Graduate Certificate in Business
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2025
You're viewing degree information for Australian students
You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:
- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Mode
On-campus/Online
Fees
$AU 17,100 per 0.5 EFTSL for students enrolled in 2025
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Entry requirements
Entrants to the program shall normally hold one of the following:
- A completed Bachelor degree from a recognised higher education institution or equivalent; or
- A completed Advanced Diploma (or Associate Degree) plus 1 year professional experience; or
- A completed Diploma and 2 years professional experience; or
- 3 years professional experience.
Degree overview
- UniSA Business is accredited by both AACSB International and EFMD (EQUIS) – the world’s leading accreditation bodies.
- Study at the No.1 Business School in SA, and Top 5 business school in Australia for quality1.
- Learn from current, practical case studies and confidently apply your new skills to real-world business environments.
- Connect with a senior business leader through our Executive Partners Program.
- Become equipped with the skills for further postgraduate study and take your career to the next level.
- Use this qualification to continue your studies through a range of UniSA master's degrees (excluding MBA).
- Develop career-ready skills employers are looking for once you graduate with enterprise skills embedded in all business courses within this program.
- Study a curriculum informed by above world-class research in Business2.
- Study at a university recognised globally in Business. UniSA Business is in the top one per cent worldwide and has been awarded an overall five stars for excellence3.
- UniSA’s campus facilities are ranked Top 5 in Australia for Business and Management4.
1Australian Financial Review BOSS Best Business Schools List 2024. 22018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 3UniSA Business is one of just 13 institutions in Australia and approximately 200 globally (from over 25,000 universities) to be EQUIS accredited. EFMD, March 2024. 2023 QS Stars Business School Ratings. 4Ranked #4 (Undergraduate) and #5 (Postgraduate), ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Learning Resources Indicator. Public universities.
Snapshot
Ranked in the top one per cent worldwide1, UniSA Business offers the latest in contemporary business practice and theory.
You will study a set of core business courses and learn to analyse and interpret key business information, problem-solve, work collaboratively and make informed business decisions.
You will gain an excellent foundation in key business areas. These will give you the knowledge and skills to move forward with further postgraduate studies. Your learning will be supported by current and practical case studies – so you will be able to confidently apply your new skills to real-world business environments.
1UniSA Business is one of just 12 institutions in Australia and approximately 200 globally (from over 25,000 universities) to be EQUIS accredited. EFMD, March 2022.
You will study four courses that will give you a broad-based foundation in business. Key areas include:Study hours
For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums. So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
Your studies at UniSA will incorporate both practical, professional and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:
- problem solving exercises
- group or research assignments
- projects
- examinations
Global opportunities
Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.
You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.
Take a look at the global opportunities available.
Why Graduate Certificate in Business
The Graduate Certificate in Business is designed in consultation with our network of industry and professional partners. It is informed by world-class research in management, marketing and business, combining up-to-date theory and the practical application of management models and methods.
UniSA is renowned nationally and internationally for excellence in business education. We develop our degrees in partnership with industry and connect with top professional bodies so our degrees remain relevant to today’s business environment.
In your studies you will gain knowledge of accounting, economics, marketing and management. You will learn to think analytically, interpret business information, problem-solve, work collaboratively, inform business decisions and communicate effectively. You will be taught by business experts, many of whom are also researchers, and you’ll study their findings in class. We also involve our Australian and international business partners in course planning – so you’ll work on industry projects that are relevant today.
UniSA Business is the only business school in South Australia accredited by both AACSB International (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) and EFMD (EQUIS) – the world’s leading accreditation bodies recognising excellence in business education and research at a global level. These dual accreditations demonstrate the high standards we hold across all areas such as teaching, student learning and research, as well as our commitment to continually improving the quality of our programs.
An enriching student experience
Our flexible delivery and extra-curricular opportunities are designed to suit your lifestyle, preferred way of learning and career interests. You can benefit from a blend of online and on-campus study, part-time or full-time learning, Summer and Winter School intensive courses, mentoring and networking opportunities with industry, and leadership skill development. You can also explore accelerated learning pathways and seek program support from our Business Student Hub.
Real-world connections
Our links to UniSA’s research facilities ensure your learning is connected to the latest technologies, theories and applications of knowledge. In the Graduate Certificate, our teachers are leaders in their field.
Placements and internships bridge the gap between study and work. Our connections to industry create opportunities for you to grow. These experiences build confidence in the business world and give you a competitive edge.
We also host regular University-wide employee master classes and employment expos, and alumni events in Australia and overseas.
Online study
Part, or all, of this degree can be studied online. This means that you can:
- study online, including accessing videos and course resources
- participate in an interactive online learning environment
- submit your assignments and get feedback online
- use discussion forums for team work and communication
With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment, you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle.
Please note that for some degrees, some on-campus attendance (such as to attend seminars, workshops or examinations) and/or placements may apply. Any applicable requirements will be detailed on individual course pages.
Your career
Due to the flexibility in which you can apply this degree, there are many career paths you can aspire to – you could consider careers such as:
- Business adviser: working with new or established businesses; analysing business plans and financial statements; advising on investments, marketing, funding and financial trends; understanding consumer needs and how to improve profitability.
- Business/Organisational analyst: interpreting data and reporting on it; making recommendations based on research findings; applying qualitative and quantitative techniques to interpret data.
- Business development consultant: sales planning; account management; relationship building; developing business plans; marketing initiatives.
- Business owner: setting up a business or businesses; taking risks and serving as the chief decision maker; monitoring and controlling business activities, budget and resources.
- Entrepreneur: using initiative, commercial acumen and broad ranging business skills to develop or transform a product or service for yourself or an organisation.
- Project manager/lead: ensuring projects are delivered on time and according to project plans; managing project team resources; scheduling, preparation and resource forecasting; managing vendors and suppliers; managing budgets.
- Risk manager: assessing and identifying potential risks that could endanger the reputation, safety, security and financial prosperity of a client or organisation; implementing processes and procedures to ensure the client is prepared to deal with any potential risk elements.
Industry facts
Scholarships
Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.
Scholarship for student leadership
Available for students who are interested in undertaking specified activities with the aim of enhancing the overall student experience at UniSA.
International travel grants
Travel Grants are available to participate in our Study Overseas Programs. UniSA has agreement with over 80 institutions globally.
Your study experience and support
Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, tech zones, and spaces that simulate real work environments. You’ll also find student gyms and campus sport activities to keep you active. We also offer flexible study options, with online resources available for accessing lecture recordings, virtual classrooms, library resources and learning support.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.
Student services
Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. You can access a full range of support services including academic and personal counselling, career advice, social support services, as well as those through our student association, USASA. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.
24/7 digital environment
Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.
Your program director
With well over 30 years of extensive business-linked experience both nationally and internationally, I maintain a long held commitment to preparing students to become the business professionals and leaders of the future. As the Program Director I see how students who undertake this program develop advanced knowledge and skills in business but are also empowered with the confidence to graduate career-ready and achieve their future career goals.
Ask UniSA
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How do I apply?
The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.
The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.
There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.
If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.
You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.
If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Undergraduate
The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.
Postgraduate
Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.
As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.
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What credit can I receive for previous studies?
You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.
