Applying for special approval

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

Before you apply

Step 1

Check whether you satisfy the prerequisites for the unit you wish to undertake in the Course Handbook. If you don’t satisfy the listed prerequisites but would still like to undertake the unit, contact your faculty for advice.

Note: Waivers are only approved in special circumstances; they are not a right. You will need to demonstrate your special circumstances as part of the application.

If you are applying for ‘permission by special approval’, contact your Faculty Student Centre for advice.

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, you must be able to add the unit onto your study plan as a ‘planned’ unit on eStudent.

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

How to apply

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 close of business Friday, Week 1 of session.

We may not process requests submitted after this date. Late requests will not be considered as exceptional circumstances for the purpose of late unit enrolment.

The processing time for these applications can take up to seven to 10 working days. You can check the outcome of your requests in AskMQ, eStudent and your official student email.

Procedure

  1. Log into eStudent using your Macquarie OneID.
  2. Add the unit you wish to enrol in onto your study plan as a planned unit.
  3. Select the Request a Waiver option from the left-hand menu of eStudent. This will redirect you to the AskMQ form to submit a special approval (waiver) request.
  4. Indicate the type of special approval (waiver) you are seeking:
    • Prerequisite Waiver
    • Permission by Special Approval
  5. Follow the prompts and fill out all the necessary information, including for which session you are applying and why you should be granted the special approval (waiver).
  6. Attach supporting documentation:
    • If you have undertaken units at Macquarie University, you can download a copy of your transcript via eStudent.
    • If you have not yet studied any units at Macquarie University, you will need to upload evidence to support your request.
    • If you are an Exchange or Study Abroad student, make sure you attach an official copy of your home institution transcript.

To attach a supporting document, click ‘Browse’ to add the document. You will receive an automated receipt email after submission to your Macquarie student email account.

A request is required for each unit for which you are seeking approval.

You can submit an online enquiry if you require further assistance.

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.

After you apply

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

The processing time for these applications can take up to seven to 10 working days. You can check the outcome of your requests in AskMQ, eStudent and your official student email.

Note: The outcome is final and waivers are primarily approved in special circumstances; they are not a right. If you have a question about the outcome, contact your Faculty Student Centre.