Open Foundation
The University of Newcastle
CRICOS provider number: 00109J TEQSA provider ID: PRV12056
Courses included
This course has been cancelled
About
Open Foundation is a free pathway program offered at the University of Newcastle for people who do not have the qualifications required for direct entry into their desired undergraduate degree program or for those who feel they could use a little extra preparation and support before beginning their degree. It is designed to help you develop the skills you need not only to gain entry, but to find success at university and beyond.
Upon completion, Open Foundation offers guaranteed entry into over 70
undergraduate degrees at the University of Newcastle. If you are not sure what you’d like to study, Open Foundation offers you the opportunity to explore your options with a wide range of courses across several popular disciplines. You can also choose to study either 4 or 6 courses, to help you decide what undergraduate program suits you.
You will receive embedded support from the Pathways and Academic Learning Support Centre, including access to a dedicated Student Liaison Officer, a quiet space to complete your independent study, Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) and personal and careers counselling should you require it.
Open Foundation also offers flexibility. You can complete the program in just one semester if you would like to start your degree as soon as possible, or study for up to two years part time, depending on the number of courses and flexibility options you choose. Study at our Newcastle (Callaghan) or Central Coast (Ourimbah) campus, online, or a combination to suit.
Upon completion, you will receive a Certificate of Attainment and a Selection Rank equivalent, which is recognised as an entry qualification for many universities across Australia. We recommend you place Open Foundation as your fifth preference or higher, to ensure you begin your studies in the next intake.
Areas of study
Open Foundation courses cover a range of disciplines, including academic literacies and language support; business and entrepreneurship; computing, maths and technology; communications and creative industries; education; engineering; health and medical services; law; science and the environment and society and culture.
It is important to consider the undergraduate degree you’d like to study upon completion of Open Foundation, as the courses you choose help to prepare you for that area of study. If you are not sure what degree you would like to study, you can speak to a Student Liaison Officer, Careers Advisor, and other free resources to help you choose your degree destination.
Career opportunities
Upon successful completion of the program, students are guaranteed entry into a selection of undergraduate degrees at the University and are eligible to apply for admission to most degree programs. Completion of Open Foundation is accepted as an entry qualification to many universities in Australia.
Open Foundation may be used to determine eligibility for 785000 Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine (Joint Medical Program) via the Excellence Through Equity Pathway to Medicine.
Fees and charges
Open Foundation is a free pathway program – students do not have to pay any course fees. Refer to University of Newcastle current fee information.
Admission criteria
Applicants with recent secondary education
Open Foundation serves as a pathway to university studies. While applicants are not required to have completed prior studies, they must be turning at least 17* years of age in the year they commence their studies at the University of Newcastle.
* Students turning 17 in the year they commence Open Foundation will require parent/guardian consent.
Applicants with higher education study
Open Foundation serves as a pathway to university studies, welcoming applicants without the prerequisite of prior studies.
If you have previously completed (or partially completed) university studies, you may be eligible for admission to a bachelor’s degree program at the University of Newcastle.Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study
Open Foundation serves as a pathway to university studies, welcoming applicants without the prerequisite of prior studies.
If you have previously completed VET studies (e.g., studies at TAFE), you may be eligible for admission to a bachelor’s degree program at the University of Newcastle.
Review the Guaranteed Entry Admission Scheme.
Applicants with work and life experience
Open Foundation serves as a pathway to university studies, welcoming applicants without the prerequisite of an ATAR or prior studies.
Further information
View all details of this course on the University of Newcastle website.
University of Newcastle degrees
The academic content of all programs is subject to routine review.
ATAR profile
ATAR-based offers only (semester 1, 2023)
Use all ATAR profile data as a guide only; it provides a broad overview of the ATARs and selection ranks of previous Year 12 students admitted into that course. ATARs and selection ranks required for entry in 2024 may be different. If you are unsure about including a course among your preferences, contact the relevant institution.
- This ATAR profile table is in line with Commonwealth Government transparency requirements. It is based on offers to recent school leavers (ie completed Year 12 in the last 2 years) who were selected solely or partly on their ATAR. Note that some institutions further differentiate this information on their websites.
- The ATAR values exclude any adjustment factors.
- The selection ranks include the ATAR and any adjustment factors.
Abbreviations
– = data is not available.<5 = less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made.
N/A = no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
NC = new course
NP = Not provided by institution
NR = No reportable profile
NS = No Semester 1 offers
NN = Unavailable (other)
NO = Entry on other criteria
Student profile
Course updates
Courses are added and cancelled throughout the admissions year and course details are subject to change. Check the UAC course search regularly.
Review of programs
The academic content of all programs is subject to routine review. For up-to-date details, visit University of Newcastle degrees.