From Eh to Oz
Ranked among the top one percent of universities in the world, Macquarie is considered one of the world’s best universities. The university’s unique location, in the heart of Australia’s largest high-technology precinct, provides you with an environment of outstanding research and innovation and exceptional learning and teaching opportunities.
Located in a suburb of Sydney, Macquarie’s North Ryde campus is situated in the heart of Sydney’s high-tech northwest corridor, home to the Australian headquarters of multinational companies such as Microsoft and Sony.
On the Macquarie Boarding Pass, you’ll find everything you need to know about getting ready to go to Macquarie University, including how to accept your offer and accommodation tips.
Accepting Your Offer
Congratulations on receiving your offer!
Here are some important tips to ensure your acceptance process is as easy and smooth as possible.
Important Information
Congratulations once again on receiving your offer!
Please take time to read your offer email and letter of offer carefully and make sure all the information is correct.
Acceptance deadline/offer lapse date: Make sure to complete your acceptance process prior to this date. If a lapse date is not indicated on your letter of offer, we have provided a lapse date for you in your offer email.
This date will give you enough time to submit your acceptance documents, receive your Confirmation of Enrolment, apply for and obtain your student visa, kiss your family and friends goodbye at the airport, and hop on a plane bound for Australia!
Check your name: (as on your passport), birth date, and student (applicant) ID number, campus location
Commencement and completion dates: Plan to arrive in Australia at least two weeks prior to your class start date.
Acceptance deadline/offer lapse date: Make sure to complete your acceptance process prior to this date.
Acceptance deposit amount: Your offer letter gives you the deposit amount required to hold your place.
Tuition fees: Your offer letter will list the total tuition fees.
University’s tuition fee policy: Please note that Macquarie reviews all fees annually and these fees are subject to change without notice. It is important to factor this into your financial plan.
Understand Macquarie’s refund policy.
Australian Release Policy: It is important to be aware of the Australian Release Policy. If you are considering transferring to another Australian institution, you must be aware that if you apply for a visa, you will be unable to change institutions. You should not apply for a visa unless you are certain you want to attend that university. Please read the Australian Government’s Release Policy for more information. Let us know if you have any questions!
Specific admissions requirements/conditions (if applicable), including vaccination info and certificate requirements.
Declining Your Offer?
If you choose to decline your offer, please let us know as soon as possible. Please email your OzTREKK admissions officer outlining your decision and reason for declining your offer. We will then advise the university on your behalf. This is important because it can potentially open a spot for another student!
How to Accept
Step 1 – Read Your Entire Offer Letter
Ensure that you have read and understood your Letter of Offer terms and conditions and the International Fee Refund Policy.
Step 2 – Respond to Offer
Complete and sign the Acceptance of Offer form. Your visa application location will be Ottawa, Canada. We have your passport copy—no need to send!
Step 3 – Pay Acceptance Deposit
Pay the acceptance deposit amount indicated on your offer letter.
Payments must be made through Macquarie’s Convera website by credit card or telegraphic/wire transfer. Save a copy of your payment receipt. See Paying Via Convera for information about the process.
Step 4 – Email Acceptance Documents to OzTREKK
Email us a copy of your completed Acceptance of Offer form and payment receipt. OzTREKK must submit these documents as part of your acceptance to the university.
Step 5 – Receive Your CoE
When your acceptance and payment are processed, the university will create your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). OzTREKK will email your CoE and instructions on how to apply for your Australian student visa.
Payment Methods
Payments must be made through Macquarie’s Convera account by credit card (Visa and MasterCard) or wire transfer.
For instructions on how to use Convera, see Paying Via Convera.
#OzTREKKTip: Do not pay by bank draft or cheque.
If you plan to pay your acceptance deposit via credit card, contact the credit card company and advise them that a large payment will soon be processed in Australia in Australian dollars, as it may be deemed a possible fraud attempt.
Accommodation
About Accommodation
Before you get into the nitty gritty about your university-specific accommodation options, it’s important to review the basics of securing long-term accommodation in Australia, which is often the number one predeparture priority of OzTREKK students. If you aren’t living on campus or pre-arranging accommodation before you leave Canada, we highly recommend that you understand how renting a property in Oz works, so you’ll be prepared to hunt for a place to live when you arrive. There are many benefits in arranging housing after you arrive. You can
- physically inspect the property before accepting the terms and conditions of the lease;
- decide whether you will be comfortable in your new neighbourhood;
- assess the noise levels, both by day and night. Remember, you need to be able to sleep and study in your new home;
- check whether it is well-lit at night.
This process still requires preparation. Consider the following when thinking about accommodation:
- Ensure you have temporary accommodation arranged.
- Be prepared financially for the time you may need to spend in temporary accommodation.
- Make housing your first priority.
- Avoid rushing your house hunting. Feeling rushed can hinder your ability to make wise choices.
- Be informed. Before you arrive, read as much as you can about the various housing options and how to arrange them. Then you can get straight into house hunting after you arrive, rather than trying to figure out where to go and what to do.
