University of Newcastle
- Spend a semester, year or summer at the University of Newcastle, ranked among the top ten universities in Australia
- Wide range of courses available
- Experience student life by living in an on-campus apartment or residence hall
- Petermann Scholarship available, see Further Reading below for more information.
The University of Newcastle offers students the perfect combination of lifestyle and learning. Set in superb bushland and close to spectacular beaches, waterways and forests, the University is renowned internationally and among the top ten research universities in Australia. Newcastle is well known for its academic excellence and innovative teaching. The University's setting and relaxed atmosphere combine to offer an excellent environment for academic pursuits and personal development. The university was established in 1965 and has more than 27,000 students. The campus is set on 300 acres of natural bushland complete with Australian wildlife. The university facilities are modern facilities that house the library, student clubs, shops, cafes, sports facilities, lecture theaters and laboratories.
Check out the University of Newcastle's Study Abroad Brochure (.pdf).
Newcastle is on the east coast of New South Wales and a 2.5 hour train ride north of Sydney. Newcastle is a down-to-earth Australian city which combines a country setting with the advantages of city living. The city is known for beautiful beaches, a low cost of living and a favorable climate. Being Australia's second oldest city, Newcastle is a city rich with cultural heritage. Newcastle and its surrounding cities have a regional population of 450,000 and have all usual city attractions, including restaurants, cafes, parks, gardens, theaters, art galleries, shopping centers and nightclubs. Newcastle enjoys a pleasant climate year round similar to the central California coast. Numerous attractions are within easy access from Newcastle and include everything from rainforests and wilderness areas to extensive vineyards. Only a ten minute drive from the city, students can view some of Australia's unique and beautiful wildlife at the Blackbutt Reserve which allows close viewing of a variety of animals such as kangaroos, koalas, emus, wallabies, wombats and array of Australian birds.
To see images, view the Newcastle video, which showcases Newcastle’ beaches, events and sites. Additionally, read Lonely Planet’s advice on places to visit and activities in Newcastle, Australia.
Program Dates:
- Fall semester: mid-July to late-November and
- Spring semester: mid-February to late June
- Summer: early June to early July
See date section above for specific dates for each academic term.
Semester/Year
Academic Information: Courses:
Students typically earn 12 KU credit hours during one semester abroad.
Students are encouraged to use the following resources to research available courses at the University of Newcastle and to determine if these courses will meet their academic requirements at KU.
University of Newcastle Course Catalog:
Keep in mind:
Semester 1 courses are offered during KU’s Spring Semester.
Semester 2 courses are offered during KU’s Fall semester.
Select any courses offered at the Callaghan or Newcastle City Campus.
Do not select any courses at the Central Coast campus as the campus is 1.5 hours away.
KU Course Equivalency Database
The KU Course Equivalency Database is a list of:
- Courses that are currently pre-approved for KU credit (approved equivalency)
- Courses that students have had approved for KU credit in the past (possible equivalency)
Credit Approval Process
Credit Approval Process is the procedure for obtaining KU course equivalency approval for courses you plan to take abroad.
All courses taken and grades earned while abroad must be posted as KU equivalents on a student’s KU transcript and grades will figure into a student’s KU GPA. The relevant KU academic department will make the final decision regarding posting of credit, and their application toward graduation.
Summer
- The University of Newcastle Summer Program is a four-week program open to all majors at the University of Kansas students.
- Students take one course worth three KU credits during the program. The GPA requirement for the summer program is a 2.0.
- The 2023 University of Newcastle summer program will run from June 6-July 8, 2023.
Classes offered for the 2023:
- TOUR 3003 Destination Management and Marketing
- EXSS 2030 Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology
- ENVS 2006 Ecology and Management of Wildlife
- CHEE 2935 Resource and Energy Optimization
The University of Newcastle has numerous on-campus accommodation options.
International House and Evatt House offer five to ten bedroom apartments and students share a common kitchen and bathroom.
Edwards Hall is a residential hall which offers single and double rooms and a cafeteria that serves 16 meals a week.
Barahineban offers single and double rooms in studio style apartments. Homestay accommodations with a local family are also available.
The New Residences has one to six bedroom apartments and single studio apartments. The one to six bedroom apartments include common rooms, a communal kitchen, barbecue areas and multi-purpose rooms including a music room and a movie room.
Additional information about on-campus accommodations are detailed in the University of Newcastle Accommodation Guide (.pdf).
SAGE is dedicated to creating international engagement opportunities that meet the needs of all our students and providing resources to support you through the process of studying abroad. Study abroad is achievable for students of all identities including our BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students, students with disabilities, and students with religious/non-religious viewpoints. Before selecting a program, consider how your identities may impact your experience abroad in unique ways and talk with your Program Coordinator about any program-specific concerns. Students with documented disabilities should discuss any accommodation needs with their Program Coordinator early in the planning process.
Check our Identity Abroad page and resources listed below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program.
Applicants must be at least a second semester sophomore by the beginning of the program with a cumulative GPA of 2.5.
Program Cost for Fall Semester at University of Newcastle
Joe Petermann Study Abroad Australia Memorial Scholarship
Fund created for an out-of-state, male student in his 3rd or 4th year of study at KU. The student must have expressed interest in other cultures and who will be studying abroad for a full semester in Australia. Awards up to $1,700. Interested students should complete the Study Abroad & Global Engagement Merit and Financial Need General Scholarship application to be considered for this scholarship.
Other Resources
University of Newcastle Study Abroad Brochure (.pdf)
University of Newcastle Study Abroad website
University of Newcastle On-line Academic Handbook
University of Newcastle On-Campus Accommodations
Newcastle City website
Australia Tourism website