Commitment to equity

For nearly 50 years, our University has led the way in providing equity of access to higher education. We believe that equitable access is fundamental, and creates positive change in the communities our alumni live and work in. Over half our domestic undergraduate students are the first in their family to go to university, inspiring other relatives and friends to explore further education.

Supporting you, every step of the way

At the University of Newcastle, we'll support you throughout your educational experience. Our entry options mean there’s more than one pathway to get into your degree and our scholarships will give you the extra support that might be needed to get you through your studies.

Every age and every life stage

We engage primary and high school students in our Uni Steps program and Schools to University (S2U) program to demystify the university experience and encourage them into further education. We also provide free academic and peer support for our students, and in particular those that study with us through our pathway programs like Open Foundation and Yapug. If you’ve ever thought that uni is not for you, think again. A higher education is for anyone who wants to learn, regardless of their background, circumstances, or abilities.

Indigenous support

The Wollotuka Institute and Thurru Indigenous Health Unit will assist you by providing a welcoming space and a place to connect with other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. You can also access mentorship, tutoring and scholarship assistance from experienced staff, Elders and cultural leaders. We'll offer you programs that provide multiple pathways to uni and beyond, like our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Admission Scheme, Indigenous Early Entry Law Scheme, with guaranteed places into our law program, our Miroma Bunbilla Program, a pre-entry pathway to the Joint Medical Program, and our Yapug pathway program into our undergraduate degrees.

You'll join a safe and welcoming cultural space, with a diverse staff and student community that celebrates equity and inclusion. You'll have access to the knowledge, industry connections and real-world learning experiences to prepare you for your career and life. Join our community and start your journey today.

Accessibility

We’re committed to providing an equitable learning environment for all future and current students –including those with disabilities or medical conditions that may affect their participation, engagement or learning opportunities.

Our AccessAbility initiative aims to support students to reach their full academic potential and create an environment that promotes independence and success.

Learn more about our AccessAbility initatives

Initially pursuing nursing, Kobey has always been interested in helping others. “I want to look after people, give back, and just be a really good person and role model”, Kobey said.

Following a recommended course load, he completed his HSC but was surprised to learn he would not receive an ATAR.

Not letting this set back stop him, Kobey reached out to his teacher at Clontarf Foundation who helped put him in touch with the University of Newcastle. Visiting the Wollotuka Institute, Kobey learned about the different options available to him and decided to pursue our Yapug pathway program, “I was lucky enough to enrol in Yapug. I wouldn't change a thing about my story because Yapug helped me so much”.

After one semester of Yapug, Kobey was again considering his options. Still pursuing nursing, he thought that medicine was not an option. Staff at the Wollotuka Institute could see Kobey’s potential and urged him to look at all the possibilities, suggesting he would be perfect for medicine and to consider the Miroma Bunbilla pathway to medicine.

“It really opened my eyes. I was like, wow, I really want to do this”. The 5-day assessment program solidified Kobey’s interest in pursuing medicine, having learned about the skills required to become a doctor.

Thinking about his next steps, Kobey also wondered how he would balance work, study and life. After seeing a Ma & Morley Scholarship poster, Kobey thought he’d apply and was successful.

After being awarded a Ma & Morley Scholarship and completing the Miroma Bunbilla assessment program, Kobey learned he had been admitted to the Joint Medical Program (JMP). “I found out I made it into medicine at 2:30am. I started waking everyone up saying I made it, I made it, I made it”.

Kobey has now begun his degree and is enjoying the challenge. He wants to help inspire other Indigenous people to pursue their dreams, letting them know anything is possible, “that's my goal, to help young Indigenous people understand that it's always possible to put your mind to things if you want it”.

Kobey

Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine

Ma & Morley Scholar 2022

1,600+ Indigenous graduates