Macquarie University (QS Rank #130) offers practical business, IT and engineering programs with strong corporate ties. With a 40–45% acceptance rate, scholarships up to 50% and high job placements in Sydney, it’s an ideal choice for Indian students in 2026.

Macquarie University, located in Sydney, is a globally recognised research institution known for its industry-focused learning, innovation, strong business and technology programs. Ranked among the top 200 universities worldwide, Macquarie is especially popular with international students seeking career-oriented degrees, excellent scholarship opportunities and access to major corporate hubs in Australia.
This comprehensive guide provides everything Indian students need to know about Macquarie University’s acceptance rate, global rankings, courses, tuition fees, scholarships, admission process, living expenses and job prospects for 2026 intake, helping you plan your study-abroad journey confidently.
Quick Facts About Macquarie University (2026)
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Sydney, New South Wales |
| QS World Ranking 2025 | #130 globally |
| Acceptance Rate | 40–45% (moderately selective) |
| Total Students | 45,000+ |
| International Students | 25–30% |
| Top Programs | Business, IT, Finance, Engineering, Health |
| Annual Tuition Fees | AUD 35,000–52,000 |
| Living Costs | AUD 30,000–38,000/year |
| Scholarships | Up to 50% tuition waiver |
| Post-study visa | 2–4 years |
Why Choose Macquarie University (Especially for Indian Students)?
- Located in Sydney, Australia’s biggest job market
- Campus within Macquarie Park Innovation District, home to 300+ companies
- Leading business, IT and engineering degrees with internship options
- Modern campus with an on-site hospital, financial trading room and tech labs
- High employability ranking (Top 140 globally)
- Scholarships up to 50% for international students
If you’re aiming for a future in business, tech or corporate leadership, Macquarie offers direct access to companies like Microsoft, Optus, Deloitte, Johnson & Johnson and EY.
Macquarie University Rankings (2025–26)
Rankings reflect the university’s global reputation, quality of teaching, and employability outcomes.
| Ranking Body | Position |
| QS World Rankings | #130 |
| Times Higher Education | Top 200 |
| QS Business & Finance | Top 100 |
| Graduate Employability | Top 140 |
| Research Power | Top 1% globally |
Macquarie consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in Australia for graduate outcomes.
Top Courses at Macquarie University (2026)
Here are the most sought-after courses among Indian and international students, chosen for high job prospects and skill relevance.
Popular Undergraduate Courses
- Bachelor of Business Administration / Finance / Accounting
- Bachelor of Engineering (Software, Electronics, Telecom)
- Bachelor of Information Technology
- Bachelor of Cyber Security
- Bachelor of Health Sciences
- Bachelor of Psychology
- Bachelor of Media & Communication
Top Postgraduate Programs
- Master of Business Analytics
- MBA (Global)
- Master of Finance / Applied Finance
- Master of Data Science & Artificial Intelligence
- Master of Engineering Management
- Master of Information Technology
- Master of Public Health & Healthcare Management
These courses are preferred due to demand in Australia’s workforce and migration eligibility.
Acceptance Rate & Competitiveness
- Estimated acceptance rate: 40–45%
- Competitive courses include MBA, Finance, Data Science and Psychology
- Strong academic record and a good SOP improve selection
Compared to universities like Sydney or UNSW, Macquarie is more accessible and practical.
Admission Requirements for Indian Students
Understanding the entry requirements helps you prepare early.
Undergraduate
- 70–75% in Class 12
- IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0)
Postgraduate
- 55–60% in bachelor’s degree
- IELTS 6.5–7.0 (depending on course)
- Work experience may be required for MBA
A well-written SOP and recommendation letters add value to your application.
Tuition Fees at Macquarie University (2026)
Australian universities charge based on course type. Here’s an overview.
| Course | Annual Fees (AUD) |
| Business / Management | 36,000–42,000 |
| Data Science / IT | 40,000–45,000 |
| Engineering | 42,000–50,000 |
| MBA | 45,000–52,000 |
| Psychology / Health | 38,000–48,000 |
Melbourne & Sydney universities are pricier than Perth or Adelaide, but offer higher salary growth.
