Application process

Applying for special approval

Follow the steps below to start the unit waiver application process.

Special approval (waiver) requests for session 1 2024 have now closed. If you wish to submit special approval request for upcoming session(s) the application form will be available from Monday, 18 March 2023.

Before you apply

A special approval (waiver) request will ONLY be considered where the requested unit is a core unit, or if it is required for a Course Transfer. Special approval (waiver) requests for elective units will not be considered.

Step 1

Check whether you satisfy the prerequisites for the unit you wish to undertake in the Course Handbook. If you don’t meet the prerequisites and still want to undertake the unit, proceed to the next step.

Note: Waivers are only approved in special circumstances which you’ll need to demonstrate as part of the application. A Waiver request is required for each unit for which you are seeking approval.

Step 2

Ensure that you have sufficient space within your study plan on eStudent to undertake the unit(s) that require special approval (waiver). To do this, log into eStudent using your Macquarie OneID. You must be able to add the unit onto your study plan as a ‘planned’ unit on eStudent. Your application will not be approved if you don’t have sufficient space.

Note: If you have a pending Recognition of Prior Learning application for prerequisite units, await the outcome of that application before applying.

Step 3

Ensure you are submitting your request in time to be considered for a waiver request in a specific study period. If you wish to have your special approval (waiver) requests processed for the current or upcoming session(s), you must have submitted the request by:

Requests submitted after the relevant deadline may not be processed for on-time enrolment. Late enrolment is only approved in exceptional circumstances on a case-by-case basis. Failure to submit a Special Approval request isn’t considered exceptional circumstances.

If you have an outstanding internal course transfer application and would like to apply for a special approval (waiver), you will need to apply via AskMQ directly.

Applying for special approval

Step 4

You can submit your Special Approval request via eStudent or directly via AskMQ form. Follow the prompts and fill out all the necessary information, including for which study period you are applying and why you should be granted the Special Approval (Waiver).

Step 5

Attach supporting documentation which can include:

• you have undertaken units at Macquarie University, you can download a copy of your transcript via eStudent.
• you have not yet studied any units at Macquarie University, you will need to upload evidence to support your request.
• you are an Exchange or Study Abroad student, make sure you attach an official copy of your home institution transcript.

After you apply

Step 6

Once submitted, you will receive an automated receipt to your Macquarie student email account.

You will be notified of the outcome through your student email address. Check your student email regularly in case additional information is required from you to support your application.

The processing time for these applications can take up to 7-10 working days, provided all required documents (if needed for assessment) have been submitted. You can track the progress of your application via AskMQ.