Australia Newcastle

Program Site
Newcastle combines a country setting with all the advantages of city living, approximately 500 acres with 300 acres of natural bushland complete with Australian wildlife. Situated on a breathtaking stretch of Australia's coastline, Newcastle boasts wonderful beaches, a low cost of living, a very favorable climate and a casual lifestyle (and it's close to Sydney, the capital of New South Wales). Its population of 350,000 supports a thriving business and commercial sector, and an excellent network of leading health care and educational facilities. Newcastle offers all of the usual city comforts, such as restaurants, cafes, parks and gardens, theatres, art galleries, shopping centers and nightclubs. Less than one hour's drive to the north is the impressive harbour of Port Stephens, a popular center for big game fishing and sailing, surfing and sailboarding. And to the west are the internationally famous wineries of the Hunter Valley, many of them more than a century old. Established in 1965, the University of Newcastle attracts students and staff of the highest calibre. The University has two campuses: Callaghan (the largest campus) in Newcastle, and Central Coast at Ourimbah (halfway between Newcastle and Sydney). Today more than 19,000 students can choose from 150 undergraduate and postgraduate courses offered by 11 Faculties: Architecture, Art and Design, Arts and Social Science, Economics and Music, Nursing and Science and Mathematics. Its graduates are in high demand. The University is accredited and closely monitored by the Australian government. It offers Undergraduate (Bachelor) Degrees, Diploma and/or Associate Diploma, Graduate Diplomas, Masters Degree and the Ph.D.
Academic Program Highlights
Students will be able to choose from the full range of courses in Architecture, Art and Design, Arts and Social Science, Economics and Commerce, Education, Engineering, Law, Medicine and Health Sciences, Music, Nursing and Science and Mathematics. The usual full-time academic load for undergraduate students is 16 semester hours and a study abroad student must enroll for a minimum of 12 semester hours. Language of instruction is English. Course descriptions, lists of courses offered and calendar of semesters can be found at http://www.newcastle.edu.au/courseinfo/.
Program Duration
Late-February - Mid-July (1^st session)
Mid-July - Late-November (2^nd session)
Application Deadlines*
Early-November (1^st session)
Early-April (2^nd session)
*Note: Contact Rio Salado College for exact dates.
Recommended Credits
12 - 16 credits
Transcripts
For all courses taken at the University of Newcastle where there are equivalent courses in the MCCCD, the official record for those credits will be posted on the MCCCD, Rio Salado College, transcript.
Eligibility
For admission to the program, students must have completed one year of full-time study at a university or other institute of higher education, grade point average of at least 2.5, three letters of recommendation and transcripts.
Student Life
On-campus housing is available, but on a limited basis. The University's Accommodation Service can help students who wish to live independently in the community. Residences have options for both meal plans and self-provision. Newcastle has well-stocked libraries, student clubs, shops, cafes, sports facilities, the Conservatorium Concert Hall, modern lecture theatres and laboratories. The Student Union organizes many of the University's important social and cultural events. The Sports Union offers a variety of recreational activities, from hanggliding, mountaineering, surfing, and snow skiing to archery, fencing and the martial arts. Courses are available in sports such as scuba diving, golf and weight training. The University boasts exceptional sporting facilities including a large multipurpose sporting complex, featuring an indoor Olympic-standard swimming pool, a rock climbing wall, gymnasium and weight training room. Other sporting facilities at the Callaghan campus include seven squash courts, a tennis complex, sports shop, five playing ovals, basketball and volleyball courts. Wollatuka, the Aboriginal Studies Center, has several field trips, which are open to international students.
Costs
The cost of a semester may vary as changes occur in the economies and currencies of the U.S. and Australia. The factors listed below are used to calculate program costs.

Tuition at Rio Salado College (assessed according to the student's residency status).

Program costs in Australia, including instruction, housing, application and orientation fees, insurance, books and field trips.

Transportation to Australia.

Financial Aid
Any financial aid for which students are eligible during the course of their study at Rio Salado College, including Pell Grants, can be used toward the cost of the program in Australia.
For More Information
Office of International Education
Rio Salado College
2323 W. 14^th St.
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 517-8416
(480) 517-8849 Fax
Contact: Erma Abeyta, Director of International Programs
OIE@riomail.maricopa.edu