Macquarie University is a public research university in Sydney, New South Wales, with an enrollment of around 45,000 students. It is popular for its Business, Finance, Actuarial Studies, Linguistics, Medicine, and Engineering programs. Admissions are moderately selective with an acceptance rate of 54% and it focuses on research-led teaching with innovation and employability strengths. The graduation rate is approximately 54%, and graduates achieve median salaries of around AUD 75,000–80,000 within a couple of years after graduation.
Deakin University is a Victoria-based public university with campuses in Melbourne, Geelong, and Warrnambool. It boasts approximately 60,000 students and is famous for having robust programs in Education, Health Sciences, Business, Nursing, Psychology, and Sport Science. The admissions are quite openwith acceptance rate 75% emphasizing inclusive learning. Graduation rates are marginally higher than those of Macquarie, and graduates have median salaries ranging from approximately AUD 70,000–75,000 based on study area
| Macquarie University | Deakin University | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 5 Out of 10 | 4.6 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 138 QS World University 2026 # 166 Times Higher Education 2026 # 133 QS World University 2025 | # 201 Times Higher Education 2026 # 207 QS World University 2026 # 197 QS World University 2025 |
| Subject Strength | # 176 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025 # 51 for Data Science and Analytics by QS World University 2025 # 301 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 | # 126 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025 # 301 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 201 for Law by QS World University 2025 |
| Programs | UG Programs -236 PG Programs -115 Doctorate Programs -4 | UG Programs -117 PG Programs -63 Doctorate Programs -5 |
| Exam Score | Duolingo-125 GMAT-650 IELTS-7 PTE-66 TOEFL-94 | IELTS-6.5 PTE-60 TOEFL-79 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 76000 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 26400 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 20286 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 43000 [For PG Program] |
| placement (average package) | Graduate employability rankings: #100-110; | Graduate Employability Ranking- #271; Highest paid degrees- MBA (131,000 USD); Masters (93,000 USD); Masters in Finance (88,000 USD); Bachelor (87,000 USD); Bachelor of Science (84,000 USD). |
| application requirements | recognized high school degree, 50% minimum in high school/bachelors, English must be a core subject | award certificates; academic transcripts; formal identity papers (e.g. your passport); CVs; Personal Statement; Proof of English proficiency. |
| Campuses and B-Schools | Macquarie Graduate School of Management | Deakin Business School |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 7.9/10 Read 20 reviews | 7.6/10 Read 40 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 121 for Business by QS World University 2026 # 126 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 | # 151 for Business by QS World University 2025 # 201 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 |
| application | - | - |
| exam scores | IELTS - 7/9PTE - 66/90TOEFL - 94/120 | IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 60/90TOEFL - 79/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -74500 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -48600 |
| documents required | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose |
| application dates | Aug 31, 2026 (Term 4 Application Deadline For 2026 Intake) Dec 8, 2025 (Term 1 Application Deadline For 2026 Intake) Mar 16, 2026 (Term 2 Application Deadline For 2026 Intake) Jun 8, 2026 (Term 3 Application Deadline For 2026 Intake) | - |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | Macquarie University | Deakin University |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1964 | 1974 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 14:1:1 | 33.3:1 |
| Male:Female | 48% Male, 0% Female | 42% Male, 0% Female |
| Location Facts | The campus spans over 126 hectares with an open space & is located in the center of Australia’s largest high-tech precinct with over 300 companies located on/around the campus. Only a few kilometers away from Sydney Central business district, the university has its own metro station. | Campuses located in Melbourne's Burwood suburb, Geelong Waurn Ponds, Geelong Waterfront and Warrnambool, as well as the online Cloud Campus; the Largest campus is in Burnwood located 45 minutes by tram from the Melbourne CBD |
