Graduate Certificate in 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
DCLD
Fees
AUD$ 21,000 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
106892M
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Entry requirements
Entrants to the program shall hold one of the following:
- A completed Bachelor degree from a recognised higher education institution or equivalent; or
- A completed AQF equivalent Advanced Diploma (or Associate Degree) plus 1 year professional experience; or
- A completed AQF equivalent Diploma and 2 years professional experience; or
- 3 years professional 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 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]
Degree overview
- UniSA Business is accredited by both AACSB International and EFMD (EQUIS) – the world’s leading accreditation bodies.
- Learn to lead high-performance teams and manage organisational change Explore current, practical case studies and confidently apply your new leadership skills to real-world business environments.
- Use this qualification to continue your studies through a range of UniSA Master's degrees.
- Connect with a senior business leader through our Executive Partners Program.
- Benefit from flexible study options and learn full-time, part-time, on-campus, online or in mixed mode.
- Develop career-ready skills employers are looking for once you graduate with enterprise skills embedded in all business courses within this program.
- Study at the No.1 Business School in SA, and Top 5 business school in Australia for quality1.
- Study a curriculum informed by above world-class research in Management2.
- 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.
- Experience UniSA’s campus facilities, ranked in the Top 5 in Australia for Business and Management4.
- Complete the Leaders Institute of South Australia Amplify program as part of your degree, or gain credit towards one elective course.
1Australian Financial Review BOSS Best Business Schools List 2023. 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
Develop critical problem solving, research and leadership skills needed to succeed as a professional manager in today’s workplace.
The Graduate Certificate in Leadership will enable you to develop specialised skills and knowledge in leadership, applicable across industries and professions including business, education, health, government, and not-for-profit. The program will develop the foundational skills and knowledge needed to effectively lead in changing environments, managing dispersed and diverse teams, providing leadership in online workplaces and making effective businesses decisions under pressure.
This qualification can enable admission into select UniSA Business Master's degrees.
What you'll learn
The program will develop the foundational skills and knowledge needed to effectively lead in changing environments.
You will study a total of four courses – three courses about people, leadership and change, as well as one elective from the following:
- Project Management for Business
- Negotiation
- Research for Business Decision Making
- Managing Employee Performance and Rewards
- Leading Learning: Educational Leadership in Globalising Times
- Leadership, Accountability and the Challenge of Complexity.
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
Courses in the program will apply extensive use of case studies. Assessments are contextualised within organisational environments and address operational activities and strategic issues. Courses will investigate real world management problems, enabling students to analyse and provide recommendations.
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 Leadership
This graduate certificate will enable you to learn from the only university in South Australia to have all its Business and Management research rated above world–class1. You will develop skills in fundamental business areas such as leadership and resource and change management, which are vital for modern managers to thrive in today’s workplace.
This graduate certificate will provide you with the knowledge and skills to gain a solid foundation in management, and enable entry into select UniSA Business masters degrees. It is suitable for those who don't hold a prior business qualification but have substantial work experience, or a non-business undergraduate degree.
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.
Executive Partners Program
Extend your network and career by connecting with a senior business professional as part of our Executive Partners Program.
This is a unique opportunity for you to engage with a highly successful industry executive to enhance your study and career. Our Executive Partners are active, semi-retired or recently retired professionals who have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you achieve your career goals.
An enriching student experience
Our program 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.
12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
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
Graduates will be able to seek various leadership and supervisory positions in a wide range of industries, in both the public and private sectors. Responsibilities include leading teams, projects, and organisational change.
Due to the flexibility in this degree, there are many career paths our graduates aspire to – you could consider careers such as a:
- General manager: planning and directing the operations of companies or public and private sector organisations; duties can include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources.
- Management consultant: offering strategic and objective advisory services to help organisations to improve productivity and performance; advising in areas such as change management, financial performance, restructuring and human resources.
- 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.
- Business development manager: working with business and advising on business plans; advising on investment, finance and marketing strategies; analysing domestic and global economic factors on business; advising businesses on growth opportunities.
- Team leader: effectively managing, leading and inspiring employees to achieve organisational objectives; openly communicating with employees to build trusted professional relationships; setting and implementing clear team goals and delegating tasks to achieve deadlines.
You may also decide to continue onto additional postgraduate study to further your knowledge with a Masters’ degree in related fields.
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.
Part, or all, of this degree can be studied online. This means that you can:
- Study online, including assessing videos and course resources
- Participate in an interactive online learning environment
- Submit your assignments and get feedback online
- Use discussion forums for teamwork 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 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?
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.
