The Rural Bonus Scheme supports students from rural and regional Australia by offering students bonus points. These are added to their ranking that determines an offer for a degree course. The Scheme is intended to support students who do not have access to resources and support networks that are available within cities and larger towns.

How many Rural Bonus Points am I eligible to receive?

The bonus points are aligned with the Accessibility / Remoteness Index of Australia (ARIA+) and your primary residential postcode. Enter your postcode below to calculate how many Rural Bonus Points you are eligible to receive.

How does it work?

The Rural Bonus Scheme has been developed from and informed by the Accessibility / Remoteness Index of Australia (ARIA+). ARIA+ is based on road distances to the perimeter of service centres.

The categories are:

1. Inner Regional Australia (ARIA score greater than 0.20 to <=2.40 restricted accessibility of goods, services and opportunities for social interaction. Five Points
2. Outer Regional (ARIA score greater than 2.40 to <=5.92)-significantly restricted accessibility of goods, services and opportunities for social interaction. Five Points
3. Remote (ARIA score greater than 5.92 to <=10.53)-very restricted accessibility of goods, services and opportunities for social interaction. Seven Points
4. Very Remote (ARIA score greater than 10.53 to <=15)-very little accessibility of goods, services and opportunities for social interaction. Nine Points

Depending on the remoteness of an applicant's primary residential home they will receive either five, seven or nine bonus points that can be used toward any Macquarie University degree.

Who is eligible?

Australian and New Zealand citizens (that are currently studying in Australia) and permanent residents. International student applicants are not eligible to receive Rural Bonus Points.

Whether you are just finishing your HSC, or left school some years ago, you are eligible to receive the Rural Bonus Points. However, students who have previously completed tertiary study are not eligible for this scheme.

Do I need to apply to receive the points?

No. Lodge your application for course admission via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) website and the allocation of Rural Bonus Points is automatically calculated by UAC.

Can bonus points be combined with other Macquarie University Bonus Point Schemes?

Yes. The Rural Bonus Scheme can be combined with all other schemes such as Academic Advantage and the Lighthouse Scheme (Macquarie University's Educational Access Scheme).

However, students can only receive a maximum of nine bonus points in total and a maximum of six points in total for the Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) degree.

Is there a minimum academic requirement to be eligible?

No.

How does the Rural Bonus Scheme differ from the regional provisions within Macquarie University's Lighthouse Scheme?

The Rural Bonus Scheme is a national scheme and is intended to complement the Macquarie University Lighthouse Scheme.

It is the only scheme to consider the importance of your location.

What degree programs are included?

The Scheme can be applied to all Macquarie University undergraduate degree programs applied for via the Universities Admissions Centre.