Download - Newstep Program English Language and Foundation Studies Centre

Newstep Program

English Language and Foundation Studies Centre

Newstep Program | www.newcastle.edu.au/newstep

2Newstep - A Tertiary Entrance Program

• It is specifically designed to encourage young people aged 17 to 20 years to take a second chance at further study.

• Newstep began in 1990 to assist the young people of the Hunter and Central Coast regions. The intake was 50 students.

• In 2009, 400 students enrolled at the Callaghan Campus and 200 at the Ourimbah Campus.



• Newstep is a one-year, full-time enabling program conducted by the English Language and Foundation Studies Centre.

• It provides an alternative entry to university for students who either:– Did not complete the Higher School

Certificate OR

– Failed to reach the entry scores for undergraduate study



• Once students complete Newstep they apply to the University Admission Centre UAC for a place in a Bachelor’s degree program.

• A result from Newstep is accepted for entry into the University of Newcastle and many other Australian universities.



• Completion of the Newstep program will allow entry to undergraduate programs with a cut-off of 93 or less, except for the Bachelor of Medicine.


6What does Newstep offer?

• A supportive learning environment is a core feature of the program.

• The courses in the program aim to successfully prepare students for undergraduate degree programs, by developing skills in academic writing, library research, basic mathematics and computing.

• An important function of the program is to prepare students for study in a university environment.


7What does Newstep offer?

• The University is a large institution and a year of study in Newstep provides an effective orientation to the administration procedures that can create uncertainties in many first year students.

• Students are introduced to the facilities and services, including the library, computer laboratories, counselling, disability support (if needed), careers and employment.


8Who may apply?

• Students aged 17 – 20 years who:– Left school without completing the HSC

who experienced adverse circumstances in their schooling, or who meet equity criteria.

– Sat the HSC prior to the current year– Are sitting for the HSC this year


9Course Offerings

Wide range of courses:• Academic Writing and Research Skills• Mathematics (2 levels)• Humanities:

- Australian Culture & Society, Film Studies, History, Legal Studies, Linguistics

• Science:- Chemistry and Life Sciences, Earth

Science, Australian Human and Environmental Systems, Physics

• Design / Visual Art• Information Technology


10Application based on Equity Criteria

• Applicants who have NOT completed the HSC and NOT gained a UAI will be required to document the factors that led to their discontinuation of senior schooling.

• Such applicants will be assessed on the basis of the following equity criteria:

- Low income background or socio-economic disadvantage - Non-English speaking background- Arrival in Australia as a refugee- Schooling in a rural or isolated region- Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background- Attendance at a high school which is designated by the NSW

Department of Education and Training as a priority funded school.


11Application based on Special Circumstances

• HSC students who wish to be assessed on the basis of special circumstances can also provide this documentation:

- interstate school transfer- disability or chronic illness- adverse circumstances, e.g. a family or

personal crisis; or other prolonged disruption to schooling


12How to Apply?

• Applications are available for download from the website http://www.newcastle.edu.au/newstep/

• Applications may be obtained from: - English Language and Foundation

Studies Centre, Lower Ground floor, McMullin Building

- Phone: 49 215558

• Applicants will need to indicate whether they are applying under the equity or adverse circumstance criteria or on the basis of their HSC qualification.

http://www.newcastle.edu.au/newstep/


13How to Apply?

• Offers will be made to applicants who have completed the HSC but not met university entry requirements on the basis of UAI rank (from highest to lowest).

• Application closing dates:- Early closing date is 4 January- Final closing date is 31 January


14General Information

• Students may be eligible to apply for youth allowance as Newstep is a full-time program. You will need to contact Centrelink.

• Students do not pay HECS for their Newstep year of study. There are no tuition fees.

• Students may be required to buy textbooks for some classes.

For more info:

www.newcastle.edu.au/newstep

CONTACTS

Beverley Wilson

Newstep Program Co-ordinator – Callaghan Campus

Phone: (02) 4921 7292

Email: [email protected]

Dr. David Powter

Foundation Studies Programs Co-ordinator – Ourimbah Campus

Phone: (02) 4348 4052


Angela Henderson

Marketing Officer – English Language and Foundation Studies Centre

Phone: (02) 4921 7276


CRICOS Provider 00109J | www.newcastle.edu.au

mailto:[email protected]



Download - Newstep Program English Language and Foundation Studies Centre

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