Graduate Certificate in Space Studies
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2025
You're considered an International student if you are:
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2025
Program Code
LCSD
Fees
AUD$ 19,700 per annum (per 0.5 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025
International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements
CRICOS Code
This program is not available to students wishing to study in Australia on a student visa
Applicants are required to have:
This program will be available in Semester 2, 2025 for applicants who have completed the Southern Hemisphere Space Studies Program within the last 3 years.
1ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2020-21 – Learning Resources Indicator (Undergraduate and Postgraduate). SA public universities.
22022 Good Universities Guide – Postgraduate.
The Graduate Certificate in Space Studies is a chance to broaden your understanding of issues related to space.
Designed for graduates, professionals, skilled practitioners and space enthusiasts, you will be immersed in the challenges and opportunities of the space industry. Gain experience in your area of interest through a personalised research project under the supervision and advice from space industry experts.
In the initial three weeks we kick off the program by supporting you in the development of your project ideas whilst developing essential research skills. You will be mentored by space experts who will guide you as you undertake your research on campus or online.
The Graduate Certificate in Space Studies is offered once a year at the beginning of Study Period 5 in July.
On-campus teaching for this program is based at the Mawson Lakes campus. Only 20 minutes from the city centre with easy parking. The Mawson Lakes campus is also accessible by bus and train with the Mawson Lakes train station only a short walk.
Note: Program fees stated above. If an applicant completes the Southern Hemisphere Space Program, 50% of the fee is credited.
The Southern Hemisphere Space Studies Program (SH-SSP) comprises the first half of this Graduate Certificate in Space Studies. This is a joint program between the University of South Australia and the International Space University (ISU), delivered as an intensive, five-week, live-in experience during the southern hemisphere summer. Completion is a UniSA prerequisite for this qualification1.
Studies are based on the international, intercultural and interdisciplinary educational philosophy for which the ISU is renowned. It is conducted jointly with UniSA, and graduates are awarded an SH-SSP Executive Certificate.
The SH-SSP focuses on all aspects of the space sector and provides a multidisciplinary understanding of the key activities and areas of knowledge required by today's space professions, including:
1 An alternative prerequisite is completion of an International Space University Space Studies Program held elsewhere in the world.
Research topics are varied and have previously included CubeSats for astronomy, potential atmospheres for a Martian greenhouse, investigating open-source machine learning for on-board nanosatellites and improving reliability performance in rocket engines. Specific research topics vary and can come from any of the numerous subjects introduced during the Southern Hemisphere Space Studies Program that you would like to investigate further.
The space industry is emerging as one of the most lucrative industries globally.
The industry was valued at US$360 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach US$558 billion by 2026. Much of this growth is driven by demand for nanosatellites and re-useable launch vehicle systems supported by the massive investment in development of these next generation space systems.
With the announcement of the Australian Space Agency and federal investment, it is expected that by 2030, the value of the local space industry will have tripled to $12 billion and create up to 20,000 jobs.
The Graduate Certificate in Space Studies program will appeal to people within space-related industries or those who have a genuine interest in space. Students will be drawn from and enter employment in the following space sectors:
• Space science and technology (design of space launch systems, space vehicle component design and satellite payloads)
• Telecommunications
• Earth observation / Remote sensing
• Space policy and regulation
• Space mission design
• Applications of space technologies
International students wishing to apply for this program must complete the application form and return it via email to SAS-MawsonLakes@unisa.edu.au. For information about the appropriate Australia visa for international visitors, go to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) website.
International applicants can not study the program under a student visa. It is your responsibility as an applicant to determine what type of visa you require in order to complete any part of this program onshore.
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.
Recipients can get a 50% reduction on tuition fees for up to four years of full-time study for selected degrees.
Recipients can get a 15% reduction on tuition fees for the duration of their chosen degree.
As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.
Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gain access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and lots more.
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.
Dr Ady James is an Associate Professor at UniSA where he teaches Systems Engineering, Space Studies and Space Science.
He is Co-Director for the Southern Hemisphere Space Studies Program and the Director of Education & Training with the SmartSat CRC.
He obtained a Ph.D. in Space Science at University College London’s Department of Space and Climate Physics in 1997, where he developed a fast ion spectrometer for the Russian Mars 96 spacecraft. After completing his PhD he worked on various space programs including Mars 96, Cluster II, XMM Newton, MOSES and, most recently, Solar-B (Hinode) launched in 2006. He then spent 4 years as project manager for the Basic Technology Smart X-ray Optics program up until October 2010 and then as Systems Engineer for the VIS instrument on the ESA Euclid Space project until early 2012.
In early 2012 Dr James moved to Australia to establish a local node of the Mullard Space Science Laboratory (MSSL), during this time he has taught Project Management and Systems Engineering as well as supervising numerous MSc and PhD student. From 2013 until it’s closure in 2017 Dr James was Academic Director for the UCL Australia campus. Dr James has been involved in the Southern Hemisphere Space Studies Program since 2012 and was co-Director for the 2018, 2019 and 2020 programs.
Dr James is a Fellow of the Association of Project Management and Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.
Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.
If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.
Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.
There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.
You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.
The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.
UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.
Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.
We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.