The University of Newcastle continues to excel as a global leader, with new rankings recently released showing the university improved across every broad subject area.

Overview

Wondering how to apply to an Australian STEM program? Look no further. We’ll guide you through the process, step by step.

Here’s what you’ll find on this page:

If you have questions or concerns at any stage in the process, we are just a call or an email away!

1. Eligibility

Determining Your Eligibility

Have you met the minimum GPA requirement? Do you have all the prerequisites?

Figuring out if you’re eligible to apply to a program is a great first step. Eligibility is based on several factors and can differ across universities. To get started, have a look at the following resources:

 

Minimum vs Competitive
Even if you meet the minimum requirements, it doesn’t always mean you’ll be a competitive applicant.

Minimum GPA/admissions test scores are defined by each university and are the lowest scores required to be eligible to apply.

Competitive GPA/admissions test scores are the minimum scores that receive an offer and can vary year to year.

 

We’ll always be transparent about your chances of receiving an offer. Not competitive? We’ll help you figure out your options. Sometimes applicants decide to pursue a different study area—we can help with that, too! Check out our helpful FAQs for more insight on eligibility.

2. Apply Online

Start Your Application

Fill out the OzTREKK application. This application only comes to us, so don’t worry about making a mistake.

Completing your OzTREKK application early is a great way for us to get to know you and your goals, and it ensures you don’t miss a deadline!

 

What to Expect on the Application
The basics: your full name, address, program of interest, etc., plus your education history.

Once you’ve pressed “Submit,” congratulations! You’re officially an OzTREKK student! We’ll send you a confirmation email and let you know what else is required to complete your university application.

If you’d like to make changes to your application or to your program selection, no problem. We can adjust anything as we go.

3. Submit Documents

Submit Your Documents to OzTREKK

You’ve pressed “Submit” on your OzTREKK application and you’re ready for the next step.

 

Upload Your Documents to the myOzTREKK Portal
You’ll receive an email with your log-in credentials. Once you’re set up, you can begin uploading your application documents (except transcripts) to the myOzTREKK student portal. We only need one copy of each document.

The myOzTREKK portal is where you’ll be able to keep track of your applications:

  • Manage your applications (see where you’ve applied or cancel applications)
  • Upload documents like your passport and résumé
  • Review your files and education history (make sure everything looks right!)
  • Submit questions to your admissions team

 

When Should I Send My Documents?
The earlier the better! We’ll need all your documents before the application deadlines; the earlier we have them, the more guidance we can provide.

Remember, we’re here for you throughout the entire process, so always feel free to ask us questions.

4. OzTREKK Submits Application

OzTREKK Submits Your Complete Application(s)

Once all your documents are in, we’ll submit your application to the university and send you a confirmation email with estimated outcome dates.

This is the waiting period. It can be stressful, but now that your application is under assessment, we’ll share everything you need to know in this “layover” phase:

  • Resources for confident decision-making if you receive an offer (or multiple offers!)
  • Financing information (including contacts)
  • Community connections (OzTREKK events and more!)

FAQs

If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for, please contact us. We’re here to help!

 

Can my partner or family come to Australia with me if I get an offer? 

Many Canadians wish to fulfill their career goals after getting married, having kids, or both! We’ve had plenty of students who have taken their partner and/or children with them.

If you want to take your partner or family with you, you’ll need to add them as a secondary applicant or dependents to your student visa application. Even if you don’t plan on taking them with you, we suggest you add them to your application anyway because it can be complex, expensive, and time-consuming to add them afterwards. You’ll then need to provide additional documentation to support your claims of a relationship or your children’s dependency status.

In addition to looking after the visa, you’ll also need to ensure they’re included on your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), you have appropriate accommodation, and if you’re bringing children, you’ll need to enroll them in school.

Visit our Health Insurance page for more information.

Can I apply if I’m only 17?

Yes, but you’ll require parental or guardian consent (signature). OzTREKK will provide the necessary documentation for this signature.

If you won’t be 18 when your program starts, you’ll be required to show that you’ll be living with an approved guardian until you turn 18. If you don’t have an approved guardian in Australia, you may need a family member to apply for a guardian visa to accompany you. This guardian visa should be obtained as part of the student visa application

 

Can my entire application be submitted through OzTREKK?

Absolutely. We manage and submit your application(s) on your behalf and communicate any updates from the universities.

Applying to an  Australian or New Zealand university starts by filling out our OzTREKK application: You’ll tell us a bit about yourself, like your name, address, date of birth, education history, and what schools you want to apply to!

