OverviewThe University of Newcastle offers study abroad students the perfect combination of lifestyle and learning. Set in superb bushland and close to waterways, forests, and spectacular surf beaches, the University is internationally renowned and among the top ten research universities in Australia. The University's setting and relaxed atmosphere combine to offer an excellent environment for academic pursuits and personal development.
North American students are fully integrated into the life of the University both in the classroom and the halls of residence. The challenge of adjusting to the new academic and social environment is assisted by the friendly and open welcome given to students by the International Student Support staff, by the Australian students, and by the academics.
The University of Newcastle at Callaghan (the main campus) has one of the best campuses in Australia. Its 350 acres of natural bushland - complete with Australian wildlife - at the city edge affords you the peace and quiet necessary for successful study.
 While studying at University of Newcastle, you can maximize your study abroad experience by enrolling in the new Global Identity course (EdPA 3103 Connecting Your International Experience to Your Future). The course will help you articulate the value of your experience to future employers, demonstrate your intercultural development and skills, and understand intercultural interactions.
This one-credit, online course is offered by the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities exclusively for students studying in Australia with AustraLearn. LEARN MORE>LocationNewcastle offers you a coastal landscape, surf beaches, working harbor, historic sites, the arts, and a vibrant nightlife. The Civic Cultural Precinct is where you'll find the Newcastle Regional Museum, Art Gallery, Civic Theatre, Civic Playhouse, and the University's Music and Business schools. The Newcastle East conservation zone covers an entire urban neighborhood preserving some of the best of the city's architectural heritage.
Newcastle's harbor waterfront and adjacent beaches are a popular leisure area for locals and visitors alike. Newcastle City hosts the This is Not Art Festival, Surfest, and the Maritime Festival, which annually attract tens of thousands of visitors from Sydney and the Central and Northern Coast.
The population of Newcastle is approximately 500,000 and supports a thriving business and commercial sector and an excellent network of health care and educational facilities. It is also a t wo-hour train ride from Sydney, the capital of New South Wales.
Less than an hour to the north of Newcastle is the magnificent harbor of Port Stephens, a popular center for big game fishing, sailing, scuba diving, surfing, and sail boarding. Less than a few miles south of the city is Australia's largest seaboard lake, Lake Macquarie – the scene of many national and international sailing events. To the west are the internationally famous wineries of the Hunter Valley.
Newcastle enjoys a pleasant climate year round - similar to the central Californian coast. Summer is warm to hot (68F - 83F) and winter is mild (49F - 64F). Internship DetailsAustraLearn can custom design a part-time internship program in any area of study except health and medicine to accompany part-time studies at the University of Newcastle for a semester or year. Interested students should plan on submitting a resume (with references) and a cover letter describing the ideal internship setting along with the standard AustraLearn Study Abroad application for University of Newcastle. Upon successful completion of the internship, the student will receive internship credit on a University of Newcastle transcript.
At Newcastle University the internship (course code: SAEX1000) will be assessed on a PASS/NOT PASS grading basis and will be recorded on the University of Newcastle transcript as a: UP (Ungraded Pass 50%-100%) or F (Fail). Extracurricular ActivitiesCentral to student life is the University Union with over 25,000 members, which organizes many of the University's important cultural and social events such as the Orientation Ball, the Beach Party, Big Wednesday, and the Cultural Awakenings Festival. It also regularly hosts national and international bands at the Bar-On-The-Hill. Free bands, movies, and comedy acts are available every week.
The University boasts exceptional sporting facilities including the Forum Sports and Aquatic Centre. The Forum features an eight-lane, heated indoor Olympic swimming pool, Australia's second highest rock climbing wall (60 feet), a dedicated circuit room, 22-station electronic cardio theatre, aerobic studio, martial arts/dance studio with fully-sprung floors, and a large fully equipped gymnasium.
The Sports Union offers a variety of recreational and sporting activities from belly dancing, mountaineering and snow skiing to archery, fencing, and the martial arts. Squash, badminton, tennis, basketball, volleyball, soccer and football facilities are available, as well as off-campus access to golf, surfing, water skiing, and other sports.Academic HighlightsUniversity of Newcastle has been at the forefront in the development of Problem-Based Learning (PBL), both in Australia and internationally. PBL enables students to learn while solving problems that they are likely to come across in their professional lives. Used mainly in the disciplines of Architecture, Building, Health Sciences, and Medicine, PBL has been a marked success with students and with employers, who find that graduates tend to operate in the "real world" much more quickly and more efficiently than graduates who have experienced more traditional approaches to learning.
Ranked as one of the top ten research universities of Australia, the University of Newcastle currently employs three of the world’s top scientists as ranked by ISI (Institute for Scientific Information), as well as over 800 research academics and 150 research support staff. There are 1,000 research higher degree students studying across a wide range of disciplines.
