The University of Newcastle (UON) is a public research university in New South Wales whose main campus is at Callaghan.[1] In 2024 it enrolled 37,195 students, of whom 6,387 were international.[2] In the QS World University Rankings 2027 it is 244th in the world and 18th in Australia, down from equal 227th in 2026.[3][4]
For a Bachelor of Business the university’s 2026 fee schedule lists an indicative international fee of A$40,540 for a full year (80 units); we could not confirm 2027 degree fees.[5] Undergraduate English entry is generally IELTS 6.0 overall with no band below 6.0.[6]
Key facts
| Official name | The University of Newcastle, Australia |
| Location | Callaghan (main campus), Newcastle, New South Wales; address University Drive, Callaghan NSW 2308[1] |
| Type | Public research university[1] |
| Founded | 1951 as Newcastle University College; autonomous university on 1 January 1965[1] |
| Students | 37,195 enrolled, of which 6,387 international (data from the 2024 annual report; the page’s domestic and international figures add up to more than the total)[2] |
| Campuses | Callaghan, Ourimbah (Central Coast), Port Macquarie, Newcastle City, Sydney City and Singapore[1] |
| Colleges (since 2022) | Engineering, Science and Environment; Health, Medicine and Well Being; Human and Social Futures[1] |
| QS World University Rankings 2027 | 244th worldwide, 18th in Australia (2026: equal 227th; 2025: 179th)[3] |
| CRICOS provider code | 00109J[2] |
| Tuition 2026, Bachelor of Business | A$40,540 indicative annual fee (80 units, full year)[5] |
| Entry English, undergraduate | Generally IELTS 6.0 overall, no band below 6.0; some programs higher[6] |
| Official website | newcastle.edu.au |
Checked against the sources listed at the bottom of this page on 6 November 2026.
About the University of Newcastle
The University of Newcastle began in 1951 as Newcastle University College, an offshoot of the New South Wales University of Technology (now UNSW). It became an autonomous university on 1 January 1965 under the University of Newcastle Act 1964.[1] Its motto is “I look ahead”.[1]
The Callaghan campus is the main campus; the university also teaches at Ourimbah on the Central Coast, at Port Macquarie, in the Newcastle city centre, in Sydney and in Singapore.[1] Since 2022 the university has had three colleges (Engineering, Science and Environment; Health, Medicine and Well Being; Human and Social Futures) with thirteen schools.[1]
How is the University of Newcastle ranked?
In the QS World University Rankings 2027, published on 18 June 2026, the University of Newcastle is 244th in the world and 18th in Australia.[3][4] Its global position has fallen for three years: 179th in the 2025 edition, equal 227th in 2026 and 244th now.[3] Vice-Chancellor Alex Zelinsky said of the result: “While our overall ranking has declined somewhat compared to last year”.[3]
Wikipedia lists further results for earlier editions: ARWU 401–500 (2025) and Times Higher Education 251–300 (2026).[1] Rankings differ by publisher and year, so treat one position as one view. How we compile rankings. For the national table see the Australia ranking.
What can you study at the University of Newcastle?
The university is organised in three colleges: Engineering, Science and Environment; Health, Medicine and Well Being; and Human and Social Futures.[1] The program pages list degrees such as the Bachelor of Business, whose next listed start is Semester 1 2027 on 22 February 2027.[7]
Newcastle’s International College, a pathway provider on the university’s site, offers an Express Preparation Program, Foundation Studies, Degree Transfer programs in Business, Commerce, Construction Management, Media and Communication, Engineering and Information Technology, Pre-Master’s programs and an English Language Bridging Program.[8]
How much does the University of Newcastle cost for international students?
