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Sydney, Australia

Direct Enrollment - Macquarie University

Study Abroad
Program Options:
Direct Enrollment, Experiential Learning
Length:
Fall, Spring, Academic Year

At a Glance

Housing:

Apartment, Residential Colleges

Credits:

16 per Semester

Language of Instruction:

English

Language Prerequisites:

None

Visa Required:

Yes

About the Program

Our study abroad programs in Sydney offers you the opportunity to directly enroll in the prestigious Macquarie University with access to a vast array of course offerings across hundreds of disciplines.

If getting involved and making friends with Aussie students are high on your study abroad to-do list, Macquarie University is the choice for you. Its student body—with more than 30,000 students, including almost 9,000 international students—is one of the most diverse in Australia, and internationalization is a core component of the University’s mission.

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Follow Your Academic Interests

Take courses in Business, Science, and Social Psychology.

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Gain Hands-On Experience

Enroll in an internship to help contextualize what you're learning.

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Predeparture & Enrollment Advising

We offer you predeparture advising that’s specific to your needs.

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On-Site Staff

Our on-site staff work with you to answer any questions.

Fall 2025

Program Dates:

July 17 - November 29

Application Deadline:

Program Advisor

kaylee brezinski headshot

Kaylee Brezinski

Once you’ve applied for a program, I’ll be your direct point of contact. From housing to course registration and everything in between, I’m here to help you prepare to study abroad. Once you’re accepted to your program, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!

📱 800.995.2300 ✉️ study@IESabroad.org

About the Destination

Sydney Bridge and Opera House at sunset

Why Sydney?

Take advantage of your chance to live and learn in one of the most beautiful and livable cities in the world—Sydney! Enjoy Sydney’s comfortable climate, world-renowned beaches, and iconic spots around the city. We want you to feel at home in Sydney, so we do everything we can to help you integrate into life in the city. From housing to cultural events, our job is to make sure you have the most authentic study abroad experience possible. 

Learn More About Sydney

Get to Know Your New City

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Visit Barangaroo

Enjoy a meal by the waterfront in this unique inner-city suburb.

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Stroll the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Capture magnificent views of the Opera House and Circular Quay. 

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Walk from Bondi to Coogee

Prepare for stunning views, beaches, parks, and cliffs.

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Watch a Show at the Opera House

Treat yourself to one of many spectacular performances.

Housing

a photo of the housing building at Macquarie University in Sydney. A multi-level building with a blue sky and plenty of greenery outside.
  • Apartment
  • Residential College

Apartment

Student Village North Ryde (SVNR) is located across the street from the university’s main campus. Constructed in 2000, SVNR was not only built to house students, but also Olympians for the 2000 Sydney Olympics. There are three different styles of apartments and townhouses that are divided into the East and West sides of the village. 

Each apartment has a private porch or balcony, a kitchen, bathrooms, and single bedrooms that are lockable. Meals are not included. Space is limited, and if given a space in SVNR, you likely have a single bedroom in a five-bedroom apartment, shared with international and Australian students. Apartments are typically mixed-gender, unless otherwise requested.

SVNR also has a driving range, food court, and bar, and is near the Macquarie University Sports Association Gym & Pool and Macquarie Centre. You are a short walk away from the Macquarie Shopping Centre that has an ice rink, movie theatre, and all the shopping you could want. Macquarie University Train station, which gives you access to the whole of Sydney, is a short walk away.

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Academics

IES Abroad’s mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences. That is why we partnered with Macquarie University.

Macquarie University fancies itself as Australia’s “innovative university.” The University’s commitment to innovation is reflected in many community-based interdisciplinary opportunities. The University is known for research in such areas as Mathematics, Computing & Information Technology, Genes & Ecosystems, Cognitive Sciences, Management & Finance, Earth & Planetary Geosciences, Linguistics, and Social Theory. The University’s Research and Development Park has led the way in Macquarie’s strong connection with the Australian and international business communities.

You can also build community leadership skills through the University’s popular Global Leadership Program.

With seven divisions containing hundreds of disciplines, the academic experience at Macquarie is defined by diversity and breadth. Macquarie’s commitment to breaking down academic barriers is evident in its interdisciplinary programs, including Environmental Studies, Media & Cultural Studies, Geophysics, and Human Geography.

