The Complete Guide To Macquarie University

1. Introduction

1.1 Background

“YOU to the power of us”. The motto that created Macquarie University in 1964. It is also the motto that inspired these manifestations

• Provide AUD 84 million in scholarships and grants
• Host 300 industry partners on campus or within the precinct
• Connect with over 4,000 affiliated organisations
• Build the nation’s 1st fully integrated health precinct
• Award 10,000 degrees every year

All you have to do is bring YOUR passion and the institution will do the rest.

Total student population	44,000+
% of international students	23% from over 113 different countries (2023)
Teaching faculty-to-student ratio	Approximately 1:11
Graduate employability rate	2022: #1 in Sydney, QS #98

1.2 Macquarie University Rankings 2025

According to the 2025 QS World University Rankings, Macquarie University ranks #133 globally. 

Among all its courses that ranked Top 150 on the  QS Subject Rankings:

QS Subject Category	Ranking For 2025
Linguistics	#35
Data Science and Artificial Intelligence	#51 – 100
Engineering – Petroleum	#51 – 100
Philosophy	#51 – 100
Theology, Divinity and Religious Studies	#51 – 100
Classic and Ancient Studies	#51 – 150
Accounting and Finance	#100
Development Studies	#101 – 150
English Language and Literature	#101 – 150
Geography	#101 – 150
Modern Languages	#101 – 150
Psychology	#101 – 150

2. Student Life & Living Cost

2.1 Macquarie University Campuses

Macquarie University is a “campus connected to the industry”. The main Wallumattagal Campus is a stone’s throw away from over 300 leading companies. Meanwhile, the City Campus stands at the heart of the buzzing Sydney Business District.

Thanks to its strategic location, you are also well-connected to the action. Hop on a bus or train. The convenient public transport will take you to the city where many leisure spots await. Among them include:

• Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden
• Macquarie Lighthouse
• Macquarie Centre
• Mrs Macquarie’s Chair

Otherwise, you can chill out at the university’s lounges or outdoor green spaces. Ahh, fresh air.

Wallumattagal Campus

Key Highlights

• Established in 1964, it currently has 45,000 students under its care.
• The university’s main campus sits in Australia’s biggest hi-tech precinct.
• It also houses the nation’s 1st university-led health system.
• Psst…you have a relaxing paved courtyard and impressive facilities to fuel your student life.

How To Get Around?
🗺️15km from Sydney CBD

• Travel by public transport or by bike.
• MQ is the only Aussie uni with its metro station.
• Bus services can take you to the rest of Sydney.

Macquarie City Campus

Key Highlights

• This campus highlights courses in accounting, finance, international business, and IT.
• A centralised space for professional programmes and corporate engagements.
• Here is a snapshot of how students and experts gather!

How To Get Around?
🗺️At the heart of the Sydney Business District

• Travel by foot, bike, or public transport!
• The Parramatta train station is a 5-minute walk away.
• Shuttle buses allow students to travel between the 2 campus locations.

Student Diversity: Sydney is QS #6 for the Best Student City. It is known for its vibrant getaways and multicultural experiences. If you love to meet new people, Macquarie University welcomed 10,181 international students from 113 countries in 2023!

2.2 Learning Resources

Macquarie University is Sydney’s #1 for learning resources. (QILT Student Experience Survey 2021 and 2022). It invested AUD 1 billion to develop its facilities. You can study with the latest equipment at these places on campus

2.3 Recreational Facilities

Ah, I see you have been hunching over your phone or laptop for hours. 🤨

If this is you, stop what you are doing and unwind at MQ’s amenities. Remember, you need a break before it breaks you.

2.4 Student Activities

Next question: Is it too late to learn swimming or do a backflip? Never! 

Macquarie University has sports classes for all ages. (Yes, we meant eeeveryone. Kiddos and adults alike.) You can join the squad that fits your comfort level. Otherwise, visit the other 100 student clubs or enjoy the fun at these events and programmes on campus.

• Clubs and Societies
• Social Sports
• Sports and Fitness Classes
• Student Employment (Fast Track Workshops)
• Academic Writing Workshops
• MQ Health Club
• Student Representative Committee (SRC)
• Buddy Program
• Weekly Board Game Nights
• Grapeshot (student publication)
• English Discussion Groups
• Live music
• Volunteering
• Global Leadership Program
• MQ Employability Program 
• Professional and Community Engagement (PACE) Program

2.5 Student Services

“You to The Power of Us” makes the Macquarie experience last. Hence, the university builds many support systems for your studies, such as

• Service Connect (For student application procedures)
• The Writing Centre and Library Resources
• Course Guidance
• Online Wellbeing Services
• MQ Heath
• Student Care and Reporting
• Accessibility and Disability Support
• Counselling
• Exercise Physiologist Services
• Peer Mentors
• Course Guidance

2.6 Macquarie University’s Student Accommodation

Calling all future students, we have good news! This Australian university has both on-campus and off-campus stays.

