Future Students

For Parents

Sending your children off to university can be a stressful time for everyone. Even if they aren’t moving out of home, there are a lot of things to get done and it’s often difficult to know where to start.

Why should my child attend Macquarie University?

Macquarie is known for providing students with a quality, world class education, as well as opportunities for students to supplement their degree with extra skills and experiences. We invite students to participate in the Global Leadership Program, volunteer on international aid projects or study overseas, as well as fully participate in all areas of campus life. All of these programs are designed to enhance the educational experience and provide students with greater prospects of employment opportunities. It is this combination of excellence in education and unique extra-curricular opportunities that ensure Macquarie students are some of the most highly paid graduates.

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Where is Macquarie University?

Macquarie University is 18 kilometres north-west of Sydney’s CBD. It is accessible by car with on-site parking. Epping train station is close by with buses running to the university. In 2009 the ‘Macquarie University’ train station will open on the Macquarie University campus.

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What is UAC?

UAC is the Universities Admissions Centre. It is a central organisation that receives and processes applications for admission to most undergraduate degrees. The UAC Guide contains information on NSW degree programs, pathways, scholarships and application forms. It’s available from University Co-op Bookshops, UAC, large newsagencies, high schools or TAFE.

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What UAI rank does my child require to attend university?

We cannot tell what the exact UAI cut-offs will be but the previous year cut-offs are in the UAC Guide. UAI cut-offs vary according to specific degrees and on a yearly basis. They are a reflection of the supply and demand of a specific course, not the quality of the course. You may also wish to look up the UAI on the University Admissions Centre website for entry into particular bachelor degrees. How do I know if my child has chosen the correct course? Talk to your child about how they see their future, what their interests are, what they enjoy and which subjects they are good at. Suggest they speak to someone working in an area they are interested in, so they understand which qualification they will need to achieve. Further information about courses may be found in the ‘For Students’ section under the following headings:

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How does my child apply to Macquarie University?

International students should visit Macquarie International for further information.

For admission based on academic merit you should place an application with the Universities Admission Centre. All details and procedures are available on the Undergraduate Studies site.

If you have any specific admission queries, contact the Macquarie University Undergraduate Studies section.

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My child did not complete the HSC this year.

All application must still go through the Universities Admissions Centre. Otherwise there are plenty of alternative pathways to consider. Alternative Pathways may include the Non-Award study, the Lighthouse Scheme for those with special circumstances or the Jubilee scheme for students over 21 years of age.

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My student did not receive the recommended UAI, what do they do?

Don’t worry; there are plenty of alternative pathways to study at Macquarie University.

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My child did not complete their schooling in Australia and do not qualify for direct entry to Macquarie University.

For Australian students who have completed the equivalent of Year 12 overseas must still apply through the Universities Admissions Centre, or consider one of the other alternative entry pathways which still apply to them.

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My child has received an offer to study at Macquarie University. What do they do now?

If your child receives an offer to Macquarie University they should follow the instructions set out in the Acceptance and Enrolment Booklet which will come with your UAC Offer letter. This will indicate what day and what time you will come to the University to enrol in your degree.

First year undergraduate students will be able to enrol online soon after they receive their offer. However, face-to-face academic advising is compulsory and all students will need to come to the campus for a scheduled timeslot and ensure that an academic adviser signs their proposed program form.

Applying and Enrolling will provide all the information to make the next steps clear.

My child cannot attend their specified enrolment session. If students are unable to attend their enrolment session they must inform the University of their intention to accept the offer and then attend a late enrolment session.

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Can my child take a ‘gap year?’

Generally students completing the HSC (or equivalent) can defer their place for one year. If they are not applying direct from school they are unable to defer. Information on deferment will be sent with the course acceptance letter from Macquarie University.

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How much is university study going to cost?

When budgeting the finances, you should take into account

  • Course fees (dependent on whether it is a Commonwealth Supported place or Full-Fee paying)
  • Student Activities Fees (non-compulsory)
  • Transport if living off campus
  • Text books, the cost of which will vary depending on the subjects you choose (you can find the cost through the Co-Op bookstore)
  • General living expenses
  • Excursion costs (you may need to contact the individual department for further information)

The Welfare Unit is able to provide financial advice for students, as well as providing someone to contact.

Your child may be also eligible for welfare assistance (e.g. Austudy). To find out further about government payments, please visit the Centrelink website.

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What scholarships does Macquarie University offer?

The University offers a wide range of scholarships that not only reward students who have demonstrated academic excellence; but they also have an equally strong commitment to equity.

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Is there any on campus accommodation?

Macquarie University offers excellent housing options such as Dunmore Lang College, Robert Menzies College and Macquarie University Village.

Convenient off-campus accommodation is also plentiful and can be sourced through newspapers, the Internet, local real estate agents or the noticeboards around campus.

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What support services does Macquarie University offer?

Through the Student Support Services you’ll find medical, financial, spiritual, legal and safety advice. In addition, there are also a significant number of other support options for students to call on.

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Who can I speak to for further information?

Australian and New Zealand Prospective Student Enquiries
Courswork Studies Section
Phone: +61 2 9850 7314
Fax: +61 2 9850 7249
Email: coursework@mq.edu.au

International Student Enquiries Freecall in Australia:
1800 1818 28
Phone: +61 2 9850 7346
Fax: +61 2 9850 7733
Email: iso@io.mq.edu.au

For a campus tour or for Macquarie University to visit your high school
Jason Elias Manager Student Recruitment
Phone: +61 2 9850 7665
Fax: +61 2 9850 9457
Email:jason.elias@vc.mq.edu.au

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Alternatively you could contact the Student Recruitment team to organise a campus tour or register to receive our online eNewsletter Connect.

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Useful Terms If you are unsure of any terminology the glossary will provide a useful tool in answering your questions.

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