The University of Newcastle is a public research university in New South Wales, two hours north of Sydney. It is best known for engineering, medicine, architecture and its problem-based learning approach, and for high research quality relative to its size. Choose it for a well-ranked Australian degree in a coastal city with far lower rent than Sydney.
Newcastle, Australia
Official website: newcastle.edu.au
#192
Top 30 worldwide under 50 years old (THE)
Top 30 in the world (QS by Subject)
Above world standard in all broad fields (ERA)
A$35,000 – A$46,000
International students, undergraduate and coursework master's
A$20,000 – A$26,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on newcastle.edu.au before you apply.
Master of Information Technology
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Feb, Jul
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
Master of Data Science
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Feb, Jul
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
Master of Business Administration
Masters DegreeDuration
18 Months
Intake
Feb, Jul
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
Master of Professional Engineering
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Feb, Jul
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
Master of Architecture
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Feb
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Feb, Jul
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 70
Problem-based learning — its medical school helped pioneer the approach in Australia.
Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources — a major hub for energy and mining research.
Callaghan campus — 140 hectares of bushland with wildlife and walking trails.
Top 30 young university in the world for research and reputation.
Engineering graduates join Port of Newcastle, AGL, Ampol and Hunter Valley mining operators.
Medicine and nursing graduates enter Hunter New England Health, one of NSW's largest hospital networks.
Graduates can stay and work in Australia for up to three years, longer because Newcastle counts as regional.
IT and business alumni work in Newcastle's growing startup scene and in Sydney.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
The main Callaghan campus is a bushland site 12 kilometres from the city, with student housing, a sports centre and free shuttle buses; the newer city campus hosts business and law.
Newcastle is a relaxed harbour city of about 500,000 people with surf beaches a short walk from the centre. Rent is roughly half of Sydney's, and Sydney is two and a half hours by train.
Confirmation of Enrolment from the university
Proof of funds for fees and living costs
IELTS or equivalent English test result
Overseas Student Health Cover for stay
Genuine Student statement
Health examination, if requested
Applications are rolling for both semesters. For a February start, apply by late November to leave time for your offer, deposit and visa; for July, apply by late April. Medicine and some health programmes have fixed earlier deadlines listed on their course pages.
Newcastle has two main intakes: Semester 1 in February and Semester 2 in July. Most undergraduate and coursework master's programmes admit for both. Architecture and some health programmes are February only, so check the course page.
You need a Student visa (subclass 500). After you accept your offer and pay the deposit, the university issues a Confirmation of Enrolment. You then apply through ImmiAccount with proof of funds, Overseas Student Health Cover and a Genuine Student statement.
Information technology, data science, the MBA, professional engineering and architecture are the most applied-for programmes. Master's entry usually needs a bachelor's degree with a credit average (around 60% for Indian degrees) and IELTS 6.5 with no band below 6.0. Undergraduate entry is based on school results.
Yes. The university offers merit-based international scholarships that reduce tuition by a set percentage for high-achieving undergraduate and postgraduate applicants, with eligibility varying by country and programme. Most are awarded automatically on application. Check the scholarships page for current awards and closing dates.
