Choosing a university is about finding where you not only get in but where you truly fit. Macquarie University’s acceptance rate is around 54%, which reflects that it is an accessible yet high-calibre institution. The university attracts students with its often being ranked among the top in Sydney for graduate employability, connecting with 4000+ partner organisations, and ensuring students are job-ready when graduate. This blog offers information and news on the Macquarie Uni rankings, acceptance rate, courses, fees, and even the opportunities that engage the communities of Sydney in your future.
| Established | 1964 |
|---|---|
| Type | Public Research University |
| Address | Macquarie University City campus: 123 Pit.t St, Sydney NSW 2000. Macquarie University Main Campus: Wallumattagal Campus Macquarie Park NSW 2109 |
| Main Campus Size | 126 hectares |
| Distance to Sydney CBD | Wallumattagal Campus is only 15 kilometres from the Sydney CBD |
| Acceptance Rate | 54% |
| Rankings | Ranked #11 in Australia and #138 in the world (QS Rankings 2026) |
| Popular Courses | Business, Science, Engineering, Law, Medicine and health, Information Tecnology, Management, Computer science |
| Notable Feature | Home to Australia’s first and only private, not-for-profit teaching hospital on a university campus: Macquarie University Hospital. |
| Student Body | 44,000+ connected students from 100+ countries |
| Notable Infrastructure | Features state-of-the-art facilities including the Australian Hearing Hub, and a $18 million public sculpture park. |
Macquarie University Overview
Macquarie University was established in 1964 as a bold experiment in higher education. The school works in tandem with industry, striving for the extraordinary by challenging convention and embracing different views. The university is located in the northwest of Sydney’s city centre, right next to Lane Cove National Park. As soon as you step off campus, you’ll see the largest shopping centre in Australia, also the whole Southern Hemisphere. Macquarie University’s address is about 15 kilometres from the city centre of Sydney. Macquarie University has its own Metro Train Station, with a 8 to 10 minutes walking distance to the arts precinct. A trip from Central Station in the Sydney CBD to Macquarie University Station takes 38 minutes by public transportation.
With 126 hectares, Macquarie University has the most beautiful campus in AU with lots of green space. It’s surrounded by a major high-tech precinct that’s a key focus for the state government’s development. You’ll find the headquarters of huge global companies—like Microsoft, Optus, Cisco, and Pfizer—right next door. This doesn’t just give the campus a strong professional vibe; it also opens up a ton of internship and practical opportunities for students.
Macquarie University Acceptance Rate
Macquarie University is a moderately selective university with an acceptance rate of around 54%.
Why Choose Macquarie University?
- Strong Industry Connections & High Employability: The university is located in the heart of Sydney’s largest high-tech park, surrounded by numerous multinational corporations. Its famous PACE (Professional and Community Engagement) program provides students with guaranteed internship opportunities, significantly enhancing their practical experience and future employment prospects.
- World-Class Leading Programs in Specific Fields: While not a member of the Group of Eight (Go8), Macquarie excels in several disciplines. Its Master of Applied Finance is renowned as one of the best in the Asia-Pacific region. Additionally, its Linguistics, Accounting, and Actuarial Studies programs are highly regarded and rank among the top globally, offering a competitive edge that rivals the Go8.
- A Truly International and Diverse Campus Environment: The campus has a very high proportion of international students, creating a multicultural atmosphere. This environment helps Chinese students integrate more easily, build a global network of contacts, and improve their cross-cultural communication skills.
- Modern and Convenient Campus Facilities: The campus is large, modern, and features abundant green spaces. It is integrated with a large shopping centre (Macquarie Centre) and has a metro station directly on campus, making travel extremely convenient. It also boasts Australia’s only private, not-for-profit hospital on a university campus, which is particularly beneficial for medical students.
Macquarie University Rankings
- QS Rankings 2026: #11 in Australia and #138 in the world
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings, 2025: #10 in Australia and #178 in the world
- Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, 2025: #50 overall and in the top 40 for 4 UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Subject Rankings: 23 subjects ranked in the Top 200 globally (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025)
- QS Business Master’s Rankings by subject (2025):
- Master of Applied Finance: #1 in Australia and #40 in the world
- Master of Marketing: #1 in Australia and #25 in the world
- Master of Business Analytics: #2 in Australia and in the top 70 in the world
- Master of Management: #2 in Australia and #65 in the world
Macquarie University consistently ranks within the top 1% of universities worldwide.
