Entry Criteria
Admissions requirements for higher degree research studies are outlined in the Postgraduate Rules - Research section in the University Postgraduate Handbook:
Generally speaking, admission to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy requires:
- a Bachelor degree with first class Honours or second class Honours division 1, or
- a Master degree with a substantial research component or equivalent.
Admission to the Degree of Master of Philosophy requires a Bachelor degree with first class or second class Honours or equivalent. For applicants who do not meet these requriment, please refer to the pathway programs available in their respective Divisions.
Applicants for research degrees are expected to contact the appropriate department concerning their areas of interest and the availability of supervisors in advance of completing their application.
Applications for Master of Philosophy, Doctor of Philosophy or Professional Doctorate programs need to complete the general Higher Degree Research Application form. The same application form is used for scholarship applications. Scholarship applicants need to write clearly the name(s) of the scholarship they are applying for. Scholarship applicants will need to have referees complete an Academic Referee Report form.
Applications for professional degrees such as Doctor of Applied Linguistics will require referees to complete the Professional Referee Report form. In addition, applicants for Doctor of Psychology may be required to complete the Psychology Personal Supplementary Information form, as well as the Psychology Referee Report form.
Proof of English Proficiency
The need for research candidates to have and maintain a high level of English language proficiency is implicit in being a Macquarie higher degree research candidate. It is also a basic requirement for receiving a Macquarie research education.
Students whose qualifications are obtained from a country where English is not the official language, proof of English proficiency is required. The University’s English requirements are:
- TOEFL (computer-based): Overall of 237 with minimum 19 in Listening, 19 in Reading, 25 in Structure/Writing and TWE of 5.0; OR
- TOEFL (paper-based): Overall of 580 with 53 in Listening, 52 in Reading, 59 in Structure/Written Expression and TWE of 5.0; OR
- iBT (internet-based TOEFL): Overall score of 92 with 23 in Speaking, 18 in Listening, 17 in Reading and 22 in Writing; OR
- IELTS (academic version): Overall 6.5 with minimum of 6.0 in each band
Please note that some countries would only accept IELTS for student visa processing; please check with the Australian Embassy of your country regarding the type of tests required.
While there is a minimum level of English proficiency expected, some Macquarie discipline areas such as English, Law, Linguistics and Medicine generally require higher levels of English proficiency. Macquarie research scholarship applicants needing to meet English language proficiency requirements are also expected to achieve a higher level of attainment. Such scholarship applicants are expected to attain one of the followings:
- TOEFL (computer-based): Overall of 250 with minimum 19 in Listening, 22 in Reading, 26 in Structure/Writing and TWE of 5.0; OR
- TOEFL (paper-based): Overall of 600 with 53 in Listening, 56 in Reading, 61 in Structure/Written Expression and TWE of 5.0; OR
- iBT (internet-based TOEFL): Overall score of 100 with 23 in Speaking, 23 in Listening, 23 in Reading and 25 in Writing; OR
- IELTS (academic version): Overall 7.0 with no less than 6.0 in each band
There are IELTS centers operating worldwide, and students wishing to arrange for their IELTS tests may check the location of the closest center on IELTS website.
Onshore international students wishing to take further English language course may contact our Centre for Macquarie English (formerly NCELTR) for details of English programs offered.
International students wishing to undertake coursework studies should contact Macquarie International Office.
English support for commencing candidates for research applicants from Universities with whom Macquarie has a Memorandum of Understanding may have additional language support. Further enquiries may be directed to hdrfuture@mq.edu.au.
IELTS Online Preparation Program
Macquarie University offers you the opportunity to prepare for your IELTS test with an online IELTS course.
International Students
International students wishing to apply for a place in the research program need to submit an application form with full supporting documents and send the application to
The Higher Degree Research Office (HDRO)
Research Hub
Level 3, C5C East
Macquarie University
North Ryde NSW 2109
AUSTRALIA
Enquiries for international students:
Further enquiries for international matters can be directed to International Officers at the HDRO:
Email: hdrfuture@mq.edu.au
International applications are processed throughout the year. Candidates applying for scholarships must submit their applications prior to the scholarships closing date. Please check the Scholarships section for details.
Domestic Students
Domestic students may contact the Commencement Officer at the HDRO for further information regarding their applications.
Email: hdrenq@mq.edu.au