The Express Preparation Program (EPP) is a pathway program for international students who have completed Year 12 or an equivalent qualification but do not meet the academic and/or English requirements for direct entry into a University of Newcastle bachelor's degree. It is designed to prepare students for undergraduate study academically and socially.

Key benefits include:

• Provides a faster pathway into Year 1 of eligible University of Newcastle bachelor degrees.
• Designed specifically for students who have completed secondary school.
• Develops English-language and academic skills needed for university study.
• Combines academic preparation with university-oriented learning.
• Provides access to more than 130 bachelor's degree pathways according to the latest CIE prospectus.
• Students study five core courses and must achieve the required progression average for their chosen degree.
• The program can be particularly useful for students whose secondary-school results are below the University's direct-entry threshold but who still satisfy the EPP entry requirements.
• CIE provides a combined pathway between the College and University, helping students transition into their selected undergraduate degree.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The EPP consists of five core courses:

1. Academic English B
2. Digital Literacy
3. Australian Studies
4. Integrated Learning
5. Either Human Biology or General Mathematics.

The fifth subject is selected according to the student's pathway/degree requirements.

The program is designed to develop:

• Academic English
• Digital literacy
• Understanding of Australia and Australian society
• Integrated academic learning
• Quantitative skills through General Mathematics where applicable
• Foundational biological knowledge through Human Biology where applicable

Disciplines / Specialisations

EPP does not have conventional majors or specialisations.

Instead, students select a future bachelor's pathway. The five-course EPP structure includes a choice between:

• Human Biology
• General Mathematics

The pathway supports a wide range of disciplines, including:

• Arts and humanities
• Business and commerce
• Information technology
• Computer science
• Engineering
• Environmental science
• Architecture
• Construction management
• Health-related disciplines
• Psychology
• Social sciences
• Media and communication
• Tourism, hospitality and events
• Science
• Mathematics
• Design
• Education

Programme Highlights

• Full-time university preparation pathway.
• 5 core courses.
• Approximately 4 months of study.
• 2026 program fee: AUD $15,900.
• Newcastle City Campus (NUspace).
• CRICOS code: 113390H.
• February and September 2026 intakes.
• Designed for students who have completed Year 12 or equivalent.
• Pathway to Year 1 of more than 130 bachelor's degrees according to the latest CIE prospectus.
• Academic English and digital literacy preparation.
• Choice of Human Biology or General Mathematics.
• Specific progression scores are provided for individual destination degrees.
• Potential access to CIE scholarships and subsequent University progression scholarships.

Career Outcomes

EPP itself is not a professional qualification and does not directly qualify students for a particular occupation.

Its primary outcome is progression to Year 1 of an eligible University of Newcastle bachelor's degree. After completing that bachelor's degree, career opportunities will depend on the student's chosen discipline.

Examples include pathways into:

• Business and management
• Accounting and commerce
• Information technology
• Computer science
• Engineering
• Environmental science
• Architecture
• Construction
• Psychology
• Science
• Media and communication
• Tourism and hospitality
• Social sciences
• Arts and humanities
• Selected health professions

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The latest CIE information confirms that EPP remains an undergraduate pathway for students who have completed Year 12 or equivalent but do not meet the direct-entry academic and/or English requirements. The 2027 CIE prospectus states that EPP can lead to Year 1 of more than 130 bachelor's degrees.

Important requirements include:

• Students must achieve the EPP average score specified for their destination degree.
• The progression average is calculated over the five EPP courses.
• Students must satisfy the specific English requirement for their intended degree.
• Certain degrees have additional requirements.
• Nursing and Education have particularly high English-language requirements.
• The Joint Medical Program is excluded from the general EPP pathway listed on the programme page.
• A successful EPP result does not automatically remove other admission or professional requirements applicable to the destination degree.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students undertaking EPP in Australia generally use the Australian Student visa (subclass 500), subject to their individual circumstances and course packaging.

The Department of Home Affairs states that Student visa applicants must:

• Be enrolled in an eligible Australian course.
• Hold a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) when the visa is decided.
• Maintain appropriate Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), unless exempt.
• Meet the Genuine Student requirement.
• Meet any applicable financial-capacity requirements.
• Meet health and character requirements where applicable.
• Provide welfare arrangements if under 18.