Partner Institution

An artistic shot of the Macquarie Library. A window reflects the blue sky with puffy white clouds.
  • Macquarie University

Macquarie University

Founded in 1967, Macquarie takes pride in its commitment to innovation, hands-on learning, and global leadership. Its student body—with more than 30,000 students, including almost 9,000 international students—is one of the most diverse in Australia, and internationalization is a core component of the University’s mission.

Located 11 miles from central Sydney, Macquarie University gives you access to big-city culture and a self-contained campus environment. Set within spacious, beautifully-landscaped parklands, the campus has a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. A train system enables you to get to the heart of downtown Sydney in 30-45 minutes with trains leaving every 15 minutes.

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Courses

Macquarie offers a wide variety of programs with special strengths in Business & Commerce, the Sciences, and Social Psychology. Most IES Abroad students take Level Two courses, which may require certain prerequisites.

Classes at Macquarie are called “units” and each unit is worth a designated number of credit points. Most Macquarie courses are worth 10 credit points and are equivalent to 4 IES Abroad credits. You carry at least 16 IES Abroad credits, which is equal to 40 Macquarie credit points.

The following disciplines are available to IES Abroad students. For more specific course descriptions, visit Macquarie University's handbook. Keep in mind that “courses” may refer to a course of study (ie. Bachelor of Arts in Psychology), and “units of study” may refer to specific classes.

Business, Commerce, Economics, Finance, & Statistics

  • Accounting
  • Actuarial Studies
  • Applied Finance
  • Business Administration
  • Commerce
  • Economics
  • International Business
  • Marketing Statistics

Computing, Engineering, & Electronics

  • Computer Science
  • E-business
  • Electronics & Communication Systems (Telecommunications)
  • Engineering (Telecommunications)
  • Information Systems & Technology Information
  • Technology & Computing Lasers
  • Photonics & Optoelectronics

Education

  • Early Childhood
  • Primary
  • Secondary

Humanities

  • Ancient History
  • Anthropology
  • Asiana Language & Asian Studies
  • Australian Studies
  • Contemporary Music
  • Creative Arts
  • English & Literature
  • European Languages
  • Indigenous Studies
  • Modern History
  • Music
  • Performance Drama
  • Philosophy
  • Politics & International Relations
  • Sociology
  • Women Studies

Law

  • Business*
  • Constitutional*
  • Criminal*
  • Environmental*
  • International*
  • Public Property*

Medical, Health, Speech & Hearing, and Chiropractic Studies

  • Health
  • Medical Sciences
  • Speech & Hearing Sciences

Sciences

  • Astronomy & Astrophysics
  • Atmospheric Science
  • Biodiversity & Conservation
  • Bioinformatics
  • Biological Chemistry
  • Biology
  • Biotechnology
  • Chemistry
  • Demography
  • Electronics & Communication Systems
  • Environmental Sciences
  • Geochemistry
  • Geoecology
  • Geographic Information Science
  • Geology
  • Geophysics
  • Human Geography
  • Information Technology & Information Systems
  • Language Technology
  • Lasers
  • Linguistics
  • Marine Science
  • Mathematics
  • Molecular Technologies
  • Photonics & Optoelectronics
  • Physical Geography
  • Physics 
  • Psychology
  • Resource & Environmental Management

*100-Level Courses only

Global Leadership Program

This non-credit-bearing program helps you build leadership skills, gain cross-cultural experience, and enhance your resume. The program is also a great way to form meaningful friendships with Australian students.

In order to complete the certificate program, you must attend five colloquia (lectures) throughout your time in Australia (from a choice of 25–30 offered each semester). Topics may include:

  • Leadership
  • Cross-Cultural Understanding
  • Business Etiquette
  • Aboriginal Australia
  • Terrorism & Counterterrorism

Once the five colloquia are successfully completed, you receive a certificate, a reference letter, and a GLP transcript detailing each of the colloquia attended.

Committing to the program also makes you eligible to participate in the Global Leadership Symposiums (Learning Tours), which usually run twice a semester.

In the past, GLP students have traveled to locations such as Canberra (Australia’s capital city) and various regions throughout Asia. Please note that these symposiums may clash with the optional IES Abroad mid-semester field trip to the Great Barrier Reef, and are not paid for by IES Abroad.

For more information, visit Macquarie University's Global Leadership Program page.

PRO-TIP

Apply for your passport today!

Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.

Learn More
passport stamps and stickers inside of passport books

Field Trips

Even though your adventure starts in Sydney, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. All trips are included in the program fee unless otherwise noted with ($).

NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability. 

