Undergraduate

Non School Leavers FAQs

Are you a Non-School Leaver?

If you haven't completed your High School Certificate, or the equivalent, in the last 12 months, then you're considered by Macquarie University as a non-school leaver. So, you may have been travelling, working, raising a family or studying somewhere else, whatever it may be, you'll find Macquarie University is an excellent choice for you to consider furthering your education.

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So why enrol now?

Firstly, almost half our undergraduate students have not come straight from school. So you'll feel right at home. Secondly, this could be an opportunity too good to miss. With unrivalled flexibility, support for students and world class facilities, Macquarie has one of the highest student retention rates in Australia. That means most of our students graduate and obtain employment, with starting salaries that are also amongst the highest in the country.

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How do you apply?

Depending on your circumstances, there are three main ways to apply to Macquarie.

The Universities Admissions Centre (UAC)

You should apply to Macquarie University via UAC if you are:

currently studying at another university
currently completing secondary studies including pathways to Macquarie such as TAFE Diplomas
a previous student who has already completed or partly completed any undergraduate degree
planning to sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
a student who began your first year of study but withdrew from all units without deferring
a former Macquarie student who has had a break from study and now wants to apply for a different degree
a student who has previously completed their HSC, received a sufficient TER/UAI/ATAR, and has not undertaken any further study

Applications are via UAC online.

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

STAT is a series of tests you can take if your HSC/ Year 12 university admission rank (ATAR / UAI/TER) wasn't sufficient to gain an offer. School leavers cannot apply through this avenue.

You register to sit the STAT through UAC.

We suggest that you organise the STAT through the UAC site well in advance. Visit STAT for more information.

Jubilee Scheme

If you're a mature-age applicant (over 21 by March of the year of enrolment) who hasn't undertaken any previous tertiary studies, this is another option to consider.

This is a direct entry scheme that Macquarie University provides for students who have not enrolled in a university degree before. Applicants are mainly based on a written personal statement and reasons for commencing a Macquarie University degree. Entry is for limited number of degrees only. You can apply through Jubilee (Mature Age) Scheme.

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Alternative entry pathways

If you are not successful in being offered a place via UAC, STAT or the Jubilee Scheme, there are other ways to become a student at Macquarie University. Listed below are some options but for a comprehensive overview see our Alternative Entry and Pathways page.

Non Award

Through the Non Award Program you can study individual subjects without being enrolled in a degree, diploma or certificate. If you successfully complete 12 credit points you can transfer into a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood).

For more information about visit Non-Award Study.

Certificate or Diploma of Languages

You can gain entry to a Bachelor of Arts degree by doing a Certificate and subsequent Diploma of Languages at Macquarie.

Apply online at Certificate and Diploma of Languages/Ancient Languages.

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 Bachelor's Degree at Macquarie University.

For a full list of which SIBT courses gain automatic articulation in to certain Macquarie degrees visit Sydney Institute of Business & Technology (SIBT).

You can apply for a course directly through SIBT. For more information, or to download an application form visit SIBT - How to apply.

TAFE and vocational training

If you graduate from a TAFE or an AQF accredited private college with a Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Associate Degree, Certificate IV or TAFE Associate Diploma, you can apply to study at Macquarie. You may also get credit for these studies if they are relevant to your degree. Some TAFE programs also offer direct entry into Macquarie University degree programs.

For more information visit Tafe Graduates and Associate Degrees.

Open Universities Australia

UAI or ATAR scores not high enough? Not to worry. You can enrol in subjects from Macquarie's Bachelor of Arts program via Open Universities Australia. If you successfully complete four units, you can then apply to study on-campus at Macquarie University.

For more information go to Open Universities Australia.

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You choose how you study

We recognise that study is often one of the important but competing priorities in your busy lives.

Macquarie degrees are flexible and allow you to tailor your study program to suit your lifestyle.

Many of our degree programs have flexible timetables (including evening classes) or you can listen to lectures at your own convenience through iLectures. Many of our programs can also be studied by distance education.

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Need a little help?

Why is Macquarie's student retention rate one of the highest in the country? Aside from a quality educational experience with your graduate options in mind, one of the reasons is that we offer our students support across all areas.

Academic support

Orientation program where 2nd and 3rd year students offer help, advice and assistance in transitioning to life at Macquarie.
Writing skills program to help you brush up on your essay writing skills.
Technical assistance and guidance with the process involved in online learning.
The Numeracy Centre runs bridging courses to help you upgrade your maths. A bridging course is also offered for chemistry.

Financial support

You are eligible for general scholarships open to everyone. Visit Scholarships for more information. Macquarie's scholarship program is worth over $2million.
You may qualify for government assistance. For more information visit the HECS-HELP website or the Centrelink website.
Financial support and advice is also available through the Student Support Services.

Non-Academic support

Coursework Student Enquiry Service is your first point of call for any administrative questions.
Campus Experience is the centre for food outlets, retail, sport and recreation, clubs, societies, child-care, events and entertainment. Visit the website for our full range of services.
Contact the Student Support Services for a free, confidential counselling service, a medical service that is mostly bulk-billed and a Disability Support Unit. We can help you with advice and guidance on accommodation, budgeting, Centrelink entitlements, access to legal services, sexual health, drugs, alcohol, general health and wellbeing.
The Career Development Centre can help you explore career options.
There are three Child Care facilities on campus. Visit the website for more information.

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Credit for previous studies

If you have undertaken any recognized tertiary-level studies at other accredited institutions you can apply for Credit for Previous Studies (CPS). If granted, CPS counts toward your degree at Macquarie University.

You can ask about CPS at Coursework Student Enquiries. You need to have received and accepted an offer of a place at Macquarie before the University will calculate your credit for previous studies.

For further information about eligibility for CPS, go to Coursework Studies, email coursework@mq.edu.au or phone (02) 9850 6410.

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