Frequently Asked Questions about Study in Sydney

Requirements

Who can study there?

Marquette students with at least junior standing and a 3.0 GPA may apply to this program.

What are the programs dates?

The spring term is from mid-February to mid-June, while the summer term is from early July to mid-November.

Will my financial aid transfer? 

Because this is a Marquette-affiliated program, federal financial aid applies but Marquette aid does not. For more information on how this program will affect your particular financial aid package, please see the Office of Student Financial Aid.

Do I need a visa?  How do I get a visa? 

Yes, you need to apply at least 2 months in advance for your visa. Please see the State Department Web site for more information.

Do I need vaccinations before I travel?

Visit the Center for Disease Control's Traveler's Health Web site and/or International SOS for vaccination information.

About the Program

Who will my classmates be?

Your classmates will be from Australia and the rest of world.

How many classes are taken per semester, on average?

Study abroad students are required to take between 9 and 14 Macquarie University credit points per semester. The recommended load is 12 credit points. Most units at Macquarie are valued at either 3 or 4 credit points, which equate approximately between 12 and 16 hours of study per unit per week, including class attendance, private study, library research, etc. The actual workload can vary from unit to unit and even week to week across the university.

How many credits can I earn?

You must take between 9 and 14 Macquarie credit points, but a maximum of 4 classes may be taken per term, which is equal to 12 U.S. credits. 

What subjects are offered?

Business, Economics, Education, Nursing, Computer technology, Theology, Philosophy, Political science, History, Language, Anthropology, Sociology, Medicine, Pharmacy, and Psychology are a few.  A list of classes will be available when you apply.

Will my grades transfer? What are passing grades?

Credits will only transfer if your grades meet the passing level. Grades do not transfer back to Marquette, only credits. You can use the following table as indicative:

Where will I live?

The Macquarie Apartments comprise four different categories: Macquarie Parklands, Macquarie University College, Balaclava Apartments and Off-Campus Apartments. Students may book a place in the apartments for either a single semester or a full year. For more information please visit Macquarie University's Student Services Web site.

Is there an orientation?

Yes, an orientation program is held in the week prior to the commencement of classes in both semesters. The orientation program provides information on an extensive range of services to international students. It is mandatory for students to attend this program for important information regarding visa related matters, overseas student health coverage, accommodations, student clubs and societies, cultural and educational adjustment, student support programs and other university services.

About the City

What is public transportation like?

Public transportation in Sydney is well-developed and includes trains, buses, and trams.

How do I get around?

Macquarie offers various weekend trips in affiliation with their campus, and you are also free to travel on your own. Traveling to all of Australia’s most popular destinations, as well as New Zealand and Fiji, is easiest from Sydney.

What is the weather like?

Australia's seasons are the reverse of those in the northern hemisphere, with summer from December through February, and winter from June through August. The summer months are hot, around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Autumn and spring are mild months, with strong winds in spring. Winter is cool, although nothing compared to winter in Wisconsin!  Average temperatures are around 60 degrees Fahrenheit, but only around four hours of sunshine a day. 

What is the cost of living compared to the United States?

An international single student living in Sydney requires approximately AU$13,000-AU$16,000 for living expenses each year (this figure does not include tuition). If living in residential colleges, the cost could be increased by around AU$3,000 per year. This would only cover the basics and not allow for luxuries or much social activity. As of July 2005, the exchange rate was US$1.00 equals to AU$1.32.

How can I find out more about the city?

If you’re a city person, you’ll be enchanted by the charm of Sydney – take all the best aspects of the big cities around the world, add Australian hospitality and friendliness, and a big dash of great weather, and you’ve got Sydney. For the outdoors people, just look at Sydney’s surroundings: World Heritage listed national parks, pristine beaches and one of the most active sporting cultures in the world.

Sydney is Australia’s most famous city for good reasons – from the sparkling harbor and city beaches to the cosmopolitan city center, Sydney has something for everyone. For more information, please visit the official Web site for the City of Sydney.

Applying

What is the application deadline?

Applications are due by October 1 for the spring semester, and by March 1 for the summer term, full academic year, and fall semester.

How do I apply?

Program specific applications are available from Dr. Jamshid Hosseini in Straz Hall 101.

Required Materials for Marquette University

See the Applying for Study Abroad Page to see Marquette's requirements.

Marquette Requirements Deadline

October 1 for the spring semester and March 1 for the fall semester, summer term, or academic year.