Contact us
- Macquarie University Student Mobility Team
- Level 2 (C225), 10 Hadenfeld Avenue
- Macquarie University NSW 2109 Australia
- E: exchange.studyabroad@mq.edu.au
2025 Exchange Fact Sheet
Key information about the program and application process
Find out moreLiving costs
A guide to living expenses in Sydney
Budget guideStudy on exchange – graduate with a global perspective
Experience the excitement of studying in Sydney, while receiving credit at your home university.
If you are studying at one of our partner universities, you may have the opportunity to spend one or two semesters experiencing a world-class education on our beautiful campus, with support from your home university and Macquarie University.
Please visit the list of our 200+ exchange partner universities worldwide. We offer stimulating subjects in a stunning campus environment that brings together students from around the globe.
As a student on exchange, you will have the opportunity to build your own study program from a wide range of units offered at Macquarie University.
Key dates
| Semester Dates | Session 2, 2024 | Session 1, 2025 | Session 2, 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nomination Deadline (for partners) | 15 April 2024 | 15 October 2024 | 15 April 2025 |
| Application Deadline (for students) | 30 April 2024 | 31 October 2024 | 30 April 2025 |
| Orientation Period | 15 July 2024 | 17 February 2025 | 21 July 2025 |
| Study Period Start | 22 July 2024 | 24 February 2025 | 28 July 2025 |
| Teaching Census | 16 August 2024 | 21 March 2025 | 22 August 2025 |
| Recess | 16 - 29 September 2024 | 14 - 25 April 2025 | 22 September - 6 October 2025 |
| Classes Resume | 30 September 2024 | 26 April 2025 | 7 October 2025 |
| Exams | 4 - 22 November 2024 | 10 - 27 June 2025 | 10 - 28 November |
For a full list of academic dates, please see the University calendar of dates.
Imagine yourself suddenly escaping everything you know and setting down with a few personal possessions in a new room, with new people, in a new country. Then imagine this space becoming full of memories and life-changing experiences. This was the transition I experienced being on exchange at Macquarie University.
Program eligibility
Academic requirements
To be eligible for the program you must:
- have a weighted average mark (WAM) of 60. If you are a Law student, the requirement is a WAM of 65.
- be accepted by your home university to participate in the exchange program. We advise that you speak to your home university exchange advisor to confirm your eligibility
- meet Macquarie University English language requirements of IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent).
What you'll study
As an Exchange student, you will have the opportunity to build your own study program from a wide range of units offered at Macquarie University. Please refer to the handbook and unit guide for information on available units.
When choosing a unit to study you should consider the following:
- As a student visa holder, you are required to enrol in a full-time study load of 3-4 units (30-40 credit points), with 75% of the credit points completed in the internal (face-to-face) delivery mode.
- See more information about our credit points, grading system and unit levels.
- You must receive approval from your home institution for the units you choose. Make sure to reach out to your academic advisor.
- You must have met the academic prerequisites of each unit. Check each unit's prerequisites in the handbook.
- Ensure the chosen unit is offered in the intended session (semester) of study (Session 1 or Session 2). Check unit offerings in the handbook.
- You must select units appropriate for your level of study:
- Undergraduate unit levels: 1000 level (1st year), 2000 level (2nd year), 3000 level (3rd year), 4000 level (4th year)
- Postgraduate unit levels: 8000 level, 9000 level.
- You must not study a restricted unit. This also includes all units taught at the Macquarie City campus.
While on exchange at Macquarie University, you can also obtain the Global Leadership Certificate. This extra-curricular program at no additional cost will help you broaden your knowledge from an Australian perspective!
How to apply
If you meet the program entry requirements, your home institution is required to nominate you to participate in the program.
After your home university has nominated you for an exchange program with us, you will be able to apply direct to Macquarie University – view the steps you need to take.
Exchange resources
Make sure to go through the following material for information on our Exchange program and life at Macquarie:
About your visa
To come to Australia as an exchange student, you will need to apply for and obtain a Subclass 500 Student visa.
For information on this visa type, eligibility, visa conditions, and how to apply, please visit Macquarie's Student Visa Conditions page.
Find out about obtaining a student visa
Visa applicants should refer to the Document Checklist Tool to find out which documents need to be attached to their visa application and acceptable English language tests to satisfy the visa requirements.
Getting started at Macquarie
Once you've been accepted to study with Macquarie Uni, applied for you visa and enrolled in your classes (you will receive information about online enrolment approximately six to eight weeks before the session starts) you will need to prepare for your arrival.
From airport pickups to Orientation Week – find out all the information you need to get ready to live and study in Sydney!
