"When people ask me why I chose Macquarie, I always tell them I didn’t - Macquarie chose me. After having worked in Kenya, I knew what skills I had and what I was lacking. The Master of Environmental Studies course perfectly fit. Before I came to Macquarie my background was purely science-based. Macquarie allowed me to understand the political nature of wildlife conservation and other environmental issues." Read more

"I took two years to choose the degree I wanted to study. When you put that much thought into something and you’re still passionate about it, it’s not an obligation. In every class of mine there is between seven and ten nationalities represented. Sometimes you take things about your own culture for granted, but these classes make you conscious of your own culture, and tolerant and understanding of others." Read more

Margherita is a recipient of the Endeavour Europe Award and has joined the Global Leadership Program (GLP). "The scholarship allowed me to start my adventure in Australia. Without it, it would have been impossible," says Margherita. "I decided to join the GLP to acquire experience in other disciplines. It has actually added value to my academic experience." Read more

"The lecturers and tutors I’ve met so far at Macquarie University are more than just teachers. They’re more like friends. It’s obvious they are passionate about seeing students excel in their studies, as well as in their social wellbeing. Macquarie has become the best university I could ever imagine attending, and I’m planning to do the Master of Clinical Audiology here when I finish my undergraduate degree." Read more

"In my first email home after starting classes here, I told my family ‘it’s just like the movies’. Something that struck me immediately when I arrived was the huge diversity and the different ethnicities. I knew coming to Australia would be challenging and difficult at first, but I soon realised all I needed to do was ask and people were happy to help." Read more

"During my time at Macquarie I’ve experienced an interactive and supportive work environment. By applying different methods of teaching, my lecturers have really made their classes interesting for us. I’ve also had the chance to discuss topics with famous Aussie marketers and I’ve learned new marketing concepts from them." Read more

"There’s no doubt that there’s a good balance between work and play here. Life in Australia is sort of in a constant state of tranquility. The culture is really relaxed and the people are warm. There is a higher reliance on independent learning here. However, our teachers are always around to steer us in the right direction. My lecturers and tutors have always been really supportive and keen in their teaching." Read more

"The scholarship from Macquarie realised my childhood dream to come to Australia to further my studies. I would not be here without it. I did an internship at the Central Bank of Malaysia over summer last year and it was clear that those in the industry recognise Macquarie as having the best Actuarial department in Australia. Life here is a bit more laid back and gives an impression of a good work-life balance which I’ve always thought to be important." Read more

"To be a good development worker, I think cross-cultural understanding is very important. The Global Leadership Program (GLP) and the financial support of travel grants helped me travel to Malaysia for a Research Applications in Human Geography unit, which broadened my views towards the world. Through the GLP I’ve started regular volunteer work in Sydney, attended off campus seminars and participated in workshops on subjects like international human rights." Read more

"The best thing about studying at Macquarie was the hands-on experience in labs. The research and development facilities at Macquarie University are very good. I also appreciated the opportunity for an internship and the coordination between the Commerce and Biotechnology units." Read more

"In my music subjects, we’ve studied the history of digital, techno and pop music. Japan is renowned for DJ’s and digital music around the world so these subjects have been really interesting for me. Through examples of everything from James Brown to Kraftwerk, the classes have made me aware of how technology has affected the music scene. I have friends from around the world here, the atmosphere is open and everyone is welcoming." Read more

"The campus here is beautiful. There are lots of nice places to read and relax while you study. Being away from the city means you are really able to concentrate while on campus, without distractions. The number and quality of electronic databases is also excellent. The online library meant I could access these databases 24 hours a day and complete my research at home." Read more

"Business and Psychology is an interesting combination – I’d never heard of it before I saw it at Macquarie. Both are challenging but these degrees are very good, the lecturers are both knowledgeable and interesting. It just makes you want to learn more! Group work has also made me a better person when working with others – you have the chance to meet lots of people and practise your English constantly." Read more

"I chose Macquarie University because this was the only university which let me choose units from different faculties.This not only enriched my knowledge and learning experience, but also opened up many career avenues. The skills that I have gained through my degree will take me a long way in any career, thus making me a productive and hireable employee."

"I chose Macquarie because of its international reputation. In all aspects, Macquarie is a good university. It’s big, close to the city, yet still peaceful. If you want to make your name in the corporate world, come to Macquarie." Read more

"Teaching styles are different here. At Macquarie University, classes are interactive and the group activities allow for lots of opportunities to make friends. The teachers are always sharing their work experience with students, especially in marketing. It’s very important to get that knowledge as well as textbook knowledge." Read more

"Computing is an international language, it’s used everywhere and it won't restrict me to an individual location after my degree. I chose Macquarie University for its flexible approach to study. This year I only had five core classes and the rest were electives, so it was up to me to decide what I wanted to study – I took some classes in marketing and business too." Read more

"As part of the GLP, I participated in different think tanks (Climate Change, Middle East politics and conflicts, Transnational Crime) and found them really interesting, challenging and thought-provoking. The think tanks covered current issues and could therefore also help me better understand the issues of my degree. I also completed a cross-cultural practicum with Conservation Volunteers Australia, where I worked in the Sydney Harbour National Park for a week."

