The home of English + Further Study Downunder, Australia’s sixth largest city, the harbour city of Newcastle is one of the country’s most desirable places to live. With a population of almost 500,000, the greater Newcastle area lies on a magnificent stretch of coastline boasting some of the nation’s most beautiful beaches. Newcastle offers all the benefits and amenities of a large city, but with all the friendliness and safety of a regional town.

The Port of Newcastle is the world’s largest coal exporting port. Originally a city that relied on the steel manufacturing industry, Newcastle has been transformed into a dynamic, modern metropolis with a vibrant cultural community. The city enjoys a low cost of living, a wonderful climate and some of the nation’s leading educational institutions. The University of Newcastle is located not far from the city centre and beaches in a pleasant bushland setting. It has what is regarded as Australia’s best Medical Faculty and is a world renowned centre of research.

The Hunter Institute of Technical and Further Education is a highly respected centre of learning providing education and training to thousands of students including those from abroad. It is home to the NSW English Language Centre where a large number of course options are available.

Avondale College is one of the most exciting higher education campuses in Australia. Located just south of Newcastle, it is administered by the Seventh Day Adventist Church and has consistently received outstanding rankings in The Good Universities Guide to Australia. In the 2005 guide graduates ranked their educational experience as 5 Star, placing Avondale among the top eight universities and colleges in Australia. Courses available to all students include Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Business, Aviation, Biomedical Research, International Development, Journalism, Outdoor Education, Secondary Teaching, Visual Arts, Marketing and many more. Avondale College welcomes students from any religious denomination. Avondale College also has a campus in Sydney.

Newcastle lies just 2 hours north of Sydney and is close to a number of popular tourist destinations including Port Stephens (whale and dolphin watching, scuba diving, big game fishing, surfing and sailing), Lake Macquarie – Australia’s largest saltwater lake, National Parks and the Hunter Valley, a region renowned for some of the world’s finest wines.