These options are

• Safe and secure
• Welcomed by enriching activities
• Easily accessible 
• Well-connected to the university, nearby amenities, and public transport!

Before you decide on a place, be sure to have these points of reference marked down. You will need them when you run out of tissue paper or get hungry.

For Wallumattagal (North Ryde) Campus Students

On-campus	Off-campus
Central Courtyard Cost: From AUD 263 – AUD 551/week *The cost covers for a 1-person stay.	Nearby suburbs – Marsfield, Macquarie Park

For Sydney Campus Students

Off-campus

Nearby suburbs – Woolloomooloo, Ultimo, Wynyard

Cost of Living In Sydney

When studying at Macquarie University, you need around AUD500 – AUD 1,115  for your weekly expenses (depending on your lifestyle). The estimated amount covers your rent, food/ groceries, utilities (gas and electricity), transportation, and telecommunication services (wifi and phone).

To be safe, have at least AUD 24,505 ready and submit a financial record during your visa application.

3. Courses, Fees & Scholarships

3.1 Courses You Can Study At Macquarie University

Want a taste of teamwork? Macquarie University has many Foundation, Diploma, and Degree options that apply team and object-based learning, including these.

Fields Of Studies	Courses
Diploma	Arts Media and Communication, IT, Engineering, Business, Game Design and Development
Foundation and Intensive Programmes	Standard Foundation
Art and Social Sciences	Cultural and Global Studies, Environment and Society, Sociology and Social Policy, Archaeology, Urban Planning, History (Ancient, Modern)
Business	Accounting, Actuarial Studies, Economics, Finance, International Business, Marketing, Management
Education	Special and Inclusive Education, Education (Primary, Secondary), Educational Leadership, Indigenous Education
Engineering	Civil and Environmental Engineering, Electronics and Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering
Information Technology	Computer Science, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Game Design and Development, Web and App Development
Languages and Linguistics	Ancient Languages, Linguistics, Translation and Interpreting, Modern Languages and Global Culture
Law	Human Rights and Social Justice, Law and the Media, Public Policy and Law, Governance, Commercial Law
Media, Communication and Performing Arts	Interactive Design, Music, Creative Writing, Journalism, Film and Screen Production, Performing Arts and Entertainment Industries, Podcasting and Radio Production
Medicine and Health	Chiropractic, Medicine, Human Sciences, Physiotherapy, Speech and Hearing, Community Services
Psychology and Cognitive Sciences	Psychology, Cognitive and Brain Sciences
Security, Intelligence and Criminology	Counter Terrorism, Criminology, Cyber Security Analysis, Security, Strategic and Defence Studies, Intelligence
Sciences	Earth and Environmental Sciences, Astronomy and Astrophysics, Mathematics and Statistics, Biotechnology

3.2 Course Fees At Macquarie University

We have also saved you the hassle and compiled the full list of Macquarie’s detailed course fees into one article below. Check it out and share it!

Coming Soon!

3.3 Macquarie University Scholarships

These are some of the scholarships offered by Macquarie University to international students. Check out the full list here. (Coming Soon)

For financial support, the institution has these scholarships to help you.

ASEAN $10,000 Early Acceptance Scholarship	Value: AUD 10,000/ year throughout a standard course  For full-time ASEAN students who accepted the Letter of Offer and paid the commencement fee by the Acceptance Deadline.
ASEAN Partner Institution Scholarship	Value: AUD 15,000/ year throughout a standard course  For transfer students from a Macquarie University ASEAN partner institution with good academic results. You must commence studies in the time frame listed on the scholarship and not hold any other scholarships.
Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship	Value: Up to AUD 10,000 tuition fee waiver, one-off payment towards future tuition fee For commencing students with good academic results and commerce studies in the time frame listed on the scholarship.

3.4 Popular Courses At Macquarie University

Society and Culture Courses

At a 10,919 student load in 2023, Macquarie University’s society and culture studies have been stealing the attention. These courses are co-designed with the industry to prepare you for your future career. They are also quality-ensured, which is why they are among the top QS 100s for

• Linguistic
• Philosophy
• Classic and Ancient History

As a student, you get to learn at the award-winning Art Precinct. It has specialised spaces for team learning, relaxing downtime, inspiration, and collaborations. Some of its facilities include

• a digital lab
• a language centre
• an idea hub for audio and video recording
• a readers and writers’ lounge
• a cafe
• a rooftop garden

Our go-to for a cultural trip is the MQ History Museum, where Aussie history meets ancient culture collections. There are over 18,000 objects that travel back over 5,000 years ago! Furthermore, Sydney also has many museums worth visiting, including

• The Australian Museum
• The Art Gallery of NSW
• The Opal Museum 
• The Museums of History NSW

Night in the museum, anyone?

Management and Commerce Courses

At #2, we have the Management and Commerce courses, with over 6,000 students in 2022. They are #1 in Sydney for Teaching, Practices, and Overall Support (QILT 2021 – 2022). Starting with providing world-class learning resources and teachings.

