The University's principal governing body is the Council, comprising up to 16 members.  It is responsible for the governance of the University, acts in its best interest & drives performance through strategy.

In July 2013, the University of Newcastle appointed Mr Paul Jeans as its seventh Chancellor. The Chancellor provides leadership and guidance to the Council and is responsible for ensuring that the Council fulfils its obligations.

The Executive Committee is the University's executive management team, responsible for providing advice to the Vice-Chancellor on matters of strategic and operational significance for the University. 

The Academic Senate is the principal advisory committee to the Council on academic matters and has the mission to protect, promote and enhance the excellence of the University's core academic activities.