International experience as part of your degree

Enhance your graduate research experience and employability by studying and researching overseas as part of your Master of Research.

In 2015 Macquarie University introduced the MRes exchange program in the newly created postgraduate degree structure, making us the first Australian university to fully align with Asian, European and North American qualifications.

Benefits of exchange

Increase the value of your research training and your Macquarie degree with a more intensive research experience abroad.

  • In an increasingly interdependent world, this is a great opportunity to network with academics in your field and work independently.
  • Prepare the way for further research collaborations with international universities, eg a cotutelle or joint PhD.
  • Employers will look favourably on your overseas experience – it shows initiative and a proactive approach to further develop your career opportunities.

Partner universities

Our partner universities are selected for their excellence in areas of research which overlap with the research priorities of Macquarie University, which means the impact of your research project will be amplified through international networks.

Outbound exchange

As a Macquarie student, you can apply to participate in the MRes exchange program once you have completed one session of study in the first year of your MRes course.

You may choose to take the exchange program for:

  • the second session of your first year (BPhil or MRes Year 1)
  • up to two sessions (12 months) of your second (thesis) year. Your Macquarie thesis submission date would remain the same
  • see the list of available host universities, available disciplines and application deadlines. Download the program information document.
  1. Contact gr.international@mq.edu.au to enquire about the partner institutions, their timelines and disciplines available
  2. Speak to an MRes advisor in your faculty about how the exchange program will fit into your MRes program including the timing of application and of the proposed period abroad
  3. Identify viable options from the list of our partner universities above, and discuss the opportunity with your supervisor or MRes advisor.
  4. Find relevant subjects that would fit your discipline and units. If you are in the first year of your MRes and wish to undertake coursework exchange units, you will need to check the semester dates of the partner university and the availability of units.
  5. Prepare a detailed study plan aligned with the semester dates at the partner university. All study plans must be approved by the MRes advisor and the Faculty Associate Dean of Research Training and Performance.

Note: Download the program information document to learn more about the application process and deadlines. Check the academic calendar for the individual institution you are interested in visiting.

While students can usually undertake exchange in either Year 1 (coursework) or Year 2 (research) of the MRes program, exchange is only available in Year 2 for the following disciplines: engineering, law, security studies and criminology.

Students should select subjects that align with the discipline of their research study.

Year 1 – Coursework

Check the Macquarie Handbook for MRes Year 1 courses (units).

Participation in units is subject to availability, and meeting any prerequisites. The final decision will be made by the relevant Macquarie University department. As this is a research training-focused program and exchange, it is expected that you prioritise at least one research training unit.

You can change units, subject to availability, up until the census date for each session:

  • Session 1 – 21 March
  • Session 2 – 22 August.
Year 2 – Research

Undertake a period of research at Macquarie, equivalent to our MRes Year 2 program. You will submit your thesis to your home university only, so you will not receive any official grades on your Macquarie transcript.

In order to be considered for this program, you will need to find a Macquarie University supervisor who is willing to host you. Start your search using our:

You may also be able to sit in on (audit) some MRes Year 1 units while enrolled in your research project. Discuss this with your Macquarie supervisor, as you will need to seek approval from the unit convenor.

Inbound exchange

MRes exchange places are available to students from our partner universities, listed above.

To be considered for the program, you must:

  • have finished at least one semester of study at your home university
  • receive a nomination from your home university
  • formally apply for acceptance into the program
  • ensure that you meet individual subject prerequisites.

Academic advice is available from Macquarie University on which subjects should be incorporated into the exchange program study plan. Contact an MRes academic advisor now.

Download program information, including application deadlines.

  1. Complete your home university’s application form. Check with your home university regarding the application deadlines to be nominated for the program.
  2. If successful, you will be nominated by your home university to Macquarie University. Upon receiving the outcome of the nomination, apply directly to Macquarie.
  3. Select the course ‘EXMRES’ – Exchange Master of Research program and complete the online form.

Note: usual processing time for applications is approximately 12 weeks.

Eligibility

Macquarie University requires all research candidates to have and maintain a high level of English language proficiency. See English language requirements and other entry criteria for higher degree research students.

Costs and funding

  • Domestic students can apply for OS-HELP support in the first year of their MRes.
  • Exchange students are not required to pay tuition fees to their host university though some partner universities require students to pay a small fee for a concession ticket for public transport.
  • Students will be required to continue paying tuition fees to their home university.
  • All other costs associate with the exchange are the responsibility of the student.
  • There is no application fee for applying for the exchange program.
  • No scholarships are currently available however we would encourage students to seek out scholarships through external funding organisations.

Macquarie University provides up to six months travel insurance but each country has their own requirement regarding student medical insurance. Contact the partner university for more information.

Learn more about overseas student health cover.