Macquarie University
Why Macquarie is a good university with a top 10 ranking in Australia.
Macquarie University is ranked #190 in the world, based on a composite of QS, Times, ARWU, and Webometrics rankings. In Australia, Macquarie is ranked #10 out of 42 universities.
Macquarie University (Macquarie) is a suburban Sydney university that was founded in 1964. It has a strong research focus and features in world university rankings. Students attend a large campus near Macquarie Park, a suburb 16 km from the CBD.
World Ranking
Global Ranking: 190
Macquarie University holds the 190th spot in the world. It ranks 133rd in QS Ranking but performs somewhat lower elsewhere.
QS ranking: 133
Times Higher Education: 178
ARWU: 250
Webometrics: 200
Australia Ranking
Australia Rank: 10
Macquarie University is the tenth-ranked university in Australia, behind UTS, Adelaide University, and UWA. Despite the high ranking, it is fourth in a competitive Sydney education market.
Above: UWA (7), Adelaide University (8), UTS (9)
Below: Deakin University (11), Curtin University (12), QUT (13)
Is Macquarie University Good?
Macquarie University’s North Ryde campus offers plenty of green space, sports areas, and cafes, creating a welcoming and active environment. Most courses require an ATAR of 75 or above, making entry standards clear for students across fields like business and science.
Big campus vibe
High academic standards
Research centres
For postgraduate students, Macquarie’s research centres provide strong support in fields like health and environmental science. These facilities allow advanced research and practical experience, boosting the university's standing and graduate career prospects.
Satisfaction: 78.5%
Macquarie University reviews show satisfaction levels of 74.8% for bachelor degrees and 82.2% for postgraduate students, both close to national averages. Uni Reviews provides individual ratings and comments.
How Many Students?
Students: 44,217
Macquarie University had a total of 44,217 students in 2023, making it the 14th largest university in Australia. Macquarie is the 5th biggest uni in New South Wales.
- International students: 10,194 (23%)
- Postgraduate students: 10,142 (23%)
- Gender ratio: 51% Female : 49% Male
- On-campus students: 38,405 (87%)
Acceptance Rate
Acceptance Rate: 50%
The Macquarie University acceptance rate is 50%. Among students with an ATAR that qualifies for university, 50% are unable to be admitted into their preferred degree.
Required ATAR: 75
It is hard to get into Macquarie University, with a minimum ATAR of 75 on average. At the time of publishing, the ATAR threshold was 75 for Arts, Bachelor of Business, and Science degrees.
Can You Study at Macquarie University Online?
Macquarie University is mainly an on-campus course provider, though some options are available for online learners. Approximately 3,777 bachelor and 1,772 postgraduate students are enrolled in online courses, making up about 13% of the student population. Popular fields of study at Macquarie University Online include Society and Culture, and Management and Commerce. While online programs exist, most students attend courses in person.
Macquarie University Review
Independent review by Australian Universities. Discover what it’s really like to study at Macquarie University (MQ) — a spacious Sydney campus with a practical learning strategy and calm student lifestyle.