Western Sydney University (WSU) is a public higher education institution with locations in several campuses throughout the Greater Western Sydney area, accommodating around 48,000 students. It has strengths in Nursing, Education, Business, Social Sciences, and Engineering, with an emphasis on accessibility and community outreach. . Admissions are fairly selective, with a graduation rate of around 30%. Graduates usually earn median salaries of AUD 70,000–75,000 within three years of finishing their studies.
Macquarie University is a government-funded research institution in Sydney, New South Wales, with approximately 45,000 students. It is particularly renowned for courses in Business, Finance, Actuarial Studies, Linguistics, Medicine, and Engineering. . Admissions are relatively selective, with a graduation rate of approximately 54%. Graduates have median salaries of about AUD 75,000–80,000, with positive global recognition and alumni networks.
| Western Sydney University | Macquarie University | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 4.2 Out of 10 | 5 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 301 Times Higher Education 2026 # 400 QS World University 2026 # 301 Times Higher Education 2025 | # 138 QS World University 2026 # 166 Times Higher Education 2026 # 133 QS World University 2025 |
| Subject Strength | # 301 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025 # 351 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 251 for Law by Times Higher Education 2025 | # 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 |
| Programs | UG Programs -160 PG Programs -35 Doctorate Programs -1 | UG Programs -236 PG Programs -115 Doctorate Programs -4 |
| Acceptance Rate | 30.0 % | 54.0 % |
| Exam Score | GMAT-600 IELTS-6.5 PTE-58 TOEFL-82 | Duolingo-125 GMAT-650 IELTS-7 PTE-66 TOEFL-94 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 21031 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 23628 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 27018 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 76000 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 26400 Per Year |
| placement (average package) | Graduate Employability Rankings: #301-500, MBA: $99,000, Bachelor of Science: $76,000, Bachelor of Arts: $54,000, Bachelor (Other): $72,000, Master in Finance: $60,000, Other Degree: $63,000 | Graduate employability rankings: #100-110; |
| application requirements |
For Indian students, CBSE.ICSE/State Boards certificates with minimum aggregate of 55% is required. Proof of English language proficiency, some specific programs may also require evidence of relevant work experience in the concerned field. | recognized high school degree, 50% minimum in high school/bachelors, English must be a core subject |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 7.5/10 Read 15 reviews | 7.9/10 Read 20 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 301 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 # 401 for Business by QS World University 2025 | # 121 for Business by QS World University 2026 # 126 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 |
| exam scores | IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 58/90TOEFL - 82/120 | GRE - 304/340IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 65/90TOEFL - 94/120 |
| application dates | May 15, 2025 (Application Deadline For Spring 2025 Intake) Feb 15, 2026 (Application Deadline For Autumn 2026 Intake) | Jul 7, 2025 (Application Deadline For 2025 Intake Session 2) Feb 10, 2026 (Application Deadline For 2026 Intake Session 1) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | Western Sydney University | Macquarie University |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1989 | 1964 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 24:1 | 14:1:1 |
| Male:Female | 45% Male, 55% Female | 48% Male, 0% Female |
| Location Facts | Western Sydney includes , or partially includes, the NSW Electoral Districts of Penrith, Londonderry, Mulgoa, Camden, Macquire Fields , Campbelltown etc. Just 20 km from the Sydney CBD, Parramatta is accesible from Sydney Airport by rail or taxi transfers (costs apply).Parramatta city campus is rich in art learning skills and unique study spaces. | 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. |
| Library | The university has 8 libraries. The libraries hold over 240257 physical books; 6 million digital books; 4140000+ journals; more than 10 ,million information resources. | 1,189,409: Physical items; |
| Campus Life | University has over 100 clubs providing numerous opportunities for students to lead vibrant social life. It also offers involvement iin sports clubs, Elite Athelete Programs, Unisport Nationals, Inter-varsity tournaments etc. It also conducts Diversity Fest comprising over 160 cultural groups. | Over 140 clubs and societies, 7 museums and collections, around 130 student groups, buddy programs, on-campus cafe, and restaurants and athletic activities |
| Hostel | #Apartment - $12105 #Apartment En-suite - $14913 | #Rooms - $21600 |
| Famous Alumni |
Several politicians, actors, authors and poets have brought laurel to the university. Some of them are Cathy McGowan (Politician), Shannon Cole(Footballer turned coach), Anita Heiss (Author), Don Hany (Actor), Ben Quilty (Artist), Rosie Scott (Novelist and lecturer), Frank Puletua (Rugby league footballer) etc. | 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. |
| City Life | Unemployment rate of Sydney is low as 2.8%, | Unemployment rate of Sydney is low as 2.8%, |
| Weather |
Western Sydney University vs Macquarie University
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
Western Sydney University (WSU): Ranked between 400 in QS 2026. Highly rated nursing, education, agriculture, environment science, and social sciences. WSU has been recognized in sustainability and impact rankings (THE Impact Rankings: Top 25 in the world).
Macquarie University: Ranked between 138 in QS 2026. World-class linguistics, accounting & finance, philosophy, earth sciences, and business. Cognitive science, medical sciences, and sustainability are research focus areas.
General Information
WSU: A multicampus public university with a large public university footprint scattered across Western Sydney (Parramatta, Penrith, Campbelltown, Bankstown, etc.). Enrolls over 45,000 students, including 7,000+ international students. Known for community engagement and access to first-generation students.
Macquarie: A single-campus research university in North Ryde, Sydney, with approximately 45,000 students, including 12,000+ international students. Has a green, suburban campus with easy access to big companies and Sydney corporate hubs
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
WSU: Relatively accessible, with an acceptance rate 30%, aimed at a wide range of students.
Macquarie: More competitive, with an acceptance rate 54%, highly competitive in business, law, and health sciences.
Research Impact & Facilities
WSU: Research strengths in environmental sustainability, medicine, agriculture, social policy, and indigenous studies. Has the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment and the Translational Health Research Institute.
Macquarie: Has a strong research focus, renowned for cognitive science, neuroscience, health sciences, and finance. Has Macquarie University Hospital (Australia's first teaching hospital in university ownership) and the Australian Hearing Hub.
Cost & Financial Aid
WSU: International students pay slightly lower tuition fees, approximately AUD $30,000–$38,000 yearly. Scholarships are offered through the Vice-Chancellor's Academic Excellence Scholarship and WSU International Student Awards.
Macquarie: The tuition fees are slightly more expensive, AUD $38,000–$50,000 yearly. Offers scholarships like the Macquarie Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship as well as partial tuition waivers based on merit.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
WSU: Graduates usually find employment in healthcare, teaching, social work, agriculture, and IT. High graduate employability in community services and professional careers. Known for practical, industry-relevant education in Western Sydney's fast-growing economy.
Macquarie: Strong career outcomes in finance, management consulting, IT, health, and research. Cameraproximity to Sydney business districts and industry partnerships (Optus, Cochlear, CSIRO) facilitate graduate employability. Internationally competitive graduate business and accounting students.
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