US Undergraduate Study

University students who are pursuing a Bachelor’s degree are called “undergraduates.” Most universities offer undergraduate students a liberal education, which means students are required to take courses across several disciplines before choosing one major field of study in which to specialize. Undergraduate students will often ask each other, “What is your major?” meaning, “What is your major field of study?

Courses at most universities are only one semester long. Each course is assigned a number of credit hours, generally based on how much time is spent in class. Most courses are three credits, but some might be one, two, four, or five credits. All degree programs require that their students completely a minimum number of credits before they are eligible for graduation. Most Bachelor’s degree programs do not require students to write a final thesis. 

Ranked in the top 250 of the world’s universities the University of Newcastle, Australia, is a leader in university education, with a reputation for high quality teaching and learning and exciting, contemporary academic programs. Students are taught by researchers who are leaders in their field and graduate ready to make an impact across the globe. Over two thirds of our graduates find employment within four months of finishing their degrees. Personal face-to-face learning is supported by cutting-edge facilities and the latest in digital learning technologies; while a vibrant campus culture makes the experience of UON the perfect balance of study and lifestyle.

The University of Newcastle is proud of its international student body. Of the 40,000 students enrolled in the university, over 7,000 originate from over 100 countries outside Australia. Studying at UON gives you not only the skills and networks to shape your future, but the global outlook necessary for today’s world. We also offer international students a range of support services and cultural programs tailored to their needs through our dedicated UON Global team.

Choose from over 100 undergraduate programs across five faculties: Business & Law, Education & Arts, Engineering & Built Environment, Health & Medicine, and Science & IT. If you know the program you’re interested in studying, you can search for it in our degree finder.

Undergraduate degrees are available for international students at all major campuses, including our two main locations, Newcastle Campus (Callaghan) and Newcastle City Precinct. Here, you can experience one of Australia’s most beloved coastal cities. You can also study in our new Sydney Campus, placing you in the heart of Australia’s busiest business hub, or in the tranquil environment of our Central Coast Campus . And for students wishing to study outside Australia, our Singapore Campus delivers many of our world-class undergraduate degrees in one of Asia’s most international cities.

Students who have completed university-level courses at other institutions may receive credit for that coursework at the University of Newcastle. These credit transfers could help you complete your degree earlier or study new subjects rather than repeat prior learning.Most often, we award credit to students who have completed Diploma programs or part of a Bachelor degree. See our Credit and Articulation Procedure for more information.