The College of International Education (CIE) is the official international pathway provider for the University of Newcastle, offering programs equivalent to the first year of undergraduate study but with extra academic and English language support tailored for international students. Completing a Degree Transfer program successfully allows students to progress directly into Year 2 of an undergraduate degree at the University without needing a separate English test like IELTS again when transitioning.

 

The Degree Transfer Engineering pathway is for students targeting engineering degrees at the University of Newcastle — a well-ranked engineering school with strong global recognition in multiple specialisations.

 

Why Study Degree Transfer Engineering?

• University-level curriculum: You study the exact same subjects as Year 1 engineering students at the University of Newcastle.
• Direct Year 2 progression: Once you complete the program, you enter second year of your chosen engineering bachelor.
• World-ranked engineering offerings: The University is highly regarded in areas like automation, control, civil and structural engineering.
• Academic and English support: The program blends core engineering courses with academic English to support international learners.
• Campus experience: You study on campus in Newcastle with access to university facilities, orientation and student services.

 

Subjects / Programme Structure

Core Courses

Students study a mix of core engineering and directed subjects that match the University’s Year 1 engineering curriculum:

Core units (6):

• ENGG1003 Introduction to Procedural Programming

• ENGG1500 Introduction to Professional Engineering

• MATH1110 Maths for Engineering, Science and Tech 1

• MATH1120 Maths for Engineering, Science and Tech 2

• Academic English A

• Academic English B

 

Directed units (choose 4):
Subjects vary depending on degree interest and may include:

• CIVL1100 Fundamentals of Engineering Mechanics

• CIVL1200 Earth Systems

• ELEC1310 Introduction to Electrical Engineering

• ELEC1710 Digital & Computer Electronics 1

• ENGG2500 Sustainable Engineering Practice

• HUBS1105 Musculoskeletal Anatomy (for some health-aligned pathways)

• MECH1110 Mechanical Drawing/CAD and Workshop Practice

• MECH1750 Engineering Materials 1

• PHYS1205 Fundamentals of Engineering Physics

• PHYS1210 Advanced Physics 1

• PHYS1220 Advanced Physics 2

• SENG1110 Object Oriented Programming

• SURV1200 Introduction to Surveying

 

Disciplines / Specialisations

Successful completion enables progression into Year 2 of a range of University of Newcastle engineering degrees, such as:

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) — various streams including:

• Civil

• Mechanical

• Electrical

• Software & Computer

• Mechatronics

• Robotics & Automation

• Environmental & Energy Systems

• Surveying & Spatial Sciences

 

Highlights & Benefits

• True Year 1 equivalence: You study the same subjects as first-year engineering undergraduates with academic English integrated.
• Direct entry to Year 2: Allows you to complete the first year in a supportive environment and advance without repeating foundations.
• Group of Eight engineering quality: The University of Newcastle’s engineering school has strong global rankings in subjects like automation, control, and civil engineering.
• On-campus support: You have access to university facilities, libraries, clubs, career support and academic guidance.

 

Career Outcomes

Graduates of full engineering degrees (after progressing from this pathway) can pursue careers such as:

• Civil Engineer
• Mechanical Engineer
• Electrical & Electronics Engineer
• Software/Systems Engineer
• Automation & Robotics Specialist
• Environmental/Structural Engineer
• Engineering Project Manager

 

Visa Requirements

International students enrolling full-time in this on-campus program require:

• Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500)
• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from CIE
• Proof of adequate funds (tuition + living costs)
• OSHC health insurance
• Academic and identity documents

 

Latest Updates & Requirements

• CIE Degree Transfer Engineering is a standard 12-month pathway with Feb & Jul intakes.
• A Degree Transfer Extended Engineering option is available (16 months) for students needing extra academic support before Year 1 content.
• Degree Transfer programs are identical to the first year university curriculum and lead to Year 2 progression across multiple engineering majors.