University of Newcastle Faculty of Health and Medicine

• Callaghan Campus: A sprawling, bushland campus known for its natural setting and modern facilities. The medical school is part of a high-tech health precinct.

• The Joint Medical Program (JMP): Students study at either UON (Callaghan or Central Coast) or UNE (Armidale) for the first two years, following the same curriculum.

• Innovative Learning: The JMP pioneered Problem-Based Learning (PBL) in Australia. Students begin working on clinical cases in small groups from the very first week to develop clinical reasoning.

• Facilities: The campus includes advanced simulation laboratories, anatomy facilities, and the Auchmuty Library, which houses extensive medical resources.

UON has one of the most extensive clinical networks in Australia, spanning metropolitan and rural settings:

• John Hunter Hospital: The primary tertiary referral hospital for the Hunter New England region, located just minutes from the Callaghan campus.

• John Hunter Health & Innovation Precinct: A major expansion project (completion 2026) that will further integrate research and clinical education.

• Clinical Schools: * Hunter Clinical School: Based at John Hunter and Belmont Hospitals.

  • Calvary Mater Newcastle: A major cancer care and toxicology research center.

  • Central Coast Clinical School: Based at Gosford and Wyong Hospitals.

  • Rural/Regional Sites: Includes Maitland, Manning (Taree), Peel (Tamworth), and Tablelands (Armidale) Clinical Schools.

Tuition fees at UON are competitive among top-tier Australian medical schools.

• International Tuition Fee: Approximately AUD 87,448 per year (as of 2026).

• Domestic (CSP): Commonwealth Supported Places cost approx. AUD 12,700 – AUD 13,500 per year in student contributions.

• Application Fee: UON generally does not charge a direct application fee for international students, but UAC (Universities Admissions Centre) fees apply for domestic applicants.

• Vibe: Australia’s seventh-largest city, offering a perfect mix of stunning beaches (like Nobby's and Merewether), a thriving arts scene, and a relaxed lifestyle.

• Transport: The campus has its own train station (Warabrook) and frequent bus services. Students receive significant discounts on public transport via the Opal card.

• Safety: Newcastle is a very safe, community-oriented city with a much lower cost of living than nearby Sydney.

• Climate: Humid subtropical. Warm summers and mild, sunny winters.

• Student Living (On-Campus): UON offers several residential options at Callaghan, including Edwards Hall, International House, and North China.

  • Cost: Approx. AUD 300 – AUD 480 per week depending on the room type and meal plan.

• Mess/Dining: Edwards Hall is the primary catered residence, offering 16 meals per week.

  • Catered Options: Ideal for medical students with busy schedules; includes breakfast and dinner on weekdays and brunch/dinner on weekends.

• Self-Catering: Other residences (e.g., Student Village) are self-catered with modern kitchen facilities.

  • Food Budget: Self-catering students typically spend AUD 120 – AUD 180 per week.

• Undergraduate Entry: Unlike many schools that require a prior degree, you can apply directly after Year 12.

• Academic Requirements: Minimum ATAR of 94.30 (standard) or 85.00 (rural).

• Standardized Tests: UCAT ANZ is mandatory for all applicants. Registration typically closes in May for the following year's intake.

• Interviews: Selection is based on a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) and a Personal Qualities Assessment (PQA) held in late November/early December.

• NEET (For Indians): Required if you intend to return to India to practice.