| Program | Structure | Program fee, 2027 (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Studies | 2 semesters (10 courses) | $31,400 |
| Degree Transfer Business | 2 semesters (10 courses) | $36,200 |
| Degree Transfer Engineering | 2 semesters (10 courses) | $40,500 |
| Pre-Master’s Program Business | 2 trimesters (9 courses) | $39,780 |
| English Language Bridging Program | per 10-week level | $530 per week |
These are the pathway fees of the university’s International College for 2027, for applications received on or after 21 September 2026. They include GST.[8] Additional 2027 costs listed there: an enrolment fee of $400, Overseas Student Health Cover of $838 for 12 months (a guide price) and a Student Services and Amenities Fee of $386 per year for full-time students.[8]
Degree fees
The 2026 undergraduate fee schedule lists the Bachelor of Business at an indicative $40,540 per year, based on a full year at full-time load (80 units).[5] The program page shows the same amount but does not state the year.[7] We could not read a 2027 degree fee schedule, so we give no 2027 degree fees: look for the “2027 International Undergraduate Indicative Annual Program Fees” document on the university’s tuition-fee pages.[5]
How do you apply to the University of Newcastle?
The university’s international application page describes an online portal in which you choose your program and upload documents. Scanned originals or certified copies are required, and certification can come from a notary, a justice of the peace, an Australian Education Centre or an authorised education agent. The page recommends applying at least 12 weeks before your start date; it comes from an older snapshot, so check the current rules.[9]
We give no deadlines here because they change every year. Check the intake dates on the program page.
Which English level do you need?
The university’s English Language Proficiency Standard sets the baseline for undergraduate programs at IELTS 6.0 overall with no section below 6.0. Some programs need more: several engineering degrees list 6.0, while education degrees such as the Bachelor of Education list 7.5.[6] Equivalent scores include TOEFL iBT 70, PTE Academic 52 and Duolingo English Test 110; a test must be taken within two years of the program start.[6]
If you fall short, the English Language Bridging Program (ELBP) lets you progress without a further external test once you complete the required level, subject to the other admission requirements.[6] Visa English rules are separate; check them with the Department of Home Affairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the University of Newcastle cost for international students?
What is the University of Newcastle’s QS ranking?
What IELTS score do I need for the University of Newcastle?
Generally 6.0 overall with no band below 6.0 for undergraduate programs; some programs need more.[6]
How many international students does the University of Newcastle have?
The university’s enrolment page lists 6,387 international students out of 37,195 enrolled (2024 annual report data).[2]
Is the University of Newcastle the same as Newcastle University in the UK?
No. The University of Newcastle is in New South Wales, Australia, and has its main campus at Callaghan.[1]
More about studying in Australia
- Australia: best universities
- Study in Australia: complete guide
- Cost of Studying Abroad
- International Student Scholarships
- University Ranking Methodology
More university profiles in Australia
- Adelaide University
- Australian National University
- Curtin University
- Deakin University
- Griffith University
- James Cook University
- La Trobe University
- Macquarie University
- Monash University
- Queensland University of Technology
- RMIT University
- University of Melbourne
- The University of Queensland
- University of Sydney
- University of Tasmania
- University of Technology Sydney
- The University of Western Australia
- University of Wollongong
- UNSW Sydney
Sources
[1] Wikipedia: University of Newcastle (Australia) (history, campuses, colleges and earlier rankings; first 100,000 characters of the page read)
[2] University of Newcastle (AskUON): How many students are enrolled at the University of Newcastle? (page updated 14 Aug 2025; data from the 2024 annual report)
[3] Newcastle Herald: University of Newcastle global ranking drops to 244 in 2027 (article of 19 Jun 2026)
[4] Time Out: this Melbourne university has ranked second in Australia in the QS World Rankings (article of late June 2026 (date taken from the page address); QS publishes the ranking at topuniversities.com, which blocks automated access)
[5] University of Newcastle: 2026 International Fee-Paying Undergraduate Indicative Annual Program Fees (PDF) (file blocks automated access, read from a search-engine extract; edition for 2026)
[6] University of Newcastle: English Language Proficiency Procedure (policy page, read from a search-engine extract; page without a date)
[7] University of Newcastle: Bachelor of Business (page blocks automated access, read from a search-engine extract; page without a date)
[8] UON International College: Fees & Key Dates (2027 fees for applications received on or after 21 Sep 2026; page without a date)
[9] University of Newcastle: How to apply, international (page blocks automated access, read from a search-engine extract; older snapshot)
Figures may change; check official sources before you decide. How we compile our data · Found an error? Tell us.