Starting University

Our goal is to prepare you for a smooth transition into your university life. As you start with the University of Newcastle College of International Education, you will receive a University Student ID card, the same card that is given to all the University students, with the same level of access to the University of Newcastle facilities and services in all campus locations. You will keep the card through your college study and continue to use as you start the university course of your choice later on.

And there is a lot on offer! The new campus building located in the heart of the city is well-known for its state-of-the-art facilities and industry-standard equipment. You will join the friendly and active student community, and with the ongoing support from the teachers and student services staff will have a solid platform to achieve your education and career goals.

Orientation

Orientation week will be your opportunity to settle into life in the University of Newcastle College of International Education and learn more about the university facilities and support services available, find out how college life is structured, make new friends and get a better feel for the study ahead.

During orientation you will have a chance to:
  • Finalise your enrolment
  • Receive your orientation pack, class timetable and student ID card
  • Meet UNCIE staff and fellow students
  • Learn about the services and facilities available to you
  • Tour the University of Newcastle campus
  • Attend information sessions on a range of topics including accommodation, employment, safety, health and wellbeing

Accommodation

Newcastle is one of the most affordable cities in Australia for student accommodation. Rooms close to the main campus are available from AU$100 per week and rooms in the Central Business District where the new college is located are approximately AU$180 per week.

Official on-campus accommodation starts from AU$191 per week with the majority of the accommodation constructed in 2015.

The college will arrange university approved Homestay accommodation for students who are aged 16 and 17 years of age or through the Australian Homestay Network.

Facilities and services

We believe your university experience should be about more than just studying. At UNCIE you’ll be able to take part in various social activities and make the most of a range of facilities and services available to you. This includes:

Social activities

Enjoy an active calendar of events on-campus through our Student and Academic Services team, including Harmony Week that is held in March, celebrating Australian cultural diversity, the annual Festival of Autonomy in August celebrating the University’s independence, and other events and activities.

Student Information Hubs

Your go-to for information or questions about your degree. You can access free Wi-Fi and catch up with friends or study groups in the café.

Career guidance and advice

Dedicated career counsellors are available on campus to help with career-advice and tips on topics such as resume writing and job interview preparation. The service has connections with thousands of potential employers and professional association contacts.

On campus security

Your security is our top priority, so there is a number of safety measures in place within our campus grounds – emergency phones and well-lit walking paths between the campus buildings; the campus security services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week; there is also a free campus shuttle bus service available during the term time.

Counselling

Counselling referral service is available for UNCIE students for any of their personal welfare issues, or if mental health support is required.

Health & wellbeing

Free and confidential service on campus. Health and Welfare Advisors can assist you with a range of issues and link you to counselling support. There is also a pharmacy store within the campus grounds.

Exploring Newcastle

Newcastle is a beautiful harbour city, known for its long-stretch sandy beaches and the multitude of coastal walks and bike rides, with cafes and bars dotted along the water line, all within five minutes’ walk from the new campus.

Newcastle is the second largest city in the state of New South Wales, just two hours north of Sydney, the capital of NSW. Famous for its industrial history, the city is still the largest coal exporting harbour in the world, and with its rich shipbuilding heritage, offers a unique experience to a curious urban explorer.

There is also a vibrant art scene with one of the oldest theatre districts in Australia, a number of contemporary art galleries, an active Writer’s Centre and a variety of regular festivals and fairs, both official and independent.

A natural mix of old and new, Newcastle truly offers a study experience like no other. Bustling city life, friendly people, lovely subtropical weather with mild winters and sunny summers, and the unique coastal character of the city will settle you easily into life of a Novocastrian for the time of your study.

You will be on your path to a world-class university only moments away from Newcastle’s beautiful, white-sand beaches where students and locals relax, swim, surf and explore – including global surfing destination Merewether Beach. The city itself offers a thriving restaurant and bar scene, dining and arts culture, museums and three coastal baths.

You are also just a day trip away from the stunning natural beauty of Port Stephens, Barrington Tops National Park, Lake Macquarie and the world-famous Hunter Valley wine region.

Post Study Work Opportunities

International students may be able to continue to live and work full time in Australia temporarily, after graduating from the University of Newcastle. Graduates are not guaranteed a post-study work visa and must meet strict criteria. There is also a fee involved.

You can apply for a post-study work visa if:
  • you are under 50 years of age
  • you hold an eligible visa
  • you have recently completed an eligible qualification, and
  • you meet the study requirements outlined by the Australian government.

For more information on the options available to international students in Australia, see the Temporary Graduate visa information from the Australian Department of Home Affairs.

Additional Benefits For Newcastle Students

Newcastle has been classified as a regional area for migration purposes. This means that graduates who are granted a Post Study Work Visa are eligible for an extra year on top of the standard 2 years of residency and work rights (3 years total). Those graduating from the Ourimbah campus on the NSW Central Coast are eligible for an additional 2 years (4 years in total), which is the maximum possible in Australia.

Newcastle is the main city of the Hunter Region which is the most populated area in New South Wales after Greater Sydney. The Hunter Region is the biggest regional economy in Australia – worth more to the Australian economy than Tasmania, the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory.

Eligible students who choose to study and then continue to live in Newcastle or the Central Coast will benefit from:
  • priority processing and access to one of 25,000 dedicated regional visa places
  • access to a wide list of occupations that qualify for a visa
  • the ability to apply for a second Temporary Graduate visa with an additional 1-2 years of post-study work rights.