Graduate Certificate in Business Administration
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2021
You're viewing degree information for International students
You're considered an International student if you are:
- NOT an Australian or New Zealand citizen
- NOT an Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Program Code
DCMA
Fees
2021: AUD$ 40,300 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL)
English Language Requirements
- IELTS total [6.5]
- IELTS reading [6.0]
- IELTS writing [6.0]
International Admission by Country
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CRICOS Code
024119J
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Entry requirements
Applicants seeking admission to the program will normally have:
a) A minimum of three (3) years full time management experience and a recognised university undergraduate degree or equivalent professional qualifications;
or
b) A minimum of seven (7) years full time management experience.
All applicants are also required to submit a detailed curriculum vitae or equivalent with at least one referee who can validate work experience.
English language entry requirements
In addition, international students who speak English as a foreign language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at the University of South Australia. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.English language testSee equivalence table for other qualifications and English Language tests accepted by UniSA (PDF)- IELTS total [6.5]
- IELTS reading [6.0]
- IELTS writing [6.0]
Degree overview
- Use this qualification as a pathway into UniSA's award-winning Master of Business Administration if you have management experience but do not hold an undergraduate qualification.
- Learn current business issues, trends and challenges with a focus on experienced-based and interactive learning.
- Choose to study in areas such as managerial finance, international business, ethics, marketing, leadership and change management, and more.
- UniSA Business is in the top one per cent worldwide1 and has been awarded an overall five stars for excellence in the QS Stars Ratings 2020.
- Work on real-life business cases, and learn from visiting business leaders and guest lecturers.
- Gain valuable industry insights and mentorship from an experienced senior business leader through the Executive Partners Program.
- Study a curriculum informed by above world-class research in Business and Management2.
- Ranked in the Top 10 in Australia for Business Administration3.
- Ranked No. 1 in SA and Top 10 in Australia for Business and Management4.
1UniSA Business is one of just 11 institutions in Australia and 191 globally to be accredited by EQUIS (from over 16,500 worldwide). EFMD, February 2021. 22018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 3Ranked #7, 2020 ARWU World University Subject Rankings. 42021 QS Subject Rankings.
Snapshot
With a focus on experienced-based learning and current business trends, the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration will help you take the next step in your career.
As part of your studies, you will develop business administration skills and knowledge by studying areas such as managerial finance, international business, ethics, marketing, and leadership and change management. You will learn ways to think strategically and critically, and to work collaboratively.
This postgraduate degree is offered as part of a nested suite in Business Administration where each qualification extends to the next, so you can easily transition to the next level qualification. If you finish this graduate certificate and want to do further study, you can use this degree as a pathway and gain credit for successfully completed courses into the Graduate Diploma in Business Administration or Master of Business Administration.
What you'll learn
You will study a foundation course in strategic thinking, then select three courses from a diverse range of business areas including electives. You will develop business administration skills and knowledge by studying managerial finance, international business, ethics, marketing, leadership and change management, and more.
All courses have an applied focus. They draw on real-life business case studies, and you are encouraged to use industry and workplace based issues for assessment tasks. Courses also feature visiting industry leaders who will lead discussions around contemporary business problems.
This qualification will teach you to think strategically and critically, and to work collaboratively.
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 (independent study). 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, professionally-focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:
- case studies and reports
- essays and assignments
- examinations
- an industry-relevant project
- an oral or online presentation
- a journal or a portfolio
Research
UniSA Business is recognised and respected for a comprehensive research program inspired by the contemporary challenges facing Australia and its region.
Our focus is always on finding practical solutions and creating new knowledge. Our commitment to research with an industry focus is unprecedented. We work closely with industry to generate high quality research that informs our teaching curriculum and tackles real-world problems. We are renowned for our concentration of global thought-leaders and academic experts in the areas of marketing, human resource management, applied economics, tourism and international business.
The MBA curriculum is informed by our research expertise. In the 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) rankings, all of our assessed research was rated at or above world-class. We have particular strengths in management and marketing, and we are one of only three business schools globally with an academic focus on SME business growth. Read more about our strengths in research.
Timetable
This degree is offered across four study periods each year.
2021 teaching dates:
- Study Period 1 (Term 1) 11 January - 19 March
- Study Period 3 (Term 2) 5 April - 11 June
- Study Period 4 (Term 3) 28 June - 3 September
- Study Period 6 (Term 4) 20 September - 26 November
2022 teaching dates:
- Study Period 1 (Term 1) 10 January - 18 March
- Study Period 3 (Term 2) 4 April - 10 June
- Study Period 4 (Term 3) 27 June - 2 September
- Study Period 6 (Term 4) 19 September - 25 November
Why Graduate Certificate in Business Administration
This graduate certificate has a strong focus on real-world application. You will work with real business case studies and learn from visiting business leaders and guest lecturers.
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.
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.
Hear from our graduates
Industry facts
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Here at UniSA we’re adapting and doing things differently so that you can still pursue your goals and plan for your future.
How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.
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.
Vice Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship
Recipients can get a 50% reduction on tuition fees for up to four years of full-time study for selected degrees.
International Merit Scholarship
Recipients can get a 15% reduction on tuition fees for their first year of study for selected degrees.
Your study experience and support
Global opportunities
International short-term and full semester exchanges, as well as intensive study-tours open doors to new possibilities and experiences. The University of South Australia has strong connections with prestigious universities in Europe, Asia and the Americas – there are over 25 countries and 60 universities to choose from.
Travelling and studying with leading academic staff and your peers is a wonderful opportunity to develop first-hand knowledge of the international business environment. You’ll find the experience invaluable for your personal and professional development, and gain a global perspective.
Study tours
The Business in China Intensive School is a two-week study tour and project, offered in partnership with Peking University – a leading international business school.
The European Summer School of Advanced Management is a two-week study tour that gives 100 of the world’s outstanding MBA students an intensive international business experience. It has previously been hosted in London, Glasgow and Copenhagen.
There are also a range of international study grants available, making study abroad much more accessible.
Student services
Our dedicated MBA team is available to support you throughout your studies. The team can provide expert advice on study options, elective choices, career services and more, and can help with referrals to other support services across the University.
As a student at the University of South Australia you will have unique access to 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, laboratories, and areas 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, swimming pools, technology zones and great student lounges. 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.
Living in Adelaide
Ranked as the 5th most liveable city in the world for the last five years, Adelaide is the perfect place to live and study. As one of the world’s most liveable and affordable cities, you will have more to spend on food, accommodation and entertainment. International students also get the same public transport discounts as local students, saving you hundreds of dollars a year.
Adelaide has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation or private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages for plenty of options. If you need somewhere to live, our new student accommodation by urbanest is on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, a perfect 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.
Interactive learning environment
As part of your studies, you'll have access to online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle.
You'll be able to:
- access online videos and course resources
- participate in virtual classrooms
- submit your assignments and get feedback online
- use forums and discussion boards for team work and communication
Our online 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 suit your lifestyle. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.
Please note, all student visa holders are required to meet their visa condition to study no more than one-third of their program in an online mode and maintain enrolment in at least one internal (face-to-face) course per compulsory study period, unless it is their final course and not available internally. If you are currently residing in Adelaide, on-campus attendance (such as seminars, workshops or examinations) and/or placements would apply, as outlined on individual course pages. If you are currently overseas, online study may be available following your individual study plan.
Your program director
I am a true believer that we all possess leadership skills innately and programs such as the Master of Business Administration are critical in bringing those skills to the fore and enhancing them. Partnering industry and academia ensures we are not only developing the skills of today but also the leadership skills required for the future.
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How to apply?
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. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
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.
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What credit can I receive for previous studies?
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.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
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.
