The University of Newcastle College of International Education (CIE) offers pathway programs designed to help international students transition into the University of Newcastle. One of these is the Express Preparation Program (EPP) — a short, intensive academic preparation course that builds key academic skills and strengthens English in order to prepare students for undergraduate study at the University of Newcastle.

 

Why Study the Express Preparation Program?

The Express Preparation Program is ideal for students who:

• Have completed high school (Year 12 or equivalent) but don’t meet direct entry requirements for university degrees.
• Want a fast-track academic and English preparation in one trimester (about 4 months).
• Intend to progress into Year 1 of a broad range of University of Newcastle bachelor degrees, excluding the Joint Medical Program.
• Seek an intensive preparation before starting full undergraduate courses.

 

Programme Structure & Subjects

The Express Preparation Program typically includes five core academic foundation courses designed to build academic skills and discipline knowledge relevant to Year 1 university study.

Core Courses

• Academic English B — advanced academic communication skills for higher education.

• Digital Literacy — IT skills for academic research and digital communication.

• Australian Studies — understanding Australian culture, higher education context, and academic expectations.

• Integrated Learning — academic study strategies, critical thinking and interdisciplinary learning.

• EITHER Human Biology OR General Mathematics — chosen based on future degree direction to give introductory subject knowledge relevant to science or quantitative study.

 

Disciplines & Specialisations Access

After completing the Express Preparation Program with the required progression scores, you can progress into Year 1 of most University of Newcastle bachelor degrees, including but not limited to:

• Business & Commerce (e.g., Bachelor of Commerce, Business Analytics)
• Engineering & Built Environment (e.g., Civil, Mechanical)
• Information Technology
• Science & Health Sciences
• Arts, Media & Social Sciences

 

Highlights & Benefits

• Fast preparation: Only ~4 months to build academic readiness.
• Access to many degrees: Prepares you for entry into over 100 undergraduate programs (excluding medicine).
• Academic and English skill focus: Balances foundation academic content with essential English for tertiary study.
• Pathway progression: Successful completion can unlock a progression scholarship for your future degree.

 

Career Outcomes

The program itself does not lead directly to a job, but it prepares you for university study, which in turn enables career pathways across:

• Business and Management
• Engineering and Technology
• Science and Environmental Studies
• IT and Digital Roles
• Creative and Social Sciences

 

Visa Requirements

International students must obtain an Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) to study the full-time Express Preparation Program on campus. The key visa elements include:

• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from CIE
• Proof of funds (tuition + living expenses)
• OSHC for health insurance
• Valid passport and necessary identity/academic documents

 

Latest Updates & Requirements

• The program continues to be offered with February and September intakes for 2026.
• English entry is generally IELTS 6.0 overall with bands no lower than 5.5 (or equivalent).
• Progression criteria require a certain average score in your EPP subjects aligned to your chosen future degree.