Things to consider when comparing options
- Location – Take a look at Google Maps when comparing accommodation options!
- Amenities – Kitchen, meal plan, gym, A/C, etc.
- Cost/price range – This will be dependent on the location and amenities, typically the closer to campus and the most amenities offered the higher the price.
Short-term Accommodation
Temporary accommodation options range from on-campus residential colleges, off-campus student accommodation, serviced apartments to hotels and youth hostels/backpackers. Suburbs close to Macquarie University include North Ryde (the area of Macquarie University), Marsfield, Epping, Macquarie Park, Lane Cove, and Chatswood.
MQ accommodation partners Dunmore Lang College and Robert Menzies College offer temporary accommodation options.
If you are interested in exploring other options for temporary accommodation, you can visit the following websites for hotel and backpacker information:
On Campus
Keep an eye on application deadlines for on-campus residences as these tend to fill up fast in Australia, just as they do at Canadian universities. You normally have to receive an offer from your Australian university before you are eligible to apply for on-campus housing.
Central Courtyard – Opened in early 2021 Central Courtyard accommodation is the only accommodation managed and operated by Macquarie University. The accommodation is located in the heart of the campus, so you can get to your lectures in just a few minutes. Apartments are made up of either six, four, or twin rooms with shared, high-quality kitchen and living spaces. One-bedroom and studio apartments are available for those who want a little more independence.
Dunmore Lang College – Located on campus and less than a five-minute walk from the heart of the university. The college is fully catered with three meals a day, late meals, packed lunches and takeaway options, exam suppers, as well as flexible catering options for postgraduate residents.
Robert Menzies College – RMC’s community is made up of Australian and international students. Choose from private ensuite, shared gender-specific bathrooms, private kitchen, or shared kitchens. Additionally, there is a postgraduate specific accommodation area. Options for fully catered, semi-catered, or self-catered. Packed lunch and late dinner options available for fully catered members. Please be advised that Robert Menzies College is managed independently of Macquarie University.
Note: Internet and telephone connections are not included in the rental cost of the above accommodations. Students are required to set these services up themselves. Meals are not included in the rental cost.
Find out more about Macquarie University’s Residential Colleges.
Off Campus Managed
These residences are student-specific but are privately owned and independently run.
Dayman Apartments – Dayman Apartments consist of studio and single share apartments.
Macquarie University Village – Located beside Macquarie Uni, MUV offers a choice of stylish 1-, 2- or 5-bedroom townhouse style apartments featuring full kitchen, dining and living area. All bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms.
Morling Residential College – MRC is a new 100-bed, student accommodation provider located in Macquarie Park. MRC is only a 5-minute walk from Macquarie University, Macquarie Train Station, various bus stops, and one of Sydney’s largest shopping centres the Macquarie Centre.
Iglu Student Accommodation – Located at the heart of the bustling suburb of Chatswood, the newly built Iglu Chatswood offers the flexibility of living off-campus along with air conditioning, heating and ensuites in all rooms; high-speed wireless internet throughout the building; continual social and academic support (and great student events).
Get more details about off-campus accommodation.
Private Rentals
This is the most popular option for students from Canada studying at Australian universities. Apartments are also referred to as “flats” by Aussies.
#OzTREKKTip: Be sure to read NSW information for tenants and landlords on renting.
Those living in shared accommodations are in the neighbouring suburbs of North Ryde or Parklands. Rent ranges significantly from $250 to $500+ per week. Some Macquarie students live closer to the city centre. The trains are very convenient, but rent will increase significantly the closer to the CBD you are.
Finding accommodation can take several weeks, so start looking as early as you can.
To find off-campus accommodation providers, rental tips, property advice, etc., visit
Look for a Place and a Roommate
- Have a look at student.com and type in your city!
- Roomgo
- Flatmates
- Gumtree
The ‘burbs
One of the key components of your research will be to get a feel for the city/town in which you will reside. Public transportation options are key to understanding where you could live based on where your university is located and which bus/train/tram/ferry travels to and from campus. Spend some time reviewing the city maps, become familiar with potential suburbs in which you could reside, and visit Australian public transportation sites.
North Ryde is the main campus at Macquarie University, which is situated about a 30-minute drive from Sydney’s city centre. The campus is located on 135 hectares in a beautiful bushland setting. Students can easily travel to downtown Sydney by bus, and by train, with a station on the Macquarie University campus.
When considering which suburb to live in Sydney, students tend to have different preferences. Some like the city, some enjoy living closer to the beach, and others prefer to reside closer to campus. Below is a list of popular suburbs that international students attending Macquarie University consider when searching for off-campus accommodation:
- Near the campus: North Ryde, Marsfield, Epping and Eastwood
- Near Sydney beaches: Manly, Dee Why, Bondi (Note: it will normally take 45 minutes to 1 hour by public transport from these suburbs to campus)
- Northern suburbs: Chatswood, North Sydney, St Leonards, Crows Nest, Cremorne, Lane Cove, Mosman (Note: travel times will vary!)
Where Is?