Australian Flora and Fauna and Introduction to Aboriginal Studies are particularly popular courses for study abroad students, as they include excursions such as field trips to local Aboriginal spiritual sites, visits to National Parks, and Aboriginal archaeological digs.
View Available Subjects
Classes are offered in a wide range of subjects. To see if the classes you need are available at this university, review the course catalog.
View courses/subjects available at this university.
Be sure to use the "help pages" for assistance on finding the courses that you need. University ServicesThe University of Newcastle boasts a campus-wide, fiber-optic information network. Students have access to the Internet in the University's libraries as well as the Computer and Information Sciences building and the halls of residence.
The University’s libraries also offer wireless access to all students, and a project is currently underway to provide campus-wide wireless coverage over the next two years. All study abroad students are provided with a free email account and on-campus Internet access.HousingThe University of Newcastle offers accommodation in residential colleges and a “motel-type” residence located on the Callaghan campus. These co-ed residences are self- or partially-catered, single bedroom options.
Students also have the option to live in pre-arranged self-catered, single or share bedroom apartments or share houses located near the central business district of Newcastle or adjacent to the university.OrientationInternational Student Support staff arranges initial reception for students who arrive in Newcastle by plane, train, or bus. An enrollment and orientation program for international students is held before the commencement of each semester or trimester.
The general University Orientation Week begins on the Monday before the beginning of each semester. The orientation program includes an official welcome by the Vice Chancellor (President) of the University, a party hosted by returned University of Newcastle exchange students, and day excursions such as a dolphin watch cruise, reptile park excursion, tours of the wineries, and late night shopping trips. Students are introduced to the University’s facilities via campus tours and receive briefings on the Australian academic system, cultural issues, recreational activities, sports clubs, and local travel destinations. Students are also assisted through enrollment and subject registration.
International Student Support provides on-going service in a range of educational and welfare matters, ensuring that students have access to all the services that will make their stay in Newcastle a rich and academically rewarding experience.Special Programs/ExcursionsLow-cost excursions are organized for study abroad students (and their friends) during each semester. Excursions include day-trips to Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Barrington Tops, Nelson Bay, Taronga Park Zoo, and social events such as the U.N.D.I.E.S. winery tour, ice-skating night, and the International Students’ Film Festival.
Check with the International Student Support Service for more information about the above trips and programs.Community InvolvementWhile abroad, we recommend getting involved in your local community. It's an awesome way to meet locals, experience the true Australian culture, and create long lasting memories. From volunteering to festival-going, we challenge you to make the most of your international experience... See a sample of community involvement opportunities available in Newcastle or discover your own upon arrival!
You'll get a taste of how enriching community involvement can be during your first few days in Australia on AustraLearn's Culture and Adventure Program. The program includes one day of pre-arranged volunteering with the local community. You'll interact directly with locals while giving back to and sharing your own culture with the community that first welcomes you to Australia. Plus, you can continue your volunteer efforts later in the semester by signing up for AustraLearn's Conservation Volunteer Weekend.
   Meet Your AustraLearn CoordinatorRebecca Oihus is the AustraLearn Coordinator for University of Newcastle
View SubjectsClasses are offered in a wide range of subjects. To see if the classes you need are available at this university, review the course catalog.
View courses/subjects available at this university.
Be sure to use the "help pages" for assistance on finding the courses that you need. Fees| Program Fees | $8550.00 | | Housing | | With Meals | Starting at $3,880 | | Without Meals | Approximately $3,325 | | Housing Deposit | | With Meals | Refundable housing deposits range from approximately $200 - $1,200 and are billed in addition to the housing fees. | | Without Meals | Refundable housing deposits range from approximately $200 - $1,200 and are billed in addition to the housing fees. |
Fee IncludesProgram fees are in U.S. dollars. Program Fees include tuition for 3 to 4 subjects, university administrative fees, membership in the student union (where applicable), overseas health coverage, ISIC Premium (International Student Identity Card), 25% Lonely Planet Book discount, also included is our renowned 6-day Bridging Cultures Program in Tropical Cairns, Australia. Fees include all pre-trip services such as: orientation materials, visa-processing service (excluding the visa fee), housing placements, personal advising, subject selections, liaise with your home university, credit transfer assistance, and financial aid services. As a study abroad student, you will be required to enroll as a full time student. Your semester is equivalent to 12-16 U.S. credits. Additional tuition and/or fees may apply in some subject areas not limited to the following: science, engineering, fine arts, and journalism. Students who undertake subjects where the university requires additional fees will be billed by the host university. Several universities have included the Sports and Rec. membership. Activities are usually extra. The Housing Fees are approximates and are in addition to the Program Fees. Housing fees listed include the least expensive option available for single accommodation in flats, houses and/or dormitories. AustraLearn offers a wide variety of accommodation options and costs allowing for individual budget considerations. Students who choose to arrange their own accommodation upon arrival will be charged the Program Fee only, as they will be responsible for making payment directly to the housing provider once accommodation has been arranged. Fee SemesterThe Program Fees listed are for the February 2010 semester. Fees are subject to change for future terms.
The Housing Fees listed are approximate figures based on the least expensive option available for accommmodation in flats, houses and/or dormitories. AustraLearn offers a wide variety of accommodation options and costs allowing for individual budget considerations. FactsLocation: Newcastle, New South Wales
Overseas Students: 2800
Staff: 3000
Total Enrolment: 23000
Dates| All dates are provided by each university and are subject to change. AustraLearn will attempt to provide you with the most up-to-date information as we receive it. Be sure to confirm dates before finalizing any travel plans. | |
| July 2010 Semester - Fall | Application Deadline: April 1, 2010
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| Anticipated Departure | July 9, 2010 | | Start Date | July 11, 2010 | | End Date | November 26, 2010 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | September 27, 2010 - October 8, 2010 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | - |
| July 2010 Year - Fall | Application Deadline: April 1, 2010
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| Anticipated Departure | July 9, 2010 | | Start Date | July 11, 2010 | | End Date | June 29, 2011 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | September 27, 2010 - October 8, 2010 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | April 14, 2011 - April 25, 2011 |
| February 2011 Semester - Spring | Application Deadline: November 1, 2010
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| Anticipated Departure | February 11, 2011 | | Start Date | February 13, 2011 | | End Date | June 26, 2011 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | April 10, 2011 - April 20, 2011 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | - |
| February 2011 Year - Spring | Application Deadline: November 1, 2010
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| Anticipated Departure | February 11, 2011 | | Start Date | February 13, 2011 | | End Date | November 27, 2011 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | April 10, 2011 - April 20, 2011 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | September 28, 2011 - October 12, 2011 |
| July 2011 Semester - Fall | Application Deadline: April 1, 2011
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| Anticipated Departure | July 6, 2011 | | Start Date | July 8, 2011 | | End Date | November 27, 2011 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | September 28, 2011 - October 12, 2011 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | - |
| July 2011 Year - Fall | Application Deadline: April 1, 2011
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| Anticipated Departure | July 6, 2011 | | Start Date | July 8, 2011 | | End Date | June 26, 2012 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | September 28, 2011 - October 12, 2011 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | April 10, 2012 - April 20, 2012 |
| February 2012 Semester - Spring | Application Deadline: November 15, 2011
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| Anticipated Departure | February 12, 2012 | | Start Date | February 13, 2012 | | End Date | June 22, 2012 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | April 2, 2012 - April 8, 2012 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | - |
| February 2012 Year - Spring | Application Deadline: November 15, 2011
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| Anticipated Departure | February 12, 2012 | | Start Date | February 13, 2012 | | End Date | November 30, 2012 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | April 2, 2012 - April 8, 2012 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | September 29, 2012 - October 7, 2012 |
| July 2012 Semester - Fall | Application Deadline: April 15, 2012
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| Anticipated Departure | July 14, 2012 | | Start Date | July 16, 2012 | | End Date | November 30, 2012 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | September 29, 2012 - October 7, 2012 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | - |
| July 2012 Year - Fall | Application Deadline: April 15, 2012
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| Anticipated Departure | July 14, 2012 | | Start Date | July 16, 2012 | | End Date | June 28, 2013 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | September 29, 2012 - October 7, 2012 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | April 13, 2013 - April 21, 2013 |
Entry RequirementsApplicants must meet GPA requirements and 25-32 credits completed at the university/college level.
Required GPA: 2.50
Study-Internship ProgramUniversity of Newcastle offers a Study Internship Combo Program in nearly all fields of study, with the exception of health and medical. Students will take 2 classes in addition to a part-time internship. Places are limited and not guaranteed. Credit will be issued by University of Newcastle.University Specific ScholarshipsIn addition to the scholarships offered by AustraLearn, University of Newcastle supports one AustraLearn student with a $500AUD award each semester.AustraLearn Coordinator| Name: | Rebecca Oihus | | Title: | Coordinator, Outreach and Student Services | | Department: | Semester or Year Abroad in Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji |
BIO:
Rebecca manages study abroad admissions and participant pre-trip services for students attending International College of Management Sydney (ICMS) University of Tasmania, Edith Cowan University, Murdoch University, Bond University, and University of Newcastle.
Rebecca graduated with a BA in International Relations and Spanish from St. Cloud State University, Minnesota in 2006. She studied abroad for a semester at La Universidad de Concepcion in Chile and was a participant in a short-term study abroad program to China. She has also traveled to Belgium and the Canary Islands.
Advice From The Coordinator:
This is a great campus if you want to be in a small city, close to the beach, and within a couple of hours of Sydney. Many students find off-campus housing along the beach and take transportation to the University. |
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