Australia: University of Newcastle

The University of Newcastle has one of the best campuses in Australia. Its 300 acres of natural bushland - complete with Australian wildlife. On campus students have access to a state-of-the-art sports complex, which includes an indoor Olympic-sized swimming pool, a 60 ft climbing wall (one of the highest in Australia), two indoor basketball courts, two martial arts/aerobics studios, fully equipped weight and exercise rooms and an adjoining Health Education Center.

The semester program begins with a week long Orientation Program that prepares students for the academic and cultural experience ahead. All Study Abroad and Exchange students are free to study nearly any course offered by the University of Newcastle. 

Courses: Students typically take 3 or 4 courses while studying at UON. UNI students can take major, minor, and/or UNIFI credits during their time at Newcastle. We recommend students also try to take at least one course in a topic on Australia. Information on courses and when they are offered can be found here. 

Teaching Methods and Styles: Australian higher education is derived from the British model. This means that most undergraduate courses consist of lectures, classes, workshops, and tutorials each week as well as 'unstructured' time which means students should be doing individual reading and research. Lecture and class times will be given to students when they enroll during orientation week. All students are required to be at lectures and tutorials at the specified times. 

Students generally attend class 1-2 times per week for each class and the majority of graded content is weighed on a midterm and final assignment or exam. 

Academic Calendar: The university operates on a semester system with Semester 1 (our Spring semester) running from February to June and Semester 2 (our Fall semester) running from July to December. When thinking about their semester dates, it is important to remember that with it being on the other side of the hemisphere, their spring semester is our fall and vice versa. To view the academic calendar, please see here. 

Credits and Grades:  Australian credits are calculated differently than in the US. A 10 credit course at Newcastle is equal to a four credit course at UNI. That being said, most UNI students take three courses during the semester at Newcastle to be considered full-time. Grades are also calculated differently. The grading scale and credit transfer is as follows:

40 = 16 sem hrs                               HD High Distinction                        85+ = A
20 = 8 sem hrs                                 D Distinction                                   75 -- 84 = A
10 = 4 sem hrs                                  C Credit                                           65 -- 74 = B
                                                          P Pass                                              50 -- 64 = C
                                                         UP or FF Less than 50 = no transfer credit

Accommodation at Newcastle consists of both on and off-campus accommodations options. Students also have the option to stay with a host family in Newcastle, if they would like. Most UNI students choose to live in on-campus accommodations due to their diverse community, to live like a student, and due to cost effectiveness. 

The University of Newcastle offers five different on-campus residential houses, with each house offering different meal plans from self-catering (no meal plan) to full meal plans. Students may request a specific hall depending on their dietary needs and/or preferences. Most students choose not to have a meal plan and cook for themselves in their kitchen. 

• New Residences - single, double, and up to 6 person apartment, all self-catered
• Barahineban - 95 rooms- single and double occupancy, all self-catered
• Edwards Hall - 374 residents, 299 fully-catered, 75 self-catered
• Evatt House - 211 residents, all self-catered
• International House - 226 residents, all semi-catered

Meals

Along with meal plans that some accommodations offer, there are other places on campus that students can frequent. The Union houses a wide range of facilities such as cafeterias, coffee shops and bars, as well as a bookshop, credit union, gift and stationery shops. There are also two banks, a travel agency and a clinic with doctors and dentists on call.

Health Preparation for Studying Abroad

Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity, but it also requires careful planning—especially when it comes to your health. To ensure a safe and successful experience, we strongly recommend talking to your healthcare provider early. At the time you are selecting your study abroad program, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider or specialist to discuss:

• Medication Legality: Some prescription and over-the-counter medications that are legal in the U.S. may be restricted or illegal in other countries. Your provider can help you determine if your medications are permitted in your destination and suggest alternatives if needed.
• Chronic Conditions or Health Concerns: Discuss how your health needs might be affected by travel, climate, time zone changes, or access to care abroad.
• Mental Health Support: If you are currently receiving mental health care, talk with your provider about how to maintain support while abroad.

Feel free to connect with the UNI Student Health Clinic. For more information on their services, please visit their website.

Accessibility & Study Abroad:

If you are a student with a disability or accessibility concern, whether related to mobility, learning, mental health, chronic health conditions, or other needs, we encourage you to connect with Student Accessibility Services (SAS) as early as possible, ideally during the program selection process. Early communication allows our team to understand your specific needs and preferences and explore available accommodations in your host country.

Accessibility resources and standards can vary widely by country, so advance planning is essential to help us advocate for your needs and create a positive, inclusive experience abroad.

Reach out to Student Accessibility Services to start a conversation. The sooner we know, the more we can do to support you.

Study abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be challenged by new experiences in new environments and cultures. UNI study abroad programs are designed to prioritize educational opportunities for students. Students are encouraged to embrace the adventure of exploring how housing, meals, and daily routines differ abroad.

Meet your Advisor:

Stephanie is a full time study abroad advisor who will help you throughout the application process to Newcastle, including documentation, finances, scholarships, and more.  From the application process to financial assistance to preparing for your journey abroad, Stephanie will be with you every step of the way providing guidance and reassurance.

Identities Abroad

The Study Abroad Center (SAC) wants to support you as you prepare for your study abroad experience. In addition to course planning and arranging accommodations, it is also important to engage in personal reflection before your departure. There may be certain aspects of your identity that could potentially impact your international experience in ways that you have not faced or thought about previously. As we are here to help guide you, you may want to consider meeting with the SAC staff to discuss this as you plan your abroad experience. Please visit our Identities Abroad page for more information and help.

Entry and Exit Requirements:

Review and follow the travel recommendations of the U.S. State Department for travel to Australia.

The University of Newcastle's Summer Down Under Program aims to give students a taste of international study while enhancing academic journeys. It lasts 6-weeks, running from the end of May to the beginning of July.

The University of Newcastle offers many academic programs in the following areas that can help you fulfill your academic needs:

• Culture & Identity
• Environmental Science and Sustainability
• Business
• Economics
• Marketing
• Education
• Psychology
• Health
• Sport
• Computer Science
• Photography

Academic Information:

• Students can choose to take with 1 or 2 courses
• Each course is 10 units, which is the equivalent of a 4 credit course at UNI
• Some courses have field trip components

Housing and Campus Information

• Housing is provided at one of their short-term accommodation dorms, the Nihon University Newcastle Campus. This accommodation is in the middle of the Newcastle central business district, which will allow students easy access to the beach, parks, restaurants, grocery stores, and more! It has single bedrooms, with shared bathroom, kitchen, and laundry facilities. Security is provided 24/7, in addition to key and swipe card access into buildings and rooms. Meals are all self-catered.
• Students will have full access to other campus facilities, including access to their state-of-the-art gym.

2026 Summer Down Under Estimated Budget Sheet - 1 Course

2026 Summer Down Under Estimated Budget Sheet - 2 Courses

The Study Abroad Center reserves the right to determine participants' eligibility to study abroad. Students must have a completed study abroad application, including supportive recommendation form(s). View eligibility requirements.