When you click “Submit,” the application with all your information only comes to us, so there’s no need to worry about making a mistake at this stage. We then create a file for you (based on your name, not a number!) and email you a list of documents required to complete your application—things like passport photo page, transcripts, résumé, personal statement—but it depends on the program, as some programs require more paperwork than others.

If you get an offer, we’ll help you with that part, too! Whether you want to accept or decline, we’ll help you figure out your next steps. If you accept your offer, we’ll even help you get ready to go. We’re here to be an advocate for you, and to walk you through the entire process from start to finish.

Should you have any questions along the way, just send us an email or book a chat. That’s why we’re here!

Are there any scholarships for international students?

Scholarship options in Australia are usually limited for international students as they tend to be reserved for those undertaking postgraduate research degrees; however, we can advise you where to look and whether specific programs have a history of offering scholarships.

Occasionally, scholarships are granted to high achievers—those with very high marks. In previous years, we have seen $5000- to $10,000-scholarships given to OzTREKK students.

Check out OzTREKK’s Financing page to learn more about scholarships and paying for your degree.

What does “rolling admissions” mean?

Rolling admissions means the university assesses applications as they are received, or on a “first come, first served” basis. As soon as they’ve met the quota and the program is filled, they close the applications. So, for a program that has rolling admissions, the earlier you apply the better!

How does OzTREKK know if my application will be competitive?

The majority of Canadians applying to full-degree programs in Australia (i.e., not study abroad courses, which usually only last a semester or two) apply through OzTREKK. They’re studying medicine, dentistry, law, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, etc.

Since they’re using OzTREKK’s services, this gives us a good idea of the starting point of a competitive application each year, allowing us to help you determine which universities/programs are most likely to present you with a letter of offer!

You can get started on determining your chances by reviewing the admissions requirements on each program page. Then, visit our GPA Conversions and Eligibility pages for details and suggestions to help you get into the program of your dreams. Of course, OzTREKK is always here to help if you have questions.

What is a 5.0 GPA in Australia?

Unlike in Canada, GPAs in Australia are simple. They are standardized, so they mean the same thing to everyone.

In Australia, a 5.0 / 7.0 would roughly translate to a 2.7 / 4.0 or approximately 70% – 72%, but keep in mind all universities assess slightly differently.

Learn more on our GPA Conversions page where we list the most common Canadian GPA scales to their corresponding Australian GPA grade.

Which prerequisites do I need?

Prerequisite courses vary by university and by program. We’ve listed university- and program-specific requirements on each program’s page under “Admissions Requirements.”

How do universities calculate GPA?

Calculations differ by university, but most use cumulative (all units within a program) or weighted GPA (typically last 2 or 3 years of study). See GPA Calculations for more information.

Can I do my courses online?

Some programs may offer online delivery, although it is important to note that international students in an online program are not eligible for an Australian student visa. If you choose to study online, you will have to study this program from your home country.

Can I transfer credits from my Canadian university?

Typically, international universities do not allow an automatic transfer of studies; however, you can apply for credit based on your previous studies, and if the university determines your previous courses are equivalent to those in their program, they will offer you credit for those subjects.

To apply for credit, you will need to provide a list of subjects from your undergraduate degree that you feel are relevant to this program or which might overlap with program content. You will then need to collect the detailed course outlines for each of these subjects, and we can submit these to the Australian university with your application.

What does an “Honours” program mean?

Honours studies in Australia differ from Honours studies at Canadian universities. In Australia, an Honours degree is typically awarded after an additional year of research has been completed following the standard 3-year undergraduate degree program. In Canada, an Honours degree is usually awarded after four years of undergraduate study and may or may not include an undergraduate thesis, depending on the school and program.

What are official transcripts, and how do I send them?

For a transcript to be considered “official,” it must be sent directly from your high school, college, and/or university (either via snail mail or by email). It can even come from you—as long as it arrives in the original, sealed envelope.

To assess your application, universities must see your official transcripts certified by OzTREKK—a requirement of Australian and New Zealand universities and a part of our agreement with them.

By email (preferred method): Your high school, college and/or university can email them to transcripts@oztrekk.com or they can use an official transcript service, like Parchment or MyCreds. When submitting a request for a digital transcript and a password is required, please use OZTREKK1 (all capitals, no spaces). If you have a character limit or need to set an access pin, please use 1234.

By mail (only if unable to send via email): Please order your transcripts to be sent directly to our office from all institutions where you have studied since high school, including any college studies, exchanges, transfer credits, and/or advanced placement (or IB) studies. Please note, some programs also require high school transcripts; if this is the case, your student advisor will let you know.

