Foundation Studies in Medicine (CRICOS course code 104603H) is a Non AQF Award delivered by The University of Newcastle (UoN) over 1 year, designed to prepare international students for undergraduate study in medicine or health sciences. Newcastle, a vibrant coastal city in NSW, hosts over 40,000 students and offers a lower cost of living compared to Sydney, making it a popular choice. The indicative total fee of A$37,773 (tuition plus non-tuition) is set by the provider and subject to change. As with all CRICOS-registered courses, international students are protected under the ESOS Act. At HeadStart Academy, we provide verified CRICOS data to help you compare courses confidently. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses — this program is one of them. Whether you are a high school graduate or seeking a pathway into medicine, this foundation program offers a solid academic start.
Foundation Studies in Medicine (CRICOS course code 104603H) is a Non AQF Award delivered by The University of Newcastle (UoN) over 1 year (52 weeks). This program falls under the field of Mixed Field Programmes (129999), which covers interdisciplinary preparatory courses. It is designed for international students who aim to pursue a Bachelor of Medicine or other health science degrees. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider code 00109J), it meets Australian government standards for international education. The University of Newcastle is a public research university with a strong reputation in health and medicine. Students completing this foundation program may progress to undergraduate degrees at UoN or other Australian universities, subject to meeting entry requirements. The course is delivered in English and does not include a mandatory work component, allowing students to focus on academic preparation. The institution is a government-owned provider, ensuring high quality assurance.
This foundation program covers a broad curriculum in mixed field programmes, specifically tailored for future medical study. Students can expect to develop core skills in critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and communication. Typical learning outcomes at this level include an introduction to human biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics as they apply to medicine. While the exact syllabus is set by The University of Newcastle, the course is designed to bridge the gap between high school and university-level study. International students will also benefit from English for Academic Purposes (EAP) components integrated into the program. The field of education, 'Other Mixed Field Programmes', indicates that this course combines multiple disciplines without fitting into a single narrow field. This interdisciplinary approach is common for foundation studies that prepare students for specific professional degrees. Graduates gain foundational knowledge that can be applied in undergraduate medical curricula.
According to the CRICOS register, Foundation Studies in Medicine has a duration of 1 year (52 weeks). The course is delivered full-time on campus at the University of Newcastle College of International Education (UNCIE) in Newcastle, NSW. The language of instruction is English, and it is a single qualification (not a dual award or part of a package). There is no additional foundation studies component because this course itself is a pathway program. International students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) must maintain full-time enrolment and satisfactory attendance. The course pace is designed to accommodate students from different educational backgrounds. As a non-AQF award, it does not contribute to the Australian Qualifications Framework, but it prepares students for AQF-level programs. This structure allows students to focus exclusively on building the academic skills needed for university success.
The indicative tuition fee for Foundation Studies in Medicine is A$37,400, as recorded on the CRICOS register (April 2026). Non-tuition fees are estimated at A$373, making the total indicative fee A$37,773. Please note: these are not guaranteed figures. The University of Newcastle sets fees and may revise them annually. Additional costs not included in the indicative total include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory for student visa holders (typically A$500–A$700 per year for single cover), living expenses (rent, groceries, transport), and the visa application charge (currently A$1,600 for Subclass 500). For accurate current fees, always consult the official provider website at newcastle.edu.au. At HeadStart Academy, we recommend budgeting at least A$20,000–A$25,000 per year for living costs in Newcastle, where average weekly rent is around A$250–A$400 for shared accommodation. ESOS protections ensure fee refunds in certain circumstances if the provider defaults.
Entry requirements for Foundation Studies in Medicine are set by The University of Newcastle and may vary by intake. Generally, international students need to have completed Year 12 or equivalent with satisfactory grades in science and mathematics subjects. English language proficiency is a key requirement: most foundation programs require an IELTS overall band score of 5.5 to 6.5 (or equivalent) with no band below 5.0. Some providers may accept TOEFL, PTE Academic, or Cambridge English scores. It is essential to check the specific English language requirement for this course on the UoN website. Additionally, applicants may need to demonstrate academic potential through previous transcripts and a personal statement. Foundation/pathway options: This course itself is a pathway program, so no additional foundation is required. Students who do not meet direct entry may consider alternative pathways such as English language courses or other foundation programs. HeadStart Academy advises all prospective students to verify requirements with the provider and, if needed, consult a registered MARA agent for visa advice.
Foundation Studies in Medicine does not include a mandatory work component. International students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during the academic term and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks, subject to visa conditions. However, this course does not require or organise any work placement. Students should balance work and study to meet academic requirements. For visa-related work rights, refer to the Department of Home Affairs or your student visa grant letter. It is advisable to prioritise study, as foundation programs are often intensive and require full engagement.
Foundation Studies in Medicine is delivered at the University of Newcastle College of International Education (UNCIE) in Newcastle, New South Wales. Newcastle is the second-largest city in NSW, with a population of over 500,000 and a significant student community of around 40,000. The city offers affordable living compared to Sydney, with average weekly rents of A$250–A$400 for student accommodation. Public transport includes buses and trains connecting the campus to the city centre and suburbs. Newcastle has a mild climate, beautiful beaches, and a growing cultural scene. The university itself is one of 20+ CRICOS-registered providers in Newcastle, offering over 200 courses to international students. Studying in Newcastle provides a supportive environment for international students, with access to student services, libraries, and health facilities.
Newcastle offers a balanced lifestyle for international students pursuing foundation studies. With a lower cost of living than Sydney or Melbourne — estimated weekly expenses around A$450–A$700 including rent — students can focus on their studies without excessive financial pressure. The city’s public transport network includes a light rail, buses, and trains, making it easy to travel to and from UNCIE. Newcastle also has a strong sense of community, with many international student clubs and support services. However, if you prefer a larger city with more diverse job opportunities, Sydney or Melbourne might be more suitable. Consider your personal preferences: Newcastle’s relaxed beachside environment is ideal for those who enjoy outdoor activities and a quieter pace. For more information on studying in NSW, visit our NSW state page. Regardless of city choice, all CRICOS-registered courses are backed by ESOS Act protections.
International students enrolling in Foundation Studies in Medicine must obtain a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study in Australia. This visa requires you to be enrolled full-time in a CRICOS-registered course. Key conditions include maintaining satisfactory attendance and course progress, valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and dependants (if applicable). The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion requires you to demonstrate a genuine intention to stay temporarily in Australia for study. Work rights allow up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during breaks. For detailed visa information, visit our Student visa page or the Department of Home Affairs website. Remember: HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice; consult a MARA-registered agent for visa applications.
Step 1: Research CRICOS-registered providers. Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Non AQF Award), field of education (Mixed Field Programmes), and location (Newcastle). Verify that the provider (The University of Newcastle, CRICOS 00109J) and course code (104603H) are current on the official CRICOS register.
Step 2: Apply directly to The University of Newcastle (UoN). Check the entry requirements, including English language test scores (typically IELTS 5.5–6.5 overall). Submit your academic transcripts, application form, and any other required documents through the university's application portal. Pay attention to application deadlines for your preferred intake (typically February or July).
Step 3: Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500). Once UoN issues the CoE, you can apply for the visa online via the Department of Home Affairs. Prepare evidence of OSHC, financial capacity (tuition + living costs + dependants), and a Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement. Apply well in advance to allow processing time.
Ready to start your journey? Explore other foundation programs in Newcastle or check your eligibility using our course search tool.
Foundation Studies in Medicine is a CRICOS-registered programme at The University of Newcastle (UoN). Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.