Macquarie University Special Consideration | How to Apply & Eligibility

You’ve spent weeks preparing for your final exam, but a family emergency derails everything the night before. Now what? If you're studying at Macquarie University, special consideration (MQ) could be the safety net you didn’t know you had.

In this guide, we break down what MQ special consideration is, who can apply, how to submit your application the right way, and common mistakes to avoid — backed by PickMyUni’s research and student feedback.

 

What is Special Consideration at Macquarie University?

Special consideration at MQ supports students who face short-term, serious, unavoidable events that significantly disrupt their performance in an assessment. It’s there to give you a fair shot at demonstrating your learning — not a backdoor to change grades after the fact. 

What MQ Special Consideration means (per policy):

Macquarie University will attempt to give you an opportunity to undertake the affected assessment or an alternative assessment when short-term serious events impact you (e.g., illness, accident, bereavement, jury service, sudden caring duties). 

Special consideration vs. disruption to studies vs. deferred exams

 

Special consideration (SC)	“Disruption to studies” at MQ	Deferred/supplementary exams
For specific assessment(s) impacted by a short-term event. Outcomes can include an extension, alternative task, or a supplementary exam (often what students call a “deferred exam”)	The phrase now mainly appears in Withdrawal Without Penalty rules — used when circumstances prevent you from completing a unit, not just one assessment. If approved, your fail can be removed and fees may be reviewed.	Not a separate application stream — they’re possible outcomes of SC. If you can’t attend an exam for serious reasons, apply for special consideration. An “IS” (Incomplete-Special Exam) status can appear while a special exam is arranged.

Examples of valid grounds: sudden medical illness (physical or mental), injury/accident, bereavement, legal or religious commitments that can’t be changed, urgent caring duties. 

What doesn’t qualify: routine work shifts you could change, poor time management, or sitting/submitting while unwell and then asking for a second go without exceptional circumstances.

From our desk at PickMyUni: Based on our review of 100+ student submissions, the most common trigger for applying was sudden medical illness within 24 hours of an assessment.

 

Eligibility Criteria for MQ Special Consideration

You can apply if you’re an enrolled MQ student (domestic or international) whose assessment was hit by a short-term, serious, unavoidable disruption. You must apply on time and attach evidence.

• Who can apply: All coursework students across sub-degree, undergraduate and postgraduate taught programs.
• Evidence required: Medical certificate or Professional Authority Form for health issues, police/report numbers for incidents, court/religious letters, employer letters for immovable commitments, or other appropriate documentary evidence as outlined in MQ’s Supporting Evidence Schedule.
• Deadline: Before or within five (5) working days of the due date or exam date.

 

How to Apply for Special Consideration MQ: Step-by-Step

Follow the official process through Service Connect. Keep it simple: form, evidence, submit.

1. Log in to Service Connect (the Ask MQ portal). 
2. Search “Special Consideration.” Open the application form.
3. Complete the MQ special consideration form: select the unit and impacted assessment, outline what happened (dates, impact).
4. Attach supporting documentation that shows what, when, and how your performance was affected.
5. Submit your request within 5 working days of the due/exam date. You’ll get an email confirmation. 

What Happens After You Submit?

MQ aims to respond quickly; outcomes vary with the evidence and the disruption window.

• Processing time: MQ aims to email you an outcome within 5 working days of receiving your application and all required evidence (can take longer in peak weeks). 
• How you’re notified: Outcome goes to your MQ student email. 
• Possible outcomes:
• Extension (often matching the length of your disruption)
• Alternative assessment
• Supplementary exam (usually a single opportunity)
• In some cases, a recommendation to apply for Withdrawal Without Penalty if an alternative isn’t feasible.
• If declined: Read the reasons carefully. You can consider an academic appeal if policy wasn’t applied correctly. Start with MQ’s appeal guidance.

Real-World Insight: In our latest PickMyUni survey, applications with complete medical documentation saw about a 70% approval rate. In peak periods, we see overall turnarounds drift closer to 5–10 working days — another reason to submit cleanly the first time.

 

Final Tips Before You Apply

A quick pre-submit checklist from our support team at PickMyUni.

• Double-check dates in your statement and on your evidence.
• Attach formal documentation — avoid handwritten notes or vague letters.
• Use your MQ student email across forms and correspondence.
• Don’t leave it to the last minute. If you’re close to the 5-day window, submit now and add extra evidence if requested. 

 

Still Unsure About Your Course or University?

At PickMyUni, we’ve helped hundreds of students transfer to the right university or change courses without derailing their progress — and we’ll talk through how special consideration plays into timing and results. Reach out to us or leave a review about your MQ experience so others can learn from it..

 

FAQs on MQ special consideration