Students stand and sit around the entrance sign to Kakadu National Park. The sign reads "Welcome to the Aboriginal Land; Kakadu National Park."

Kakadu & Top End Tour

5 Days ($) Fall & Spring

Take a mid-semester trip to Kakadu and the Top End, to see one of the world's best kept national parks.

Students standing underneath a waterfall on a sunny day.

Blue Mountains & Featherdale Wildlife Park

1 Day Fall, Spring, & Summer

Hike in the Blue Mountains and enjoy a visit to Featherdale Wildlife Park.

The coast in Royal National Park. Hills and greenery are further inland, leading to a clean, sandy beach and turquoise water.

Royal National Park

1 Day Fall, Spring & Summer

Explore the second-oldest national park in the world, full of fascinating plants, birds, and animals.

Experiential Learning

Volunteer Opportunities

Macquarie also offers a range of volunteer opportunities for study abroad students that will allow you to get further involved in the local culture while making a difference to the community in which you live. The volunteer program has opportunities for involvement with environmental groups, indigenous Australians, and community services. Details of these opportunities are available on the university's PACE Program page.

Program Cost

Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your current college or university to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your school's policies, and other factors.

Fall 2024

Tuition
$
15,096
Housing
$
6,237
Insurance
$
490
Total
$
21,823

Academic Year 2024

Tuition
$
27,160
Housing
$
12,475
Insurance
$
950
Total
$
40,585

Spring 2025

Tuition
$
15,564
Housing
$
6,424
Insurance
$
490
Total
$
22,478

Fall 2025

Tuition
-
Housing
-
Insurance
-
Total
Pending

Use Our Budget Worksheet to Calculate Your Costs

See the Worksheet
APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

$7 Million in Scholarships & Aid

We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from studying abroad. This is why we commit millions of dollars to our study abroad scholarships and aid.

Learn More
Two students snorkel in the ocean.

About the IES Abroad Center

The Center staff are highly trained local professionals provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad.  

The IES Abroad Sydney staff are located in Chatswood, a business and residential neighborhood in the Lower North Shore of Sydney. IES Abroad Sydney staff are readily available to connect with you on your academic, housing, and life experiences. 
 

Orientation

Start at Home
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins at home with our virtual orientation to meet the IES Abroad Center staff, fellow students, and the city.
Arrive in Sydney
Orientation continues when you arrive onsite with activities focusing on adjusting to Sydney. Detailed information about other important topics is also covered.
Day Hike in the Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains are well-known for their canyons, rock formations, and rainforests, and for being home to Aboriginal communities.
On-Site Staff Support
Our experienced, trained, and dedicated local staff are on-site throughout your entire program to ensure you have the support you need during your abroad adventure.
Prepare to Learn
Feel prepared to begin classes with practical lessons, activities designed to help you learn your way around the area, and support from our dedicated student staff.

Health & Safety

With 70 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" so that you don’t have to. From international health insurance included in the cost of your program to highly-trained local staff who can connect you to English-speaking healthcare providers, we are working around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.

Support You Can Expect to Receive on Our Programs

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CISI International Health Insurance

In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.

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24/7 Emergency Support

Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.

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Mandatory Cell Phone Policy

Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.

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Location-Specific Information

Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.

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TripTracker System

Allowing you to share independent travel plans.

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Crisis Drills

So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.

Program Dates

Fall 2024

Program Dates:

July 11 - November 24

Application Deadline:

Academic Year 2024

Program Dates:

Mid July - Late November

Application Deadline:

Spring 2025

Program Dates:

February 13 - June 22

Application Deadline:

Fall 2025

Program Dates:

July 17 - November 29

Application Deadline:

Requirements

  • Eligibility Requirements
  • Application Requirements
  • Passport & Visa Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

  • 18 years of age
  • In good standing at your home school
  • 2.75 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale (Students with a GPA below 2.75 are ineligible)
  • Junior or senior class standing when the program begins, with three full semesters' worth of grades on transcript at the time of application. Students who will be second-semester sophomores when the program begins and who have two full semesters' worth of grades on their transcripts at the time of application may be considered for entry into the U.S. Spring semester of the program. Each applicant will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
  • Final admission decision rests with Macquarie University

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact a Previous Student

Student Ambassadors

No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than a student who has lived it! From budget tips to housing experiences, our volunteer Ambassadors are here to share it all.

Contact an Ambassador
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The Student Experience

How will study abroad redefine your world? We can’t wait to find out.

Apply Now
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