Macquarie University
Sydney, Australia • Founded 1964 • World Rank #393
Updated May 2026
Overview
Founded in 1964, the Macquarie University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the metropolis of Sydney (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants), New South Wales.
Officially recognized by the Department of Education and Training of Australia, Macquarie University (MU) is a very large-sized coeducational Australian higher education institution. Macquarie University (MU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 60-year-old Australian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 90-99% making this Australian higher education organization a least selective institution.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
MU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Planning a visit to Macquarie University or following up with admissions? Location and contact details are listed below. Admissions email typically replies within 5–10 business days during peak season.
Academic Details
The academic indicators below give context on how Macquarie University operates at scale. A lower staff-to-student ratio generally signals more faculty access, though research-heavy institutions skew the read.
Academic Structures
Below: how Macquarie University organises its faculties and constituent units. Distance learning programmes often sit in a separate division from on-campus teaching, with different administration.
Unit 5 items
- Faculty of Arts
- Faculty of Business and Economics
- Faculty of Human Sciences
- Faculty of Science
- Macquarie Graduate School of Management
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Department of Education and Training of Australia.
Arts (Faculty) 13 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Ancient Civilizations
- Anthropology
- Cultural Studies
- English
- History
- Indigenous Studies
- International Studies
- Law
- Media Studies
- Music
- Philosophy
- Police Studies
- Sociology
Business and Economics (Faculty) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Actuarial Science
- Business Administration
- Economics
- Finance
- Management
- Marketing
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Human Sciences (Faculty) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Cognitive Sciences
- Education
- Linguistics
- Medicine
- Psychology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Science (Faculty) 11 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Astronomy and Space Science
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Chiropractic
- Computer Science
- Earth Sciences
- Engineering
- Geography
- Physics
- Statistics
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
Macquarie University's teaching programmes are listed below — search or scan by level. International student eligibility varies by programme — some require additional language or visa-pathway checks.
420 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Australia
Bachelor's Degree 117 programmes
Showing 10 of 117.
Honours Degree 15 programmes
Showing 10 of 15.
Master's Degree 224 programmes
Showing 10 of 224.
Doctorate 10 programmes
Postgraduate Certificate 27 programmes
Showing 10 of 27.
Postgraduate Diploma 27 programmes
Showing 10 of 27.
How to apply to Macquarie University
A short guide to applying to Macquarie University — five steps covering the path from programme selection to confirmation of receipt.
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1
Research programmes at Macquarie University
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Macquarie University runs 420 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
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2
Review admissions criteria
Before applying to Macquarie University, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for Australia.
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3
Gather supporting documents
Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Macquarie University's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.
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4
Lodge your application
Lodge your application through the official website (www.mq.edu.au). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.
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5
Confirm receipt and track progress
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Reach the institution by phone at +61 (0)2 9850 7111. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Macquarie University
The questions below summarise Macquarie University's vital institutional details — useful as a quick reference before drilling into specific sections.
How old is Macquarie University?
The institution opened in 1964 (approximately 62 years ago).
Where is Macquarie University located?
Macquarie University is located in Sydney, Australia.
Is Macquarie University a public or private institution?
Macquarie University operates as a public institution.
What is the student enrolment at Macquarie University?
Student enrolment at Macquarie University is around 30,000-34,999.
Where does Macquarie University stand in university rankings?
Macquarie University holds rank #393 globally and #15 in Australia.
What programmes are available at Macquarie University?
Macquarie University offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
How is Macquarie University organised academically?
The institution comprises 5 academic units.
Is Macquarie University accredited?
Macquarie University is accredited by Department of Education and Training of Australia.
What is Macquarie University's official website?
The institution's website is www.mq.edu.au.
Top-Ranked Universities in Australia
Industry partnerships of Australia's top universities signal employer engagement at the apex of the system. Lower-ranked institutions including Macquarie University may still partner with strong employers locally.
Members of Universities Australia
If Macquarie University's Universities Australia membership influenced your interest, these institutions belong to the same network and offer comparable mobility and credential-recognition benefits. Membership shapes everything from exchange access to joint research opportunities.
Faculties at nearby universities
Religious and cultural amenities cluster around Macquarie University's region, so the universities below typically draw from similar community infrastructure outside the campus itself.
Where Else to Study Business Administration
Beyond Macquarie University, several other universities in Australia deliver focused Business Administration programmes worth exploring before you commit to a single application. Programme depth and elective range vary significantly between institutions.
Universities Compared with Macquarie University
When students choose Macquarie University, they typically weigh it against institutions of similar standing. These universities sit at a comparable level — useful comparisons before committing to a final choice, especially when programme content is similar across the options.
Studying in Australia: guides and resources
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