Study Graduate Certificate in Business Administration at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for International students.

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Entry requirements Degree overview Career outcomes How to apply Study experience

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)

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International students

Start date
January
March
June
September

Campus
City West

Duration
0.5 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus/Online

Program Code
DCMA

Fees
AUD$ 21,900 per annum (per 0.5 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025

English Language Requirements

IELTS total [6.5]
IELTS reading [6.0]
IELTS writing [6.0]

Equivalent English qualifications (PDF)

International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements

CRICOS Code
024119J

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 Bachelor 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 test
- IELTS total [6.5]
- IELTS reading [6.0]
- IELTS writing [6.0]
Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by UniSA and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements: English Language Equivalence Table (PDF)
View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

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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 experience-based and interactive learning.
Study topics such as strategy, leadership, marketing, managerial finance, international business, ethics, and more.
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 excellence¹.
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.
Study at a Top 5 business school in Australia for quality³.

¹UniSA 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. ²2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). ³Ranked #3, Australian Financial Review BOSS Best Business Schools List 2024.

Snapshot

Catherine Macleod.jpg 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. You will learn 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 continue your studies, 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 an elective course. You will develop business administration skills and knowledge by studying strategy, leadership, marketing, managerial finance, international business, and ethics.

All courses have an applied focus. They draw on real-life business case studies, and you are encouraged to draw on your own industry and workplace-based scenarios for assessment tasks. Courses also feature visiting industry leaders who will lead discussions around contemporary business problems.

Degree structure

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
Course name COURSES and SEQUENCING:			Reference
Course name FIRST:			Reference
Course name Strategic Thinking: Concepts and Tools	Area and cat no. BUSS 5424	Units 4.5	Reference
Course name THEN - in any order, any 3 of the following courses:			Reference
Course name Accounting for Decision Making	Area and cat no. BUSS 5247	Units 4.5	Reference
Course name Data Visualisation and Communication for Business Professionals	Area and cat no. INFS 5128	Units 4.5	Reference
Course name Managing People and Organisations	Area and cat no. BUSS 5425	Units 4.5	Reference
Course name International Business	Area and cat no. BUSS 5251	Units 4.5	Reference
Course name Strategic Marketing	Area and cat no. BUSS 5245	Units 4.5	Reference
Course name Ethics, Governance and Sustainability	Area and cat no. BUSS 5385	Units 4.5	Reference
Course name Leadership for Growth	Area and cat no. BUSS 5438	Units 4.5	Reference
Course name Elective 1		Units 4.5	Reference Note(s): 1	Rule(s): 1

Electives

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units
Specified electives
Course name Entrepreneurship and Innovation	Area and cat no. BUSS 5080	Units 4.5
Course name Negotiation	Area and cat no. BUSS 5355	Units 4.5
Course name The Law for Managers	Area and cat no. LAWS 5016	Units 4.5
Course name Responsible Leadership	Area and cat no. BUSS 5389	Units 4.5
Course name Contemporary Management Issues B	Area and cat no. BUSS 5419	Units 4.5
Course name Digital Business Strategy and Operations	Area and cat no. BUSS 5451	Units 4.5

Rules & notes

Rules

1. The elective is to be chosen from a range of specified elective courses set out in the electives schedule and online timetable or, subject to Program Director approval, from courses in other postgraduate programs at the University of South Australia or from other recognised higher education institutions.

Notes

1. Not all electives will be offered each year. Students should refer to the online timetable for details of courses offered in the current year as additional electives may be offered on a once-off basis.

Study hours

There are 4 courses in the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration program, run over four study periods each year. Each course is ten weeks in duration, requiring approximately 15 hours of study per week, and may also be studied in intensive mode.

Study periods commence in January, April, June and September each year, providing you with a choice between four intakes.

Assessment

Your studies at UniSA will incorporate practical, professionally-focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. Some of the assessment types you might undertake include:

Case studies and reports
Essays and assignments
An industry-relevant project
An oral or online presentation
A journal or a portfolio
Team-based assignments.

Research

UniSA is recognised and respected for its high quality, comprehensive research inspired by the contemporary challenges facing Australia and the world.

We focus on finding practical solutions, creating new knowledge, and delivering economic and social benefits. We collaborate with industry to generate high quality research that solves real-world problems. We are renowned for our concentration of academic experts and global thought leaders in marketing, human resource management, applied economics, tourism and international business.

The 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.

2024 teaching dates

Study Period 1 (Term 1) 8 January - 15 March
Study Period 3 (Term 2) 1 April - 7 June
Study Period 4 (Term 3) 24 June - 30 August
Study Period 6 (Term 4) 16 September - 22 November

Why Graduate Certificate in Business Administration

SNoonan_UniSA BusHub_231017_004.jpg 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.

Real-world connections

Executive Partners Program

The Executive Partners Program is a unique mentoring opportunity, where you will be matched to a senior executive with extensive business experience and networks. You will gain new perspectives, develop business insights, and consider your career trajectory. Executive Partners are selected from a diverse range of professions and industries, and have worked for companies such as Alcoa, BP, Commonwealth Bank, CSR, ExxonMobil, Mitsubishi and SA Health.

Hear from our graduates

Industry facts

Employment as a business administration manager in Australia is projected to increase by 19,100 (or 12.1 per cent) by May 2024.

Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2019.

By 2024, employment for information and organisation professionals in Australia is projected to increase by 18.3 per cent.

Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2019.

How to apply

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.

Credit transfer

You could be eligible for credit for previous studies you have undertaken. Find out online.

Go to credit assessor

Life in Adelaide

Current international students talk about living in Adelaide and studying at UniSA.

Hear from our students

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.

More scholarships

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.

Learn more

International Merit Scholarship

Recipients can get a 15% reduction on tuition fees for the duration of their chosen degree.

Learn more

Your study experience and support

Global opportunities

International short-term and full semester exchanges, as well as intensive study tours can 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 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.

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.

There are also a range of international study grants available, making study abroad much more accessible.

Student services

Business_Hub_images-11 copy.jpg 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 in the Top 15 most liveable cities in the world, 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 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.

Interactive learning environment

As part of your studies, you'll have access to online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment, allowing you to 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 around 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 campus

This degree is based at UniSA's City West Campus.

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.

Prof Lan Snell

Program Director

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