"Being here is about new experiences, new lifestyle, new cultures and new people.The biggest difference between studying here and in Mexico is the learning style and the way we’re in touch with the researchers. It really helps to get the newest information and evidence that supports the theories we’re using." Read more

"Studying here, improving my English and having contact with different cultures has given me something to distinguish myself when I get home. That’s the most precious thing I’ll take back to Brazil." Read more

Audri is particularly interested in telecommunications engineering, and after researching the industry, he was attracted by Macquarie's dedicated and well-established Department of Electronic Engineering and its research excellence. "For such a young university, Macquarie is growing at a really fast rate in this field: this means that I get first-hand knowledge from my lecturers and tutors." Read more

"Macquarie is how a university should be - a balance of quality teaching, enjoyable environment, modern facilities and endless learning opportunities. It's definitely an environment that inspires students to somehow make their mark on the world. My mark will be in the Information Technology industry at home" Read more

Funded by a Macquarie University Research Excellence Scholarship (MQRES), Sharmin has been impressed with the support she has received from the department and fellow colleagues at the early stages of her thesis. "I have been very happy with the support my supervisors have provided both academically and personally. They give me time and flexibility, but at the same time set milestones for me to reach. They can understand the particular challenges that I am facing in my work since being international PhD student in Australia, they also went through the same experience." Read more

"I was accepted into universities in London such as the London School of Economics (LSE) as well as at Macquarie," says Nicolas Bocquet, French Master of Applied Finance student. "I chose this particular degree after contacting professionals in Australia and Asia. They told me the degree at Macquarie was one of best in the world. It’s also supposed to be the biggest in the world in terms of the number of graduates – for me, coming here was a good opportunity." Read more

Throughout his first degree at Macquarie, Hadrien lived on campus in the Balaclava Apartments. "There isn’t much campus life at home so living on-campus was fun. You meet a lot of people from all over the world, and all your friends are close by." Read more

"Macquarie has a good reputation and it is great place to meet people from different countries. Moreover, I like the University's innovative approach, which is very important in International Relations due to the swift movement of current affairs in modern society." Read more

"When I was choosing Macquarie I saw that it was well-ranked, so I knew it was a good choice. I also heard it had good financial studies," he says. "The Accounting lecturers who have studied their PhD's are great. They have experience and they tell real stories. The real examples help keep you interested, and when you’re interested, you understand everything better." Read more

"I needed to find a university where I could study French progressively and have the option to do exchange in France – that’s how I found Macquarie," he says. "The Bachelor of International Studies appealed because it has a good mix of international politics and language units, and exchange is a central component of the course so the University supports it quite well," he says. "The combination of French and the exchange opportunities were how I came to be at Macquarie." Read more

"Macquarie is a leader in the field of Applied Linguistics, not only in Australia, but also in the world," he says. As a Linguistics lecturer in his home country, Mahmoud is well qualified to know. "Australia is one of the best places for overseas students to study. The mixed culture means that you find different nationalities everywhere and the quality of the education is very high." Read more

"The lecturers here are full of passion. They understand the sort of problems international students encounter and they provide lots of help, for example through consultation time." From her very first encounter with a Macquarie University representative at an education fair in Taiwan, Yun-Ching says her experience of Macquarie been nothing short of "fantastic". Read more

The flexible structure of the Master of International Business was a plus for Enrique, allowing him to study from a wide range of subjects in different fields and leaving enough free time for him to explore his adopted home country. "Macquarie is great place to study if you want some free time to work or travel," he says. "I was able to travel all over Australia - a nice change after having not been on holiday for three years." Read more

"I chose Macquarie because of its reputation for quality teaching staff and facilities. It’s the best university as far as Chiropractic is concerned. The teachers in my course make an effort to make the lectures interesting and relatable and the tutors are very helpful with questions, even after hours."

"University isn't all about classrooms and exams. Socialising, having fun, making new friends, learning about other cultures – these are all important too. There is always something to do on campus at Macquarie – there are a lot of places to get food or coffee and cafes to catch up with friends. There are also plenty of clubs and associations at the University to get involved in. It's a great campus with lots of green spaces to relax in."

"Not only has the scholarship has helped me realise my childhood dream of studying abroad, it has also given me a chance to experience life in Sydney." Read more

"My experience with Macquarie has been fantastic. The quality education is accentuated by supportive learning facilities, dedicated lecturers with superior professional and/or academic backgrounds and a strong emphasis on developing self-potential. The multicultural environment also creates a warm and exciting university atmosphere."

"I was impressed by Macquarie because of the different elective units to choose from, plus the opportunity to add research projects. Overall I am very satisfied with the university experience. The international environment that I encountered is perfect for establishing an international network that will be of great value for my future career."

"I was an English teacher back home, but this degree will really help me in my new career as a translator and interpreter. I really love the course - the lecturers are perfectly bilingual and very passionate about their subjects. They are also strict about the quality of our work, which is good because when it comes to translation and interpreting, you need to be very accurate and you need a lot of practice."

"I had previously studied in Australia but I always knew wanted to go to Macquarie because of its prestige. Everything at Macquarie has exceeded my expectations - my studies, the laboratories, the library... I knew I would receive the best but it’s been incredible." Read more