Send your documents via FedEx or Purolator, especially when you need your documents to arrive at our office ASAP. If you use Canada Post’s courier Xpresspost, please don’t request a signature, as this can add delays.

OzTREKK
301–1 Sherbrooke Street East
Perth, ON K7H 1A1 Canada

As soon as your transcript arrives, we’ll let you know!

When should I apply?

Applications typically open a year in advance of the program start date. We recommend that you begin your application in January/February and aim to have your documents in by the spring/early summer.

What if my transcripts / documents are not in English?

If your documents are not in English, you must provide full translation of each document, either prepared by your university or by a registered translator. You must not translate the documents yourself.

Please note OzTREKK must receive the official translation directly from the university or translator in order to certify the document. Please read How Do I Send My Transcripts for more information.

The University of Sydney has ranked 69th in the world and 4th in Australia in the 2021 Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), improving its position by five places.

What is the JCU Orpheus Island Research Station? It’s like studying on a piece of island paradise, located about 125 km north of Townsville.

Overview

At JCU, you can study a Master of Science or a Master of Science (Professional). Both will provide you with the potential to find employment in a wide range of industries in Australia and internationally. The Master of Science (Professional) includes a substantive placement program and serves as a pathway to full research degrees.

Master of Science

Master of Science

Learn from research and industry experts and diversify your knowledge studying the unique environments of North Queensland, including coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, dry savannahs, and tropical rainforests.

Enhance your employability and advance your career in Australia and globally through the  Masters Employability Program. Complete a structured co-curricular employability skills and development program, which runs for the duration of the degree. This includes a tailored plan to support your employment objectives, beginning from semester one through to graduation.

During this flexible, 18-month full-time course, you will learn from research and industry experts through practical experiences in varied environments. Choose from one of seven majors, with each offering a range of electives to extend and specialize your core knowledge components.

You will also have the opportunity to study subjects in Singapore, the Galapagos Islands, Thailand, or Vietnam.

Majors

Students choose from seven majors and can select elective subjects within the same major, or from another discipline to enhance their learning. Only the Environmental Earth Science and Tropical Biology and Conservation majors are available at the Cairns campus.

Aquaculture Science and Technology

Students benefit from practical, experience based learning in JCU’s Marine and Aquaculture Research Facility and on location with industry partners.

You will explore the science of aquaculture and learn about the husbandry and nutrition of various species. Investigate the scope and role of aquaculture as a food source and critically assess the environmental sustainability and suitability of existing and developing aquaculture industries.

Environmental Earth Science
Learn from world-class lecturers about the impacts of land use, land management, and climate change on the Earth’s surface. Investigate the latest techniques to minimize the harmful effects of human activity on the environment.

Apply your learnings to the diverse environments of the tropics, including the Daintree Rainforest, fertile agricultural regions, the vast savannah outback, magnificent tropical rivers, and diverse coastlines.

Environmental Management
Reap the benefits of hands-on fieldwork experience to develop your capability in natural resource management. Work with research and industry experts to deepen your understanding of how natural environments function and change over time.

Gain specialized technical skills in remote sensing, geographic information systems, and environmental and social impact assessment. Become an expert in the interconnected ecological and social aspects of managing complex ecosystems.

Fisheries Science and Management
Explore the fundamentals of fisheries science and its application in tropical environments. Gain knowledge, technical skills and experience in fisheries assessments, sustainable development and management approaches.

Tackle the grand challenges in fisheries across small-scale and industrial contexts to ensure the best possible outcomes for human communities, fish stocks, and ecosystems globally.

Geology
Develop your knowledge of geological structures, mineralogy, and plate tectonics. Benefit from practical experience studying rocks, sediments and soils in the Great Artesian Basin, the savannah and the areas surrounding the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Learn about feasible and sustainable ways to extract resources and evaluate geological natural hazards that may threaten communities.

Marine Biology
Study one of the most diverse and fragile marine ecosystems in the world—the Great Barrier Reef. Evaluate the impact of human society on tropical marine populations, species, habitats, and ecosystems.

Attain the technical skills and knowledge necessary for working in the marine conservation sector and for conducting excellent ecological research. You’ll be taught by JCU’s leading researchers while working at the JCU Orpheus Island Field Station and in award-winning laboratories. Explore and deliver innovative solutions for the marine environment and its dependent communities.

Tropical Biology and Conservation
Benefit from access to natural environments in close proximity to JCU campuses, including savannahs, the World Heritage Daintree Rainforest, and coastal marine habitats. Your studies will integrate a range of disciplines such as zoology, ecology, botany, and behaviour and evolution biology across an array of terrestrial and marine habitats.

