Aspiring nurses will be able to complete their entire University of Newcastle degree in Tamworth from 2027, removing the need to relocate to Newcastle to start their studies.
For the first time, students will be able to enrol directly into the Bachelor of Nursing in Tamworth, with 30 places available from Semester 1, 2027.
Subject to accreditation, the University also intends to offer 10 places in the Bachelor of Midwifery in Tamworth from Trimester 1, 2027.
Until now, nursing students began their studies at the University’s Callaghan campus in Newcastle, then relocated to Tamworth for study and clinical placements, typically from second year.
The change follows the formal recognition of Tamworth as a University of Newcastle campus, allowing students to enrol directly into selected programs from first year.
“For many students in regional communities, the cost and disruption of relocating to attend university can be a significant barrier to higher education,” said University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky.
“Being able to complete a nursing degree fully in Tamworth means students can stay connected to their families and communities while pursuing a university qualification.
“By enabling students to study and train in their own region, we’re helping build a health workforce with strong connections to the communities it serves.”
Students from across the New England North West who live outside Tamworth and enrol in the degrees will also have priority access to on-campus accommodation.
The development comes as the University of Newcastle marks 25 years of its Department of Rural Health in Tamworth, which has supported rural health education, clinical placements, research, and partnerships with local health services and communities.
“For 25 years, the University of Newcastle Department of Rural Health has helped grow and strengthen the rural health workforce with staff and students who live, learn, work and contribute in communities across our region,” said Director of the University of Newcastle Department of Rural Health Professor Leanne Brown.
Professor Brown said the University’s Tamworth Education Centre was well placed to support the expansion.
“At our Tamworth Education Centre, students have access to purpose-built teaching and clinical simulation facilities, supported by strong partnerships with Tamworth Hospital and Hunter New England Health,” she said.
“Building on these strengths means nursing students can complete their entire degree in Tamworth, gaining valuable clinical experience and building connections in the community where many will go on to work.”
Four Betty Josephine Fyffe scholarships will also be available to support eligible students studying at the University’s Tamworth campus.
The scholarships provide $10,000 a year, for up to three years, to help eligible students with the costs of their studies.
They honour the late Betty Josephine Fyffe, a Tamworth local with a strong passion for nursing who wanted to help educate health professionals and encourage them to practise in regional communities. The scholarships are supported by the Elizabeth Cahill Fyffe Trust.
Applications for 2027 are now open. Students can apply for the Bachelor of Nursing in Tamworth through the University of Newcastle’s Early Entry Program or Direct Entry, and through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
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