Alternative Pathways to Macquarie University
The standard UAC preference and offer process isn't the only way into studying at Macquarie.
Through our Non award program you may receive direct entry into your choice from 13 different degree programs, because we recognise every student is different and their ATARs may not fully reflect their ability to study here.
We also understand older students may have different reasons for enrolling at Macquarie so we offer alternative pathways not wholly based on academic qualifications.
Show me pathways for:
Pathways for high school leavers with insufficient ATAR
| Pathway | Entry pathway to bachelors degree |
|---|---|
| Diploma of Languages | Transfer to Bachelor of Arts possible from Diploma course. Find out more about Diploma of Languages pathway » |
| Non-award study | Students who complete 12 credit points with a minimum (Grade Point Average) of either 2.0, 2.25 or 2.5 can gain admission into a limited number of Bachelors' programs at Macquarie University. Find out more about Non-award study » |
| Sydney Institute of Business and Technology (SIBT) |
In most cases, students who complete a SIBT Diploma with an eligible GPA will get admission into second year of the relevant bachelors degree at Macquarie University. There are some programs where students have to complete one or more 100 level units that were not part of their SIBT program which are prerequisites for further study. |
| TAFE and private colleges |
Students can complete the following recognised courses and can use them to apply via UAC or direct to Macquarie University:
Please note that qualifications need to be completed prior to application. |
| Associate Degree in Information Technology |
The Associate Degree in Information Technology is a paraprofessional qualification offered by Macquarie University designed specifically as a transition path between TAFE and university study. On successful completion of the Associate Degree with a grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or greater, a student may request admission and guaranteed entry into the third year of a Bachelor of Information Technology at Macquarie. Alternatively, a student may elect to qualify with the Award of Associate Degree in Information Technology. |
| Macquarie University Foundation Program | Upon successful completion of the foundation program, students can choose from over 50 Macquarie University undergraduate courses. Find out more about the Macquarie University Foundation program » |
| Open Universities Australia (OUA) | Applicants can enrol in units of study from the Bachelor of Arts at Macquarie University with OUA. Entry not based on ATAR. After completing four units (with a credit average) applicants can apply for an on-campus place at Macquarie University through application to UAC. Find out more about Open Universities Australia » |
| Internal transfers | Applicants can enrol in a degree with a lower ATAR, they then may be eligible to apply to transfer into their chosen degree after meeting the requirements of the Internal Transfer Policy which can be viewed online via the University Handbook. Find out more about internal transfers pathway » |
| Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) |
If your HSC/Year 12 university admission rank is not sufficient to gain an offer, you may improve your opportunities by applying to sit the STAT. For new students in 2011 Macquarie will accept STAT scores in applications for all degree programs, as long as the test results meet the required cut-off marks. UAC administers the STAT. |
Pathway for elite athletes and performers
| Pathway | Suitable for |
|---|---|
| Elite Athletes and Artistic Performers Entry Scheme | Elite athletes and artistic performers who believe that their training and/or competitive commitments have affected their HSC preparation. Find out more about pathways for elite athletes and performers » |
Pathways for students who have been disadvantaged during their high school studies
| Pathway | Suitable for |
|---|---|
| Educational Access Scheme (The Lighthouse Scheme) |
For applicants who can prove that educational performance during Year 11 and/or Year 12 or equivalent has been seriously affected by circumstances beyond their control. Find out more about the Educational Access Scheme » |
| uniTEST | uniTEST pathway is designed to support those who may have experienced disadvantage during their HSC which impacted on their final results. Find out more about uniTEST » |
Pathway for students wishing to transfer institutions
| Pathway | Entry pathway to bachelors degree |
|---|---|
| Transfer from another university |
Students must apply through UAC. UAC will take into account both their academic record at tertiary level as well as their ATAR. For students who have only completed up to six months of tertiary study and seek to reapply through UAC, they will be selected based on the best of their tertiary study or their ATAR, whichever is higher. |
Pathway for non school leavers and mature age students
| Pathway | Suitable for |
|---|---|
| Mature Age Jubilee Scheme | Applicants over 21 years of age who have not undertaken any tertiary education; full-time or part-time. Find out more about the Mature Age Jubilee Scheme » |
| Open Universities Australia (OUA) | Applicants can enrol in units of study from the Bachelor of Arts at Macquarie University with OUA. Entry not based on ATAR. After completing four units (with a credit average) applicants can apply for an on-campus place at Macquarie University through application to UAC. Find out more about Open Universities Australia » |
| Graduates of TAFE and private colleges |
Students who have completed the following courses are recognised and can use them to apply via UAC or direct to Macquarie University:
Please note that qualifications need to be completed prior to application. |
| Sydney Institute of Business and Technology (SIBT) |
In most cases, students who complete a SIBT Diploma with an eligible GPA will get admission into second year of the relevant bachelors degree at Macquarie University. There are some programs where students have to complete one or more 100 level units that were not part of their SIBT program which are prerequisites for further study. |
| Diploma of Languages | Transfer to Bachelor of Arts possible from Diploma course. Find out more about Diploma of Languages pathway » |
Pathway for personal and professional development
| Pathway | Entry pathway to bachelors degree |
|---|---|
| Non-award study | Students who complete 12 credit points with a minimum (Grade Point Average) of either 2.0, 2.25 or 2.5 can gain admission into a limited number of Bachelors' programs at Macquarie University. Find out more about Non-award study » |
Pathway for students wishing to study from home
| Pathway | Entry pathway to bachelors degree |
|---|---|
| Distance education | Degrees available include: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science; Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education), Bachelor of Laws. Find out more about distance education » |
Pathway for rural students
| Pathway | Suitable for |
|---|---|
| Macquarie University Rural Bonus Scheme | Rural and regional students whose continuing education may be negatively impacted by social, financial or geographical disadvantage. Find out more about the Rural Bonus Scheme » |
Pathway for students of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent
| Pathway | Entry pathway to bachelors degree |
|---|---|
| Macquarie University Warawara Alternative Entry Program | Applicants undertake a two day assessment workshop to demonstrate required skills of literacy and/or numeracy. Find out more about the Warawara Alternative Entry Program » |