Observe, explore, and build your understanding of the diversity of the biological world while developing the skills necessary to conduct applied research and / or work in environmental science industries delivering innovative and sustainable solutions for conserving the natural environment.

 

Master of Science (Professional)

Master of Science (Professional)

In this flexible, 2-year full-time course, you will complete advanced coursework subjects and then undertake your own independent research project or choose to apply your skills in an industry-based project. The research project is a pathway toward a PhD by research program. You’ll learn from research and industry experts and diversify your knowledge studying the unique environments of North Queensland, including coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, dry savannahs, and tropical rainforests.

Enhance your employability and advance your career in Australia and globally through the Masters Employability Program. Complete a structured co-curricular employability skills and development program, which runs for the duration of the degree. This includes a tailored plan to support your employment objectives, beginning from semester one through to graduation.

Masters of Science (Professional) graduates are well-equipped to evaluate global environmental challenges and driven to design innovate, sustainable, and holistic solutions.

Choose one of seven majors, and take specialized elective subjects from the same discipline or broaden your skills with subjects from a complementary discipline. You will also have the opportunity to study subjects in Singapore, the Galapagos Islands, Thailand, or Vietnam.

If you choose to major in the same field of study as your undergraduate Bachelor of Science degree, you may be eligible to receive up to six months’ advanced standing.

Majors

  • Marine Biology
    • Marine conservation biology, coral reef ecology, biological oceanography, design, and analysis in ecological studies
    • Practicals: weekly laboratory classes and 3- to 4-day field trips to Orpheus Island Research Station (Inner GBR)
    • Workshops / tutorial based discussion groups / research seminars
  • Fisheries Science & Management
    • Fisheries science, managing tropical fisheries, fishing gear and technology, human dimensions (social science), grand challenges in fisheries, sampling design and analyses, marine reserves…
    • Practicals: weekly laboratory classes, fishing port activities, 4-day field trips to Orpheus Island Research Station (Inner GBR)
    • Workshops: postgraduate discussion groups, debates, seminars, computer software training
  • Aquaculture, Science & Technology
    • Principles and practices, feeds and nutrition, propagation, hatchery techniques, sustainable aquaculture
    • Practicals: weekly classes in JCU aquaculture facilities and laboratories, farm visits
    • Workshops: weekly tutorial classes, computer-based training, seminars, group activities
  • Environmental Management
    • Environmental impact assessment, social science methods, natural resource management practices, international policy and environmental governance, GIS, remote sensing
    • Workshops / tutorial-based discussion groups / research seminars / computer practicals
  • Environmental Earth Science
    • Hydrology, soil science, geochemistry, impact assessments, remote sensing, marine geoscience
    • Practicals: weekly laboratory classes, field trips to outback and coastal Queensland
    • Workshops / discussion groups / research seminars / computer practicals
  • Tropical Biology & Conservation
    • Wildlife ecology and management, conservation biology, behavioural ecology, design and analysis in ecological studies
    • Practicals: weekly laboratory classes and 3- to 4-day field trips to the Queensland outback / Daintree Rainforest
    • Workshops / tutorial-based discussion groups / research seminars
  • Geology
    • Geological mapping, minerals and magnas, structural geology and tectonics, sedimentary energy resources
    • Practicals: weekly laboratory classes, field trips to outback and coastal Queensland
    • Workshops / discussion groups / research seminars / computer practicals

Admissions

You must have a completed undergraduate degree in science with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.7 on a 4.0 scale (approximately 70%) or above to apply.

Career Opportunities

Master of Science (Professional)

Advance your career with a JCU professional post-graduate course. JCU Master of Science graduates are highly regarded and find employment in a range of organizations around the world.

You could pursue a career in the public or private sector for business, government, educational, research, and not-for-profit agencies.

JCU Master of Science graduates work in roles such as biologist, conservation agent, educator, environmental manager, field or laboratory technician, geologist, research scientist, or resource consultant. This course is also a pathway toward a JCU PhD.

Master of Science 

Master of Science graduates are well regarded and highly skilled. You will have the potential to find employment in a wide range of industries in Australia and internationally. Depending on your area of specialization, you could work across the public or private sector for business, government, education, research, or not-for-profit agencies.

You could find employment in roles such as biologist, conservation agent, educator, environmental manager, field or laboratory technician, geologist, research scientist, resource consultant, or science communicator.

Students seeking a pathway to full research degrees or a substantive placement program should apply for the Master of Science (Professional) degree from the outset. Subjects completed in the Master of Science degree can be credited toward the Master of Science (Professional).