Skip to Content

FAQs

Definitions

Domestic Student: A student who is an Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen or holder of a permanent resident visa

International Student: Students that are not Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens or permanent resident visa holders

Questions & Answers

Am I eligible?

Domestic: Eligible applicants are required to have completed an Australian equivalent undergraduate degree and have a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.70 out of 4.00 (link to GPA calculator). Applicants without the required GPA but with relevant work experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

International: Eligible applicants are required to have completed an Australian equivalent undergraduate degree and have a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.70 out of 4.00 (link to GPA calculator). International students will also need to demonstrate English proficiency. Applicants without the required GPA but with relevant work experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

*Staff at the Business and Economics Student Services (BESS) cannot process pre-assessment. Please submit an application of admission.

How do I know if I am eligible for an offer?

Coursefinder details the entry requirements to postgraduate programs within the Faculty of Business and Economics.

How much does it cost to apply?

There is no charge to submit an application for admission to our faculty.

Can I receive credit for my previous studies to count towards my postgraduate degree?

Yes. Your eligibility will be assessed by the faculty and you will be informed upon receiving an offer. Up to four exemptions can be granted for gateway units and are assessed on the basis of previous units studied in a degree that are deemed equivalent by the faculty. Students who have undertaken relevant postgraduate studies may be eligible for further credit for previous study.

How many course offers can I receive?

The faculty will only make one offer. Please refer to the Receiving and Accepting an Offer section for more details.

Can I defer my offer?

Domestic: You cannot defer your offer. If you choose not to accept your offer, you will have to submit a new application to be considered for next semester intake. Your application will be assessed against the entry criteria at the time of your application.

International: You can defer up to 1 year without paying any fees. To defer your offer until the next available intake you will need to submit the deferral page from your offer pack, and send it to your Admissions Contact person, as listed on your offer letter.

When will I know if I've been accepted?

Domestic: If there is no problem with your application and/or supporting documentation, offer letters are sent out between 3 to 4 weeks of receiving the application.

All queries about the progress of an application should be directed to BESS (for domestic students).

International: If there is no problem with your application and/or supporting documentation, offer letters are sent out by Macquarie International between 2 to 4 weeks of receiving the application.

All queries about the progress of an application should be directed by email to Macquarie International (for international students).

How much will it cost to complete a degree?

Domestic: The tuition fee varies depending upon the type of degree. Current information on fees is available by going to the fees page.

International: The tuition fee varies depending upon the type of degree. Current information on fees is available by going to the international fees page

International students also need to consider living costs while in Sydney. Macquarie International will help with finding accommodation and provide advice on living in Sydney. Useful information about living costs is on the Macquarie International web site.

When do I have to pay tuition fees?

Domestic: Payments for Domestic students are due 3 days before classes commence. Fees are based on the number of units studied in each semester. So the programs are really "pay as you go".

International: Students must pay their first semester fees in advance of enrolment as stated on your Offer of Admissions Letter. Fees for a later semester are due 3 days before classes commence. Fees are based on the number of units studied in each semester.

Please ensure that you pay all course fees by the payment due date to avoid incurring a Late Payment Fee.

Students are recommended to check their Statement of Outstanding Charges in eStudent.

Does previous work experience gain me credit points?

Previous work experience does not attract credit points for our Masers programs though will be considered as part of your application to one of our degrees.

When and where are classes held?

Nearly all classes are held at the Macquarie University campus at North Ryde, Sydney. Classes are held according to the published timetables and classes are held during the day and some during the evening. A small number of classes are held on weekends.

How many hours per week will I have to attend lectures?

Postgraduate classes are normally held once per week in sessions lasting three hours. Exceptions to this, for example, are block weekend sessions and computer laboratory sessions. In addition to classroom hours, students are expected to spend between 8-10 hours per week on reading, assignments, case studies and group projects in each unit studied. So a student taking four MCom units will be expected to attend classes and study for a total of about 40 hours per week.

What is a standard part-time or full-time load?

A full-time load is three or four units each semester (maximum of four units per semester). A part-time load is two or less units each semester.

Domestic: Students can enrol in a minimum of one unit (including summer session) to be considered a current student. If a domestic does not enrol within two consecutive semesters then they will need to complete a re-admission form to continue their degree.

International: Students MUST study full-time and are expected to study four units each semester in order to complete the degree in minimum time. However, international students can take a part-time load in their final semester with permission.

How is my performance in a unit assessed?

Each student's performance in a unit is normally assessed by a combination of weekly assignments, a large project or case study (often done on a group basis) and a written examination. The methods of assessment used are made known to students in the first week of classes. The mix of assessment methods varies between units. Refer to previous semester unit outlines for information (note this should only be used as a guide as unit content and assessment structure can vary between semesters)

Will I be able to enrol in my preferred units?

Yes, you will be able to enrol in your preferred units. Most units are available in semester 1 and semester 2 as well as some units being offered in summer session. If you are not able to enrol in your preferred unit then a suitable substitute unit will be available.

Where do I find information about unit content?

You can view specific unit content and assessment structure from previous semesters by reading the unit outline. The unit content is subject to change each semester and should be treated as a guide only. The most current and up-to-date version will be available to students in the first week of class.

Do you offer double degrees?

We are currently reviewing our offering of double degrees. Some degrees do offer the possibility to be completed with a double specialisation provided the Gateway and core unit requirement is met. Contact BESS for more information regarding double specialisations.

Can I transfer to another degree after I have enrolled?

It is possible to transfer to a new degree program although certain conditions apply. Students must meet the entry requirements to the new degree as a new applicant.

Domestic: Students should contact the Coursework Studies Section [(02) 9850 6410] to commence degree transfer arrangements. Note this may increase the time taken for completion.

International: Students should contact Macquarie International [(02) 9850 7346] to commence degree transfer arrangements. Note this may increase the time taken for completion.

Can I change or add a Master of Commerce specialisation after I have enrolled?

It is possible to change or add a specialisation after you have enrolled. Students will need to contact BESS to assess their eligibility. This process will need to be done within the first 2 weeks of semester.

Do you offer non-award units?

Some units are available as non-award study on approval and applicants will need to contact the Centre for Open Education for more information and to apply. Some units are available online though most are only offered in class at the Macquarie University campus at North Ryde, Sydney.

Are there any scholarships available?

Domestic: There are no scholarships available for coursework programs for domestic students. Australian citizens and holders of permanent humanitarian visas can apply for Fee Help.

International: Students can apply for a Macquarie University International Scholarship (MUIS). Scholarships are generally very competitive.

See all scholarships available to postgraduate students at Macquarie University.

Can I study some of my subjects overseas?

Macquarie University has exchange program agreements with over 200 overseas universities. Students in the MCom and MIB can participate in short summer or winter courses in overseas universities or semester length exchange placements.

I'd like to get some work experience, is that possible?

International students who have completed one semester of postgraduate study can apply to take a supervised workplace internship in their second semester of study for credit toward their MIB or MCom degree. For internship opportunities, view the Postgraduate Internships page.