Start your university study early
A pathway program allowing high achieving students to undertake university units while still in high school.
Note:
- This program is currently under review and details will change in 2025.
- Applications and enrolments are open for Session 2, 2024.
Eligibility
You must be 16 years of age or older when you commence the program.
Successful participants can receive an early offer from Macquarie. There are two different versions of the pathway. Check below to see if you qualify.
- Pathway 1
You have completed Year 10 with an accelerated HSC subject, and achieved a Band 6 or E4 result.
- Pathway 2
You have completed Year 10 with a B+ average mark across all your subjects.
Approved units include Session units or Term units (offered via Macquarie University College).
- Pathway 1
Complete one university-approved unit with a distinction while undertaking this pathway.
- Pathway 2
Complete and receive distinction results in Critical Thinking (PHIL1037) and then one more university-approved unit.
- Receive an offer from Macquarie before your Year 12 final exams.
- Your completed unit(s) count towards your degree.
Applicable degrees
The Gifted and Talented pathway applies to all Macquarie bachelor degrees, except for:
- Bachelor of Laws and its double degrees
- Macquarie University co-op programs
Additional requirements
Some degrees require that you undertake certain subjects, either as part of your HSC study or as part of this program.
- Bachelor of Actuarial Studies: Complete one approved unit from ACST1052 and ECON1020 and complete HSC Mathematics Extension 2 (band E4).
- Bachelor of Applied Finance and Bachelor of Actuarial Studies: complete one approved unit from ACST1052 and ECON1020 and complete HSC Mathematics Extension 2 (band E4).
- Bachelor of Information Technology and Bachelor of Actuarial Studies: Complete one approved unit from ACST1052 and ECON1020 and complete HSC Mathematics Extension 2 (band E4).
- Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Actuarial Studies: Complete one approved unit from ACST1052 and ECON1020 and complete HSC Mathematics Extension 2 (band E4).
- Bachelor of Clinical Science: complete one approved unit from the Faculty of Science and Engineering and complete HSC Mathematics (receive a Band 4 or greater), or Mathematics Extension 1 (E2 or greater) or Mathematics Extension 2 and completion of HSC Chemistry.
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) with a specialisation in Mechanical Engineering: completed HSC Maths Advanced (B5)/Maths Extension 1 or Extension 2 (E2).
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) with a specialisation in Mechatronic Engineering: completed HSC Maths Advanced (B5)/Maths Extension 1 or Extension 2 (E2).
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) with a specialisation in Civil Engineering: completed HSC Maths Advanced (B5)/Maths Extension 1 or Extension 2 (E2).
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) with a specialisation in Software Engineering: completed HSC Maths Advanced (B5)/Maths Extension 1 or Extension 2 (E2).
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) with a specialisation in Electrical and Electronic Engineering: completed HSC Maths Advanced (B5)/Maths Extension 1 or Extension 2 (E2).
- Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science: complete one approved unit from PSYU1101 and STAT1107
Available units
A variety of units are available for you to choose from based on your personal interests. Choose units from the list below.
| Unit code | Unit title |
|---|---|
| ABST1000 | Introducing Indigenous Australia |
| ACCG1000 | Accounting for Decision Making |
| ACST1001 | Finance Fundamentals |
| AHIS1200 | Myth in the Ancient World |
| ARTS1000 | Humanities and the World |
| ECON1020 | Economics and Business Strategy |
| EDST1000 | Exploring Australian Education: Social and Historical Contexts |
| LING1109 | Language, Culture and Communication |
| MGMT1002 | Managing for Impact |
| MKTG1001 | Marketing and Value Creation |
| MMCC1015 | Media Practice and Production |
| MMCC1040 | Introduction to Media and Mass Communications |
| SSCI1000 | Introducing Social Science |
Refer to the Handbook for more information about the units.
Note: Session 3 is an intensive session.
| Unit code | Unit title |
|---|---|
| ABST1000 | Introducing Indigenous Australia |
| ACCG1000* | Accounting for Decision Making |
| ACST1001* | Finance Fundamentals |
| ARTS1000 | Humanities and the World |
| ECON1020* | Economics and Business Strategy |
| MGMT1002* | Managing for Impact |
| MKTG1001* | Marketing and Value Creation |
| MMCC1040* | Introduction to Media and Mass Communications |
| PHIL1037 | Critical Thinking |
| PSYU1101 | Introduction to Psychology I |
* These units are only offered in the internal mode.
How to apply
- Apply directly to Macquarie via the Applicant Portal.
- Enter "Gifted and Talented" in the course search box.
- Choose the session or term that you wish to commence units.
Applications for Session 2 2024 close on 10 July 2024.
As part of the application, you'll be required to fill out your personal details and complete the supplementary form, which includes the details of a parent or guardian, and school endorsement.
Once your application has been assessed, you'll be contacted via your nominated email address with the outcome of your application. Successful applicants will be notified about the steps to commence and enrol in the pathway.
The cost per enrolled unit for 2024 is $2040. Students successful in admission to the Gifted and Talented program will receive Macquarie University sponsorship and pay the discounted price of $538 for each enrolled unit.