Where Is? is an Australian Website similar to Google Maps. Find local tourism attractions, community facilities, public transport stops, sports and recreation facilities and best of all, coffee.
Get Around Town
What Students Say
Reviews from 2023 Intake
Chiropractic student
Student Village, North Ryde $365 week. Arranged before arrival. You get random roommates and they change often. Admin is bad and does not fix broken appliances for months. There isn’t really anything to do in the area. Find good people to live with to make friends.
Medical student
Homestay with family in West pennant hills, Sydney. $250 per week. [Good] Proximity to public transit. Quiet. Took 2 – 3 weeks to find.
Undergraduate medical student
Private rental in Epping, Sydney $360/week. It is okay. A bit noisy but close to campus. Took 3+ weeks. Sydney is expensive.
Physiotherapy student
Private rental, Cabramatta $200 weekly. Suburb very far from MQ but the food option is amazingggg. The trek to get into city is long! Took 1 – 2 weeks to find.
Medical student
Student Village North Ryde, Marsfield, Sydney $325/week. Close proximity to school, everything included and cheap. Close to Macquarie Center but still 45 mins to the CBD. Arranged before arrival. Renting is challenging and competitive, so it can be easier to do student accommodation first and then look to rent later.
Physiotherapy student
Dayman Apartments in Marsfield, NSW (near Macquarie University) $455. Arranged before arrival. I would recommend for short term (first semester you get here) as it is very close to university, so it makes it simple to get to school and get comfortable with the area. However, the rent is very high for what the room provides (very small studio room, no air conditioning, small kitchenette). As well, it is in a very isolated area far from shops or cafes. One grocery store 15 min walk away, or short bus ride to shopping centre. Nothing to do for fun in the area… I like how close to campus it is, and there is bus stops very close to me. Dislike how isolated it is from stores, shops, cafes, and restaurants. Also, many people in the program going to the University live far from this area, so it is hard to coordinate common meeting places with friends. If you can find an accommodation anywhere near a train station, you’re golden. You can get many places from the trains, and there is direct to the university which means you can stay in better areas closer to other people/things and still not have to commute too far from campus.
Medical student
Macquarie Park, Sydney $375 per week. Great proximity, building kind of old but no complaints. Proximity to campus and ease of transportation to other suburbs, shopping centre nearby. Can be busy/crowded. Took 2 – 3 weeks. Land in an airbnb and start arranging inspections, can also offer to pay some rent upfront if possible which can help with rental application.
Physiotherapy student
Sydney, Marsfield, Student Village North Ryde $336. Arranged before arrival. For the price you pay, the village is a good option. It’s close to campus and it’s within walking distance of the shopping center. it’s a little far out from the city, but for someone like me, I don’t mind the distance. Public transport is really easy to get to so overall it’s not a bad area to live in.
Medical student
Private rental Macquarie Park $655. Took 1 – 2 weeks to find. Very close to campus, great amenities, if students can afford it I highly recommend it. Love access to the metro and shopping centre and proximity to university. Dislike that it doesn’t have a lot of charm and I have to go to other suburbs to find better nature walks, more inspiring spaces, or fun events happening. Many apartments require inspections and previous rental references. On one Saturday we went to 10 inspections, applied to 7, and had 3 acceptances on Monday. I think this was due to our preparedness and understanding of the competitive market.
Reviews from 2022 Intake
Physiotherapy student
Homestay with an Australian family in Lane Cove. $200 per week. I like it.
Physiotherapy student
Marsfield $300 per week. Yes its a great location, many students live here. It is a 5 min bike ride from uni, a 20 minute walk, close to groceries and the metro. Private rental.
Physiotherapy student
I live in Bondi. It is close to the beach (perfect study break), but it is over an hour of public transportation from the university campus. However, it is doable because I only need to be on campus 2 days a week this semester. $390 per week.
Physiotherapy student
Private rental in Ryde. Close to a train station and near many different groceries $310 per week. Took 3+ weeks to find.
Physiotherapy student
Private rental in Epping $300 per week. I like it, new, clean, good roommate. Took 1-2 weeks to find
Chiropractic student
Macquarie Park. I like living in my current apartment because it’s close to school (10 minute walk). It’s also near a major shopping centre that has grocery stores, general store (like Walmart) etc. $500 per week.
Airport Pick-ups
About Airport Pick-ups
You’ve arrived at the airport! What happens now?
Macquarie’s airport pickup is a free service available to all new students. You may book a free pickup from Sydney Airport to a student accommodation property or private residential address in Sydney.
Please ensure the following before booking an airport pickup request:
1. You must be a Macquarie student. Your student ID number is required to complete the online booking.
2. The request is completed at least 3 working days before your arrival date.
3. Your flights and accommodation have been confirmed and booked.
4. You have a copy of your flight itinerary ready to upload.
Advice from OzTREKK Students
Each year we send a survey to the students in their first year of studying in Australia. We ask about their university, program, adjustment to living in Australia, accommodation, and work outside the classroom.
Read our Macquarie University Students’ Advice to get all the insider tips (copy and pasted directly from the survey!) for a smooth transition to studying at Macquarie!