Macquarie Business School designs business studies that meet the gold standards. It ensures they are relevant to your dream career while allowing you to explore your interests. Meaning, you can join your degree with the other 50 undergraduate courses. Woohoo!

Next, the School developed high-performing facilities. They mimic the market, shed light on human psychology, and unite similar minds. If you have the chance, visit the

• Finance Decision Lab
• Behavioural Science Lab
• MQ Incubator
• Optus Macquarie University Cyber Security Lab

Another key win is the University’s location. MQ sits in the Macquarie Park Innovation District, the same neighbourhood as Australia’s top companies! This ideal position opens up more hands-on experiences and partnerships.

Together, they propelled this Australian university to become

• Association to Advance Collegiate School of Business (AACSB) accreditated
• The Top 100 Best Business Schools in The World, CEO Magazine, 2023
• The Top 125 of the QS Global MBQ Rankings in 2024

Social Sciences

Not an art person? Perhaps Natural and Physical Sciences is your cup of tea. They are also a top pick for 2023 with 4,119 students in the discipline.

Macquarie University is a leader in the field. Over the years, it led initiatives in

• Early climate change research
• Photonics
• Evolutionary biology
• The Earth’s Crustal Systems research

Moreover, the institution owns science facilities for field practice, both indoors and outdoors. They supply practical experience while helping you understand the data you gathered. Among them are

• A biological sciences museum
• An 11-hectare fauna park
• Plant growth and aquatic laboratory facilities

Information Technology (IT)

Speaking of Sciences, we must talk about Macquarie University’s IT studies. The discipline had more than 3,000 students enrolled in 2023. It is uniquely designed together with the industry, which created many specialisations like

• Artificial Intelligence
• Data Science
• Game Design and Development
• Information System and Business Analytics
• Cybersecurity

These IT courses have high standards and real-world simulation. The Bachelor of IT meets the Australian Computer Society (ACS) professional standard. One student shared that the degree allowed them to analyse real cases and learn preventive methods.

Did we mention that the University is high-tech? It has a 14-lab computing precinct and recently invested AUD 10 million in the MQ Cyber Security Hub. 

Check it out!

3.5 Industry Partners

“Say what? The university collaborated with Google?”  You heard us right, and we discovered more. 

As “A Campus Built For Collaboration”, Macquarie University joined hands with several legendary industry experts. Together, they have created

• student activities
• research projects
• employment training and workshops
• internship and job placements
• learning and research facilities (cyber security, healthcare, creative)
• formal education opportunities

4. Entry Requirements & Intake Dates

4.1 Macquarie University Entry Requirements 2025 

Minimum entry requirements for a Foundation:

• SPM – Min. C Grade in 3 subjects
• UEC – 8.0 – 8.9 (Average based on 4 compulsory and 4 other best subjects)

Minimum entry requirements for a Diploma:

• STPM – Min. C Grade in 3 subjects
• UEC – 6.5 – 6.9 (Average based on 4 compulsory and 4 other best subjects)

Minimum entry requirements for a Degree:

• UEC – 5.0 – 5.9 (Average based on 4 compulsory and 4 other best subjects)
• STPM – 7 (BBC Grade)
• A-levels – 8 (CCC Grade in 3 A-level subjects)
• IB Diploma – 25 points 
• SACE/WACE –  ATAR 75
• Canadian Programme –  67% – 69%

Minimum English requirement (IELTS)

• Foundation: 5.5
• Diploma: 6
• Degree: 6.5

Some courses may require you to earn higher entry requirements and additional qualifications.

4.2 Macquarie University Intake Periods For 2025

If you plan to apply, these are important periods to note.

• Foundation: February, April, July, October
• Diploma: February, April, July
• Degree: February, July
• Postgraduate: February, July 

Please note that the intake periods may vary depending on the courses. For specific intake periods and dates, click here (Coming Soon!).

4.3 Admission Process To Australia

Studying in Australia can be tedious especially when applying to various universities before their application deadlines and ensuring proper documents are submitted to procure your student visa.

Here are some more helpful articles to help you navigate:

• Your Essential Study In Australia Guide For Malaysian Students
• Education Consultants And The 8 Steps To Study Abroad
• Top 10 Benefits Of Engaging A Higher Education Consultant

5. Student Testimonials & Alumni

Hear from esteemed graduates of Macquaries University:

6. Conclusion

Through Macquarie University, we learned the importance of “teamwork” and “staying true to one’s belief”. Since 1964, the institution has stood by its motto and continued working with different people. You will see how students, teachers and industry leaders reach the top through collaborative work. This force has lead to 40,000 work placements and becoming Sydney’s #1 for Employability in 2022.

All this can happen because of “YOU to the power of us”.

SEE OTHER UNI GUIDES

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And if you’re still not sure what to study, we have many Course Guide articles that will shed more light on the subject matter. Share with your friends!

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