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Frequently Asked Questions


Who do I speak to about my course/subjects?

If you have specific questions about which subjects you should study, always talk with an academic adviser from your academic department. For example, if you are studying a Bachelor of Commerce Accounting, you should contact the Accounting Department Undergraduate (Bachelor degree) students can apply to transfer from one course to another at the Student Enquiry Service in the Lincoln Building. Please note: you can only do this between semesters, not in the middle of a semester.

Postgraduate (Masters Degree) students need to go to the front desk of the International Office in Building E3A to apply for a new course.

What’s the difference between an academic adviser and a student adviser?

An academic adviser is a lecturer or tutor from your academic department (eg, Commerce-Accounting or Translating and Interpreting) who can give you specific advice about your course and which subjects you should take.

An International Student Adviser gives you more general advice about matters such as your student visa conditions and your CoE, how to get extra study help if you’re having problems with your studies or what to do if you want to withdraw from your course.

Where can I get help finding accommodation?

There is an accommodation office in the International Office in Building E3A level 1.

If you are looking for rental accommodation, there are two major websites that list rental properties: realestate.com.au and Domain

Who do I speak to if I have a question about fees?

General fee enquiries should be made to the fees office on the ground floor of the Lincoln Building, next to the Student Enquiry Service, or you can email them: student_fees@mq.edu.au

Can I get student concessions for public transport?

Unfortunately student visa holders are not eligible for student concessions on public transport. This includes buses, trains and ferries. Be careful - you will be fined if you are caught using public transport without a ticket or using a concession ticket without a concession card.

Where can I find a doctor?

Macquarie University has a medical centre on Level 2 of the Lincoln Building. There is also a medical centre in the Macquarie Shopping Centre which is open from 8am-9pm Monday to Thursday and 8am-6pm Friday to Sunday: Tel. 9878 6666.

How can I appeal against my grades if I think I didn’t get the grades I deserve?

The initial appeal should always be made in writing on the Appeal Against Grades Form directly to the lecturer in charge of the course. The matter should be dealt with within 10 working days.

If the appeal is unsuccessful, students can appeal in writing to the Dean of the relevant Academic Department. Further information about appeals can be found here on the Dean of Students website.

Where can I get legal help?

On campus, the Welfare Service gives advice on a range of issues including legal matters. They are on Level 2 of the Lincoln Building: Tel. 9850 7497

Where can I get a parking sticker to park at Macquarie?

If you plan to drive to Macquarie regularly, it’s much cheaper to buy a parking sticker than to pay for parking every time. You can get a parking sticker at the Cashier’s office on Level 1 of the Lincoln Building: Tel. 9850 7228

Do I need a tax file number and where can I get one?

If you work at any time while you are in Australia then you must have a tax file number (TFN). You can apply for a tax file number through the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

Who do I contact in an emergency?

The emergency number in Australia is 000. This number can be used for any type of serious emergency which requires the police, or an ambulance or the fire brigade.

Where can I get help at night or on the weekends?

We care about your health and wellbeing. Help is only a phone call away.

Macquarie University has an after-hours enquiry service for currently-enrolled international students. If you need any assistance when the Macquarie International office is closed please call 1800 227 367 (1800 CARE MQ).
 This is a free call from landlines anywhere in Australia. Standard call rates apply from mobile phones.

In an emergency that requires an ambulance, fire brigade or the police, please call 000.

Where can I buy tickets for the Aussie getaway or the mid-semester trips?

All tickets can bought at MiShop near the International Office in Building E3A Level 1: Tel. 9850 6760. Tickets can also be bought at the MiShop online.

How can I extend my CoE?

If you need to extend your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) with Macquarie in order to extend your student visa, you will need to fill out a CoE Application form, which you can obtain from the front desk of the International Office in Building E3A Level 1. You can also download your form from the Application for CoE Visa extension.

If you have health cover with OSHC Worldcare you can either extend your health cover in person, at the MiShop next to the International Office in Building E3A level 1 or on the OSHC website.

What can I do if I get sick or have an emergency that affects my studies?

Any student who has a serious illness or any other type of condition or situation which seriously affects your studies can apply for special consideration. If you receive special consideration, this may mean that you have extra time to do an assignment, for example.

To apply for special consideration you need to fill out a form from the Registrar's Office and return it to the Academic Program Section in the Lincoln Building. It is always a good idea to speak with your lecturer and/or tutor first. Please note that you must have documentary evidence to support your claims (eg. medical certificates). In extremely serious cases you may need to apply to defer for a semester. In this case you should always contact an International Student Adviser first.

Student Cards

1. When can I get my student card?

As a new international student you will only get your student card once you have been enrolled in your units. It is the last stage of the of the enrolment process.

2. How can I get my student card?

Once you have enrolled in your units, you need to print out your Enrolment Advice receipt from e-Student. This can be found under the “My Enrolment- Check Unit Enrolment & Print Timetable” section of e-Student.

Once you have printed out your enrolment advice, take that and some photo identification with you to Student Central located at C5C room 244. Your card will be processed on the spot.

Student Central is normally opened Monday to Friday 8am- 6pm and Saturday 9am – 5pm. Please be aware that these times may differ during the enrolment period.

3. What can I use my student card for?

The main uses for your student card include:
• Identification when you need assistance at Student Services or Macquarie International.
• It is also important identification for exams. It is mandatory for you to present your student card at every exam.
• Borrowing books from the library.
• Printing and photocopying in the library or computer rooms.
• Computer Authentication- sometimes the barcode on the campus card is used to access some of the computer networks on campus.

4. How can I load credit (money) onto my student card for printing and photocopying?

There are autoloader machines used to put credit onto your student card. To load money onto your student card go to either the E-reserve section of the library or the photocopy room located on level 3 of the library.

The machine gives you all the instructions you need to load the money onto your card, but if you need extra assistance just ask one of the library staff and they are more then willing to help. Please note that once you put the credit on the card you can not get the money back. Any unused credit will be lost.

5. What do I do if I lose my student card?

1) If you lose your Campus Card then you should report the loss immediately to the Library. This can be done in several ways: 
        By telephone - 9850 7506 
        By email - ithelp@mq.edu.au 
        In person - to Borrowing Enquires, level 2 of the Library.

        They will put a block on your borrowing record.

2) Print out and use this Replacement Card Application Form to obtain a replacement card. 

Ensure that your form is signed by Library staff at Borrowing Enquires, level 2. On completion of a Replacement Card Application Form and payment of $10 to the Cashier a new card will be issued to you.


3) To obtain a new student card present the Replacement Card Application Form and the receipt of your $10 payment to Student IT Service Desk, Student Central, located in Building C5C room 244. You will then be issued with a new card.


For more information on lost or damaged cards please refer to the following website: http://www.library.mq.edu.au/borrowing/card/details.html