Macquarie University

Macquarie University was established in 1964 by the NSW Government, which wanted to create a new and progressive kind of university. It's a reputation Macquarie maintains today.

Macquarie is known globally as a leading university with a strong tradition of innovation, and for producing graduates who are among the most sought-after professionals in the world.

A strong commitment to undertake interdisciplinary research has led to globally significant breakthroughs, including the co-development of Wi-Fi, the development of Australia’s first early intervention program for children with developmental delay, the invention of the first synthetic funnel-web spider antivenom, and the establishment of Australia’s largest hub for motor neuron disease research.

Macquarie’s Wallumattagal campus—uniquely located in the heart of Australia’s largest high-tech precinct in Sydney’s Macquarie Park—is named in recognition of the Aboriginal country on which the university is situated. 

Only 15 minutes from the Sydney CBD, the campus is home to some of Australia’s most exceptional facilities—cutting-edge labs, an on-campus incubator, Australia’s only not-for-profit private hospital on a university campus, and a sector-leading sport and aquatic centre.

It’s also the only university in Australia with its own metro station.

Though this campus won’t be part of your day-to-day as an online Macquarie student, you can still access many of the facilities from home. You can join clubs and societies, write for the university magazine, and borrow from the library’s full collection of journals, books and databases. You can also visit, use and join on-campus facilities if you’re in Sydney, like the sport and aquatic centre. 

As of 2024, more than 44,000 students are enrolled at Macquarie University.

Macquarie ranks among the top 10 universities in Australia in many research disciplines. Three of the university's subjects are ranked among the top 50 globally and six are ranked among the top 100

Macquarie also ranks number one in Sydney for teaching quality and learning resources, and number eight in Australia for graduate employment

Some of Australia’s most high-profile politicians, researchers, artists, journalists and business minds have graduated from Macquarie University. 

They include: 

• Tanya Plibersek, Minister for the Environment and Water of Australia
• Brad Hazzard, former Minister for Health and Medical Research of New South Wales
• Jim Soorley, former Lord Mayor of Brisbane 
• Ian Thorpe, Olympic swimmer
• Frank Duarte, award-winning laser physicist
• Dr Cathy Foley, Chief Scientist of Australia 
• Matt Barrie, founder of Freelancer.com 
• David Leckie, former CEO of Seven West Media
• Anne-Marie Schwirtlich AM, former Director-General of the National Library of Australia 
• Hugh Riminton, Network Ten journalist
• Margaret Pomeranz AM, film critic
• Greg Page and Murray Cook, founding members of The Wiggles 

As an innovation-first university, it’s no surprise that Macquarie’s online learning experience is top-notch. 

The university has a custom online learning platform called MQ iLearn, which is where you’ll access all your lectures, tutorials, readings and assessments. Your lectures will be recorded videos, while you’ll participate in tutorials via discussion forums. 

You’re free to complete your coursework when it suits you, provided you meet the regular deadlines set by your tutors. 

For some first-time students, this has its upsides and downsides. On one hand, it’s much easier to fit study around your life. On the other hand, it can be daunting when you’re left to manage your own time. Just remember you’re not alone. iLearn has spaces where you can connect with your classmates, start study groups and access student support services. You’ll soon settle into a rhythm.

And when you graduate, you’ll receive the same qualification as an on-campus student.

When you enrol through us, we handle all the administration for you, but you will study directly with Macquarie University. 

There are a few reasons to consider enrolling in your online course this way. 

You can skip entry requirements

We have a unique open-door policy that makes it possible for everyone to get into uni, regardless of their academic history. If you don’t meet the entry requirements for a Macquarie degree, we can help you enrol through single undergraduate subjects. 

You have more control over how you study

If you’re worried about the impact uni could have on your work, family or social life, it’s worth giving us a call. We’ll introduce you to flexible study options you’ve never even heard about. 

We’re always here to guide you

As a not-for-profit, we’re able to give you truly unbiased advice about Macquarie courses. Our only priority is finding a course that makes sense for you. We can also advise you on your Macquarie enrolment, your MQ study plan, and government loans. We will be by your side throughout your time as a student.   

Navigate to the course you’re interested in on our website. If it’s a subject or short course and there is an upcoming start date, you will be able to enrol instantly. 

If it’s a degree, select ‘Apply’ and follow the prompts to begin your Macquarie University application. You will be asked to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI).

We’ll submit everything to Macquarie University on your behalf. The university will then email you to confirm whether your application has been successful.

Please note that different courses are open at different points throughout the year. Check our key dates page for Macquarie University enrolment dates. 

For more information about enrolment, read our online self-service enrolling instructions.

If you need help enrolling in your Macquarie University course, get in touch with one of our friendly student advisors. 

You can ask them about anything, including subject selection, applying for a HELP loan, and submitting your documentation. They can even walk you through the enrolment process, step-by-step, over the phone.   

You can also find a direct Macquarie Uni contact here.