel to Newcastle by bus, train or plane. Regardless of the method of travel between Sydney and Newcastle, all passengers arriving at Sydney International Airport must collect their belongings from the luggage carousel and pass through Customs and Quarantine before proceeding to the Arrivals Hall.

The University of Newcastle provides a free pick-up service for newly commencing international students who arrive at Newcastle Station or Broadmeadow Station. To book this service please email international-advisors@newcastle.edu.au with the following details of your arrival:

• Student Name
• Student ID Number
• Contact Number
• Date of Arrival
• Time of Arrival at Airport, Newcastle, or Broadmeadow Train Station
• Address to be taken to in Newcastle

By Bus: a direct pick-up and transfer service is available between Sydney Airport and Newcastle with either the All Travel Networks  or Happy Cabby Airport Transfer Service. University of Newcastle students are offered a special discount rate with Happy Cabby, simply provide your student number (found on the top of your Offer Letter or Confirmation of Enrollment Letter) when you book online.

By Train: there are regular trains from Sydney International Airport to Sydney Central Train Station where you can change trains to go to Newcastle. Please visit the CityRail Transport Info for timetable, fare and trip planner information. The journey to Newcastle can vary depending on the number of stations your train stops at. As a general rule, the journey from International Airport Station to Newcastle Station takes about 3.5 hours.

By Air: students who choose to fly from Sydney to Newcastle (approximately 30 minutes) should book their domestic flight at the same time as they book their international flight. Flights leave from the Qantas Domestic Terminal at Sydney Airport and transfers between airport terminals are possible by train, taxi or bus. Newcastle airport at Williamtown is located approximately 35 minutes' drive from Newcastle city centre and the University.

Is there any bank on campus?
There are two banks on campus: the Commonwealth Bank, near the Student Services Building, and the Newcastle Permanent Building Society, located in the Shortland Union Building. Automatic Teller Machines are readily available and accept major international credit cards We suggest you open an Australian Bank Account prior to leaving home or when you arrive, at either the on-campus bank or building society, or at a bank close to your accommodation.

International credit cards, such as MasterCard, Visa and American Express, are accepted in Australia, but it can take up to two weeks to clear an overseas bank draft.

Estimated Cost of Living

Knowing the average living costs in Australia is an important part of your financial preparation. For your reference, here are some of the costs associated with living and studying in Australia. (All costs are in Australian dollars.)

Accommodation:

• Hostels and Guesthouses - $80 to $135 per week
• Shared Rental - $70 to $250 per week
• On campus - $80 to $250 per week
• Homestay - $110 to $270 per week
• Rental - $100 to $400 per week
• Boarding schools - $10,000 to $20,000 a year

Other living expenses:

• Groceries and eating out - $80 to $200 per week
• Gas, electricity - $60 to $100 per week
• Phone and Internet - $20 to $50 per week
• Public transport - $10 to $50 per week
• Car (after purchase) - $150 to $250 per week
• Entertainment - $50 to $100 per week

Minimum Cost of Living

The Department of Immigration and Border Protection has financial requirements you must meet in order to receive a student visa. Below is a guide on the requirements you must meet to study in Australia:
All costs are per year in Australian dollars. To convert to your own currency, visit http://www.xe.com

Additional resources can be found here.  

Local Transportation

In October 2012, the NSW Government announced travel discounts for international students available in annual and 90 day passes. This offers up to 35% discount on public transport in NSW.

The MyMulti travel passes are available to you in the MyMulti2 and MyMulti3 passes. These passes will entitle you to unlimited bus, light rail and ferry travel in the Greater Sydney area, and CityRail travel within a defined zone depending on pass purchased. 
 

Travel Pass	Discount Price	Discount %
MyMulti3 Annual	$1589	35%
My Multi2 Annual	$1560	24%
My Multi3 Quarterly	$453	33%
My Multi2 Quarterly	$425	25%

WHICH PASS?

MyMulti3 will suit you if you are studying at Ourimbah, Callaghan or the Newcastle Business School, or if you are studying at the Sydney Precinct but living outside of the Sydney metropolitan area.

MyMulti2 will suit best if you are studying and living in the Sydney area and not frequently travelling outside of the Sydney Metropolitan area.

Helpful links

University Info
Faculty of Engineering
International Students Office

Contact

Ms Erin Hilaire
Admissions Officer
E-mail: study-abroad@newcastle.edu.au
Study Abroad Website