| Library | 1,189,409: Physical items; | Online Collections of over 970,000 resources: 636,845 e-books; 201,666 e-journals; 577 online databases; 73,693 streaming audio; 116,828 streaming video; 96,424 records in Deakin Research Online; 18,003 Open Access records in Deakin Research Online. Physical Collections of over 815,000 resources: 694,960 books; 2,885 print journals; 97,247 items in special collections; 17,854 DVDs and videos; Extensive microform collection. |
| Campus Life | Over 140 clubs and societies, 7 museums and collections, around 130 student groups, buddy programs, on-campus cafe, and restaurants and athletic activities | 120 clubs and societies; Deakin sports club that include Deakin Burwood Basketball Association, Deakin University Football and Netball Club (Sharks) & Sharks Players United, and Deakin Snow Riders (DSR); Deakin University Student Association (DUSA); gyms, fitness classes, basketball courts & sports ovals |
| Hostel | #Rooms - $21600 | - |
| Famous Alumni | Anthony Field (musician), Jim Soorley (politician), Lauren Jackson (basketball player), Tanya Plibersek (member of Australian parliament), Ian Thorpe (Australian swimmer), Adam Hills (comedian). Overall alumni network of 164,000 students. | Anurag Singh (Indian film director); Leigh Peta Sales (Australian Journalist); Stella Young (Australian Comedian); Benjamin James Graham (Former Australian Rule Footballer); Rodger Corser (Australian Actor); Michael Klinger (Australian Cricketer); James William Kilgore (American Activist) |
| City Life | Unemployment rate of Sydney is low as 2.8%, | Located in Geelong, southwest of Melbourne; 2nd largest city in Victoria; 2nd fastest city in Australia; Major employers: Ford Motor Company, Avalon Airport. Target Australia; Shell oil refinery; etc.; Popular tourist attractions include Buckley Falls; - Curlewis Golf Club; Market Square; Point Lonsdale Lighthouse; Queenscliffe Maritime Museum; Geelong Art Gallery; Ozone shipwreck, etc. |
| Weather |
Macquarie University vs Deakin University
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
Macquarie University: Placed approximately 138 in QS World University Rankings 2026, Macquarie excels in linguistics, philosophy, accounting & finance, business, and earth sciences. It is well-known internationally for its Macquarie Business School and research in cognitive science, medical science, and environmental studies.
Deakin University: Position around 207 in QS 2026, Deakin specializes in education, nursing, sports science, business, and health sciences. It has world-leading programs in public health and exercise science, always ranked in the global top 50.
General Information
Macquarie University: A Sydney-based public research university in New South Wales with a student body of approximately 45,000 with 12,000+ international students. The North Ryde campus is the focal point of research and industry partnerships, especially with the surrounding technology parks and corporations.
Deakin University: A public institution headquartered in Victoria, with campuses located in Melbourne, Geelong, and Warrnambool, catering to around 65,000 students with 14,000 international students. Renowned for its state-of-the-art learning facilities and emphasis on employability.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
Macquarie: Moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of approximately 54%. It is competitive to enter business, law, and medical sciences.
Deakin: More attainable, with an acceptance rate of 75%, although subjects such as nursing and sports science are competitive.
Research Impact & Facilities
Macquarie: Categorised as research-focused, with business, cognitive science, environmental studies, and health sciences being of high impact. It has collaborations with CSIRO, Cochlear, and Optus, and also has a research hospital exclusively for the campus.
Deakin: Is noted for applied research with international strengths in public health, sports science, and education. It's a digital learning technology leader and has the Deakin Motion.Lab for cutting-edge animation and visualization research.
Cost & Financial Aid
Macquarie: International undergraduate fees are from AUD $38,000–$50,000/year for different courses. Provides scholarships like the Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship.
Deakin: International student fees are around AUD $34,000–$47,000/year and are therefore less expensive than Macquarie. Offers merit-based awards like the Deakin Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
Macquarie: Good corporate, finance, IT, and research reputation due to proximity to business centers in Sydney. Graduates are well represented in banking, consulting, government, and academia.
Deakin: Strong reputation for graduating employable graduates in healthcare, education, sports science, and business. Graduates excel in public policy, healthcare systems, teaching, and applied research within Australia and around the world.
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