Graduate Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning
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
DGUR
Fees
AUD$ 40,900 per annum (per 1.0 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
See full entry requirements
CRICOS Code
000579A
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Entry requirements
- Applicants will normally hold a degree or recognised equivalent qualification.
- Applicants with a completed Graduate Certificate in an aligned discipline are also eligible for entry.
English language entry requirements
In addition, international students who speak English as an additional 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
- Benefit from our long-standing history – with more than 70 years’ experience, we’re Australia’s longest provider of planning education.
- Use this qualification as a pathway into the professionally accredited Master of Urban and Regional Planning.
- Study in a state that has developed a world class e-planning system for development assessment based on a fundamental overhaul of procedures, policies, zones and overlays.
- Gain an in-depth understanding of the professional practice of urban and regional planning.
- Develop advanced land use policy, urban design, spatial analysis and communication skills in a range of complex settings that can help state and local governments and the private sector respond to the pressures of population growth, climate change and the rise of chronic diseases associated with lack of physical activity.
- Gain skills working in a multi-disciplinary context.
- Be taught by world-class leaders in research – UniSA's research in urban and regional planning is ranked world class1.
- UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities2, 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.
12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)
2UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.
Snapshot
Planners help make inner cities, suburbs and regional towns more liveable and sustainable. Planners shape cities, towns and regions through the development planning policy that integrates infrastructure and services. They develop plans, strategies and designs that can improve the quality of life for people and support ecosystem services1.
A key component of this postgraduate qualification relates to the planning and development of environmentally sustainable cities and regions that acknowledge social diversity and the need for greater physical activity and contact with nature, which can help to prevent chronic diseases associated with excessive sedentary behaviour.
The courses studied focus on real-world issues and