Study as a non-school applicant

Your application is assessed using a selection rank, which considers any previous university study (GPA or WAM), post-secondary study (accredited Certificate IV qualification or higher) or secondary study (ATAR or equivalent plus any eligible adjustment factors).

When you apply through UAC, your previous study is used to calculate your selection rank, which we use to assess your application. You can check the selection rank required for your preferred course on CourseFinder.

If you’ve recently completed Year 12, your selection rank (ATAR and any eligible adjustment factors) will typically be used to assess your application.

If you’ve completed university, TAFE or other study – or you have significant work and life experience – your application may be assessed based on these instead of, or alongside, your ATAR.

Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for one of the following pathways:

• Macquarie University College – study a diploma or foundational program, meet all entry requirements and transition into the first or second year of a bachelor degree.
• Open Universities Australia (OUA) – start a degree online, then transition to on-campus study if you meet progression requirements.
• Internal course transfer – begin in a related degree, then apply to transfer once you’ve met the requirements.

Yes. Depending on what you’ve studied, you may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), which can reduce the time it takes to complete your degree.

Credit is assessed on a case-by-case basis and may be awarded for previous university study, TAFE qualifications, or relevant work and other learning experiences. Check out our Credit transfer register for more information.

Yes. When applying through UAC, you must include all completed secondary study and any complete or incomplete tertiary study at Certificate IV level or above. UAC uses this information to calculate your selection rank.

There’s no upper age limit for studying at Macquarie. You simply need to be at least 16 years of age to apply.

Yes. Depending on your degree, you may be able to study part-time. Some full-time degrees offer evening classes or online study options. You can check how each unit is delivered in our Handbook and Unit Guides before you enrol.