Cost of Living in Sydney
Sydney is a premium destination, but higher job opportunities balance the investment.
| Expense | Yearly Cost (AUD) |
| Accommodation | 15,000–22,000 |
| Food & Utilities | 6,000–8,000 |
| Transport | 1,500–2,500 |
| Other Expenses | 6,000–8,000 |
| Total | 30,000–38,000 |
Students typically recover costs through internship or part-time employment.
Scholarships for Indian Students
Macquarie offers several financial support options to reduce tuition fees.
| Scholarship | Benefit |
| Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship | 25–50% fee waiver |
| India Excellence Award | AUD 10,000–20,000 |
| Global Merit Scholarships | Up to AUD 15,000 |
| Women in STEM Award | For tech and science courses |
Apply early and maintain strong academic scores for better eligibility.
Career & Employment Opportunities
Macquarie graduates are highly employable due to practical learning and corporate exposure.
- Average salary: AUD 70,000–95,000/year
- Internships with Microsoft, Optus, IBM, Accenture
- Eligible for 2–4 year post-study work visa
Business Analytics, IT and Engineering graduates are among the most in-demand.
Book your Free Study Abroad Consultation with Stubard today – Limited scholarships for early applicants.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the acceptance rate at Macquarie University?
Macquarie University has an estimated acceptance rate of 40–45%. Admissions are moderately competitive, especially for courses like Business Analytics, Data Science, and Engineering. Strong academic scores and an early application increase your chances.
2. Is Macquarie University good for Indian students?
Yes, Macquarie is highly popular among Indian students due to practical learning, industry connections, career outcomes, and scholarships. It offers job-focused programs, making it ideal for those aiming for permanent residency or employment in Australia.
3. Which courses are best to study at Macquarie University?
Top courses include:
MBA (Global)
Business Analytics & Finance
Master of Data Science / AI
Software and Telecommunications Engineering
Cybersecurity and IT
These fields offer strong job placement and PR opportunities.4. How much does it cost to study at Macquarie University?
Tuition fees for Indian students typically range from AUD 36,000–52,000 per year, depending on the course. Living costs in Sydney average AUD 30,000–38,000 annually. Overall, budget approx. AUD 65,000–85,000 per year.
5. Does Macquarie University offer scholarships for Indian students?
Yes. Indian students can apply for:
India Excellence Scholarship (AUD 10,000–20,000)
Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship (up to 50% tuition waiver)
Women in STEM Scholarships
A strong academic profile is required for best chances.6. What GPA is required for Macquarie admission?
For postgraduate programs, Macquarie generally accepts a minimum of 55–60% in a bachelor’s degree from a recognised Indian university. Competitive programs may require 65% or above.
7. What is the minimum IELTS score for Macquarie University?
Most courses require IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0).
Highly specialised courses like MBA or Law may require IELTS 7.0.8. How competitive are Macquarie’s MBA and Engineering programs?
Both are highly competitive due to employer demand. To improve admission chances, students should have good academic scores, relevant experience, and strong motivation statements.
9. Can Macquarie students work part-time while studying?
Yes. International students can work 48 hours per fortnight during semester and unlimited hours during breaks, helping recover living expenses.
10. Does Macquarie University offer internships or industry placement?
Yes. Most business, tech, and engineering programs include work-integrated learning, internships, or capstone projects with companies like Microsoft, Accenture, Deloitte, Optus and IBM.
11. What is the post-study work visa duration in Australia?
Graduates from Macquarie can apply for a 2–4 year post-study work visa, depending on their qualification level and field.
12. Is Sydney a good city for international students?
Yes. Sydney is one of the best student destinations in the world, offering safety, multicultural life, high job availability, and global networking opportunities. However, living costs are higher than smaller cities.
13. Is on-campus accommodation available at Macquarie University?
Yes. Macquarie offers modern student housing, including fully catered, self-catered, and shared apartment-style options. Students can also explore off-campus accommodation near the campus.
14. How do I apply to Macquarie University from India?
Applications can be submitted:
Directly via the Macquarie University website, or
Through an authorised study abroad advisor like Stubard
Required documents include transcripts, English test results, SOP, and passport copies.15. How can Stubard support Indian students applying to Macquarie University?
Stubard helps students with:
Free counselling and course selection
University application and visa guidance
Scholarship assistance
Accommodation booking before arrival
Post-arrival support in Australia
