Master of Combined Studies in Public and Social Policy / Intelligence (CRICOS course code 099616E) is a Masters Degree (Coursework) delivered by Macquarie University (Macquarie) over 2 years. This unique interdisciplinary program merges public policy analysis with intelligence studies, equipping graduates with skills to address complex societal and security challenges. As a CRICOS-registered course (099616E), it is approved for international student enrolment under the ESOS Act. Macquarie University, a government-funded institution with CRICOS code 00002J, is located in Sydney, New South Wales – Australia’s largest city and education hub with over 20 CRICOS-registered providers offering hundreds of postgraduate courses. This page provides indicative fees, entry requirements, and application steps, sourced from the official CRICOS register as of April 2026. HeadStart Academy is your free resource for navigating Australia’s 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers and 26,433 courses.
This course falls under the broad field of Mixed Field Programmes (Field of Education 12), specifically 'Other Mixed Field Programmes' (1299) and 'Mixed Field Programmes, n.e.c.' (129999). At Masters Degree (Coursework) level (AQF Level 9), students develop advanced knowledge and analytical skills in public policy formulation, social policy analysis, and intelligence frameworks. Graduates typically learn to evaluate policy impact, conduct strategic intelligence assessments, and navigate the intersection of governance and security. While this is a general field description – not a specific syllabus – programs at this level emphasise critical thinking, research methodology, and applied problem-solving in government, non-profit, and security sectors. Macquarie University’s program is designed to produce graduates capable of leading in intelligence agencies, policy think tanks, and international organisations.
According to the CRICOS register, this course runs for 104 weeks (2 years) of full-time study. Language of instruction is English. The program is a single qualification (not a dual award) and does not include a foundation studies component. As a coursework master’s, it typically involves lectures, seminars, and research projects. Students should expect a combination of in-person and possibly online delivery, but the primary location is the Macquarie University campus in North Ryde, Sydney. The duration is standard for master’s degrees in Australia, allowing international students to maintain a full-time study load for visa compliance under the Student Visa (Subclass 500) conditions.
The indicative tuition fee for this program is A$87,500. Non-tuition fees (such as materials or administration) amount to A$746, bringing the estimated total to A$88,246. Please note: these fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at 1 April 2026 and are indicative only – institutions set their own fees and they are subject to change. Always confirm current fees on Macquarie University’s website (www.mq.edu.au). Additional costs not included: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) – estimated A$600–1,200 per year depending on coverage; living expenses (Sydney offers relatively high living costs, with weekly rent averaging A$500–A$700 for a one-bedroom apartment, groceries A$80–A$150, and public transport A$40–A$60); and the Student visa application charge (currently A$1,600). The total cost of studying in Sydney for two years can range from A$90,000 to A$120,000 including all expenses – a significant investment that requires careful financial planning.
For this Masters Degree (Coursework), applicants are expected to hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognised institution. English language proficiency is typically demonstrated through IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 to 7.0 (no band below 6.0 or 6.5, depending on the provider). Other accepted tests include TOEFL, PTE Academic, or Cambridge English. Macquarie University may also consider relevant work experience or prerequisite studies. Foundation or pathway options are not listed for this course; however, if you do not meet the academic or English requirements, you may explore pathway programs offered by Macquarie or other providers. Always check the provider’s official website for precise entry criteria, as requirements can change. HeadStart Academy recommends contacting the institution directly – we are not a migration agent and cannot assess individual eligibility.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. While some master’s programs incorporate internships or industry placements, the CRICOS register indicates no work component for this course. However, international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during the academic term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks – subject to visa conditions. This can help offset living costs but should not interfere with study commitments. ESOS Act protections ensure your rights as a student are safeguarded.
The course is delivered solely at Macquarie University Wallumattagal Campus at North Ryde – Macquarie University, NSW. This campus is located in Sydney’s north-west suburbs, approximately 15 km from the city centre. North Ryde is a major business district with excellent public transport links, including the Macquarie University train station and numerous bus routes. Sydney is Australia’s most populous city (over 5 million residents) and hosts a large international student community – around 200,000 international students in 2026 across over 20 registered providers. Studying in Sydney offers access to world-class amenities, diverse cultural experiences, and a dynamic job market. Typical weekly living costs in Sydney: rent A$500–A$700 for a one-bedroom flat (shared accommodation can be cheaper), groceries A$80–A$150, transport A$40–A$60. The cost of living in Sydney is higher than the Australian average, so budget accordingly.
International students enrolled in this CRICOS-registered course can apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements: Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) issued by Macquarie University; genuine temporary entrant (GTE) statement; financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, OSHC, and travel; English proficiency evidence; and health insurance. OSHC is mandatory for student visa holders – our /visa/oshc-health-cover page has more details. Student visa conditions allow work: 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks. Visa holders must maintain enrolment in a CRICOS course and satisfactory academic progress. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent; for personal visa advice, consult a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs.
Follow these three steps to apply for Master of Combined Studies in Public and Social Policy / Intelligence at Macquarie University (Macquarie): 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers – Use HeadStart Academy’s comprehensive database to filter by course level (Masters Degree), field (Mixed Field Programmes), and location (Sydney, NSW). Confirm that Macquarie University (CRICOS 00002J) is your preferred institution. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution – Visit Macquarie University’s website (www.mq.edu.au) to review specific entry requirements, English language test scores, and application deadlines. Submit your application through the university’s online portal, providing all required documents (transcripts, IELTS/TOEFL, personal statement). 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) – Once accepted, Macquarie will issue your CoE. With the CoE, you can apply for a Student visa through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC arranged and financial documents ready.
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Master of Combined Studies in Public and Social Policy / Intelligence is a CRICOS-registered programme at Macquarie University (Macquarie). Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.