Early Entry Macquarie University
How Early Entry Programs Work
| Macquarie Uni Early Entry Name | Who Can Apply | Key Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Schools Recommendation Schema | To apply for the SRS, you must be completing Year 12 and attaining either an Australian Year 12 qualification or an International Baccalaureate Diploma in Australia. | Apply by 11.59pm on 5 Sep 2025. |
| Macquarie Leaders and Achievers Early Entry Scheme | Year 12 students who are leaders, all-rounders, or have overcome significant disadvantage. | Round 1 apply by 11.59pm, Fri 25 Jul. Round 2 apply by 7pm, Tue 2 Sep |
Effect on Macquarie Uni Acceptance Rate
- No Direct Impact on Overall Rate:
Early entry programs are a pathway for admission, not a factor that alters the university’s overall admission standards or acceptance rate for the entire applicant pool.
- Increased Likelihood of Acceptance for Participants:
For students who participate and are deemed suitable, these programs provide an early conditional or full offer, increasing their chances of securing a spot at the university.
- Demonstrates University’s Strategy:
Macquarie University Courses
MQ offers a complete educational path from foundation, diploma, international foundation year, and undergraduate to master’s degree. Macquarie University has launched a large number of one-year master’s programs in recent years. These programs are intensive yet compact, offering great value for money for those with clear career goals.
Even though it’s not part of Australia’s Group of Eight, its business school has the prestigious AACSB and EQUIS double accreditation. In particular, its accounting, finance, and actuarial programs consistently rank between 80th and 100th globally in the QS subject rankings. Macquarie’s Master of Applied Finance ranks 1st in Australia and 40th worldwide in the QS Business Masters ranking, while its Master of Marketing ranks 1st in Australia and 25th globally. Very few business schools worldwide hold both AACSB and EQUIS accreditations like MQ does. Although its overall ranking might not match UNSW or USyd, when it comes to specific business disciplines, MQ is not only competitive but often leads, which is why many international students end up switching their choice to MQ.
As Australia’s first university to establish an actuarial program, its renowned department—notable for its rigorous grading system—has produced countless top professionals for Australia and the world. What’s more, the accounting curriculum is closely aligned with the CPA certification requirements, resulting in Macquarie students achieving the highest CPA pass rate in the country—an outstanding 91%. From 2025 onwards, the practicality of its actuarial program is expected to surpass even some Go8 universities.
Macquarie University Fees
The Macquarie University tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate programs in 2026 are roughly as follows:
| Study Area | Undergraduate Fees (Approx.) | Postgraduate Coursework Fees (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Business & Commerce | $42,000 – $45,000 | $42,000 – $47,000 |
| Actuarial Studies & Finance | $44,000 – $46,000 | $45,000 – $48,000 |
| IT & Engineering | $43,000 – $54,000 | $44,000 – $56,000 |
| Arts, Humanities & Education | $29,000 – $38,000 | $31,000 – $40,000 |
Macquarie University Scholarships
Macquarie University scholarships and grants cater to various students, including undergraduates, postgraduates, domestic and international students. Macquarie Uni acceptance rate is 54%. means it is more accessible than the Group of Eight (Go8) universities; and MQ uses scholarships as a powerful incentive. A high-achieving student accepted into both UNSW and MQ might choose MQ if offered a significant scholarship, even if UNSW is more “prestigious” on paper.
| Category | Key Scholarship Examples | Key Benefit (Typical Value) |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic Students (Undergraduate & Postgraduate Coursework) | Macquarie University Leaders and Achievers Scholarship | Up to $10,000 per year for the degree’s duration. |
| Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship | Up to $10,000 contributed towards tuition fees. | |
| India Scholarship | $10,000 towards tuition fees. | |
| International Students (Undergraduate & Postgraduate Coursework) | ASEAN Scholarship | $10,000 towards tuition fees. |
| Africa Scholarship | $10,000 towards tuition fees. | |
| Global Leadership Scholarship | $5,000 or $10,000 towards tuition fees. | |
| Research Students (MRes, PhD) | Macquarie University Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend | Tax-free annual living allowance (~$35,000 p.a.), tuition fee offset, and health cover for international students. |
| Macquarie University Research Excellence Scholarship (MQRES) | Annual stipend and potential tuition fee waiver. | |
| Faculty-Specific & Project-Specific Scholarships | Varies; often includes a stipend and fee offset. |
MQ Admission Requirements
After learn about Macquarie University’s acceptance rate and fees, it’s time to get to know the university’s admission requirements. When applying to your program, it is generally requires a minimum GPA of 2.5 for undergraduate programs, along with proof of English proficiency, such as an IELTS score of 6.5 or TOEFL iBT score of 83. Specific programs may have additional requirements like relevant work experience or higher GPA/English scores.
| MQ Admission Requirements | Undergraduate Requirements | Postgraduate Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Qualification | A strong academic record; typically a minimum GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale). | A recognised bachelor’s degree; typically a minimum GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale). |
| English Language Proficiency (Common Tests) | IELTS: 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) | Similar to undergraduate requirements. |
| TOEFL iBT: 83 overall (Reading: 12, Writing: 21, Listening: 18, Speaking: 18) | ||
| Additional Notes | International students applying via UAC are assessed on ATAR or equivalent. | Some programs (e.g., MBA) may require a higher GPA (e.g., 3.0+). |
| Some programs (e.g., Law) may require a higher GPA (e.g., 3.0+). | Many require relevant work experience (e.g., 2+ years). | |
| Some programs may require relevant work experience. | Some may require standardized test scores (e.g., GMAT/GRE). |
Macquarie University Student Accommodation
If you are searching for accommodation near Macquarie University, uhomes.com is an informative rental website, offers affordable, safe and convenient purpose-built student housing near your university. Robert Menzies College, Sydney, Dayman Apartments, Sydney and Student Village North Ryde, Sydney are some popular PBSAa near MQ, all located within walking distance to campus, local amenities and public transportation.
Here is the average rent of different types of Macquarie University student accommodation.
| Room Type | Average Rent (weekly) |
|---|---|
| Studio | AU$812.11/Week |
| En-suite | AU$662.65/Week |
| Non en-suite | AU$512.88/Week |
| Shared room | AU$513.33/Week |
| 1-bed apartment | AU$766.59/Week |
| 2-bed apartment | AU$738.04/Week |
Same Level Universities in Australia
Except for Macquarie University, Australia’s popular universities, such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, offer a wide range of educational resources that attract many students every year. The table below offers the approximate acceptance rate of different universities, giving you some reference.
| University Name | Acceptance Rate | City |
|---|---|---|
| University of Sydney | ~30% | Sydney |
| University of New South Wales | ~60% | Sydney |
| University of Queensland | ~40% | Brisbane |
| Monash University | ~73% | Melbourne |
| Australian National University | ~71% | Canberra |
| University of Adelaide | ~75% | Adelaide |
| University of Western Australia | ~65% | Perth |
| Queensland University of Technology | ~77% | Brisbane |
Conclusion about Macquarie Uni Acceptance Rate
Macquarie University acceptance rate, admission requirements and campus resources shown the university is ideal for students who are career-focused and want practical experience integrated into your degree, and thrive in a diverse, ambitious, and motivated peer group. Ultimately, Macquarie’s industry-oriented model is supercharged by its ability to select career-ready students.
Companies in the surrounding innovation district are eager to recruit from Macquarie because they trust the calibre of students the university admits. The famed PACE program is so effective because businesses are confident they are getting capable interns. This creates a powerful cycle: selectivity attracts industry partners, which in turn provides better opportunities, making a Macquarie degree even more valuable and sought-after.
FAQ about Macquarie University Acceptance Rate
What is Macquarie University's acceptance rate?
For 2025, Macquarie University’s acceptance rate is 54%. In recent years, the university’s acceptance rate has been between 40% to 50% for undergraduate and graduate students.
Is Macquarie University a prestigious university?
Macquarie University a prestigious university with high QS and world rankings, and MQ Business School (MQBS) demonstrates strong performance in student experience and employability outcomes, potentially surpassing some Go8 universities in these areas.
Where is the Macquarie University location?
Macquarie University is located in North Ryde, a suburb of Sydney, Australia. The campus’s green, open spaces and the nearby Lane Cove National Park offer a great escape from study pressure. Students can easily access the Sydney CBD from the campus (15km to the city centre).
