HEALTH continues to be the favoured field of study for university applicants in Newcastle, and across the state.
Universities Admission Centre (UAC) data has revealed that 25 per cent of early bird applicants in the past two years have selected health as their first preference.
The University of Newcastle's deputy vice-chancellor (academic) and vice-president, Mark Hoffman, said that while it was still early in the recruitment cycle for 2025 enrolments, there was strong demand for degrees in health, such as nursing, and law courses.
"We're also seeing strong demand for our engineering and education courses, which are both in-demand careers that are critical to our region," Professor Hoffman said.
"Education is consistently one of our most popular degrees, which is fantastic as we know teacher shortages are being felt across the country."
"This is very much aligned with the study released by UAC."
In second place is Society and Culture, with 20 per cent of students listing the subject as their next preference, while 13 per cent of students listed Management and Commerce as their third pick.
Science, engineering, creative arts, education, architecture and building, IT, agriculture and environmental subjects are also popular preferences.
The numbers are based on more than 64,500 early bird applicants, and include key charts on gender, age and field of study analyses.
Year 12 students have started week three of the HSC, with mathematics extension and visual arts exams on Monday, October 29.
Hunter students sat the business studies exam on Tuesday, October 29. The studies of religion exam will take place on Wednesday, October 30.
This year, more than 76,000 students are sitting the HSC across the state. With a record 80,166 students completing at least one HSC course in 2024, the HSC remains the most popular high school credential in the country.
