Graduate Certificate in Education Studies (Educational Leadership)
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2025
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
MCEE
Fees
AUD$ 14,300 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]
International Admission by Country
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CRICOS Code
This program is not available to students wishing to study in Australia on a student visa
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Entry requirements
Applicants will normally hold an approved Bachelor degree in any discipline, or equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution, and have a minimum of five years' professional experience as an educator, and be assigned to a recognised leadership role in an educational setting.English language entry requirements
In addition to meeting academic entry requirements, international students who speak English as a second or additional language must also meet the University's English language entry requirements. The minimum language requirements for this program are:English language testPlease 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)- IELTS total [6.5]
- IELTS reading [6.0]
- IELTS writing [6.0]
From 2024 this program is available to domestic students at a reduced fee as a Commonwealth supported program.
Degree overview
- Designed for professional educators seeking to further their knowledge, qualifications, and career in education leadership.
- Apply your learnings direct to your workplace and advance your career sooner.
- This graduate certificate is offered part time with the option to study on-campus or online.
- Classes are held outside of traditional working hours and during holiday periods to allow busy educators to accelerate their studies.
- Access the latest knowledge and leading minds in the field – this degree is informed by research from the Centre for Research in Educational and Social Inclusion.
- Gain full credit for your studies (four courses) towards the Master of Education.
- UniSA's education degrees are number one in South Australia1 and World top 100 in Education2.
- UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities3, we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.
12022 QS Subject Rankings
22023 THE Subject Rankings
3UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. Ranked #46, 2022 THE Young University Rankings, Ranked #29, 2021 QS Top 50 Universities Aged Under 50.
Snapshot
This graduate certificate is specifically designed for professional educators seeking to further their knowledge, qualifications and career in educational leadership.
You’ll develop informed and critical understandings of the policies, theories, and practices of educational leadership and how they apply to fostering learner-centred environments. There is also the opportunity to explore educational leadership in your own context and develop a case study of your workplace.
Classes are held outside of traditional working hours and during holiday periods to allow you to continue to work while you study. Courses can be studied online or face to face on campus.
Upon completion of this graduate certificate, you can gain full credit for all your studies towards the Master of Education. Other graduate certificates in this suite include:
- Graduate Certificate in Education Studies (Inclusive Education)
- Graduate Certificate in Education Studies (TESOL)
You can stack one or two Graduate Certificates for full credit towards the Master of Education. You’ll then only have two courses left to complete your Masters (applicable to students eligible for Advanced Standing).
Please note, this qualification does not meet the requirements for teacher registration in South Australia.
What you'll learn
In this graduate certificate (four courses) you’ll develop informed and critical understandings of the policies, theories, and practices of educational leadership and how they apply to fostering learner-centred environments. You’ll examine quality, accountability, and equity as key drivers of strategic leadership and explore the complex work undertaken by education leaders to deliver on these. The program has a focus on globalisation, professional learning communities, learner/curriculum leadership and complexity theory in leadership.
With curriculum informed by UniSA’s Centre for Research in Educational and Social Inclusion you’ll learn the latest theory in the field. There is also the opportunity to develop a case study on your workplace and to explore education leadership in your own context. Graduate with the skills and knowledge to lead confidently in educational settings and to innovate learning in your workplace.
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 will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:
- literature reviews
- discussion papers
- reports
- proposals
- research project
There may also be essays or assignments.
Why Graduate Certificate in Education Studies (Educational Leadership)
UniSA is World top 100 in Education1 and South Australia's largest tertiary provider of education degrees, making us well placed to help you realise your career goals in Education.
Our courses are practical and real-world focused so you can apply your new knowledge and skills to your education setting immediately.
Informed by the latest research from the Centre for Research in Educational and Social Inclusion, this graduate certificate gives you access to some of the leading minds in the field. Leverage this access to UniSA research and industry experts to build your leadership capacity and propel your career.
Continue to work while you study - this graduate certificate is offered part time with the option to study on-campus or online.
You can stack one or two Graduate Certificates for full credit towards the Master of Education. You’ll then only have two courses left to complete your Masters (applicable to students eligible for Advanced Standing).
Please note, this qualification does not meet the requirements for teacher registration in South Australia.
12023 THE Subject Rankings
Your career
This graduate certificate extends your learning and skills in the areas of education leadership and research. Careers to consider include:
- educational leader: review current learning and develop strategies to enhance teaching outcomes.
- school principal: responsible for managing and overseeing the daily operations of a school and fostering a safe and supportive school environment.
- policy and curriculum advisor: lead and influence policy and curriculum development.
- workplace training and development: lead learning and training programs across of range of professional contexts.
Please note, this qualification does not meet the requirements for teacher registration in South Australia.
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 the duration of their chosen degree.
Your study experience and support
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.
Student services
Our international student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:
- career advice and mentoring
- help with student visas and health cover
- personal counselling
- academic counselling
- fees and finance help
- common rooms
- prayer rooms
- security officers
- accommodation services
- as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.
We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies, and can offer help with the English language too. 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
Ask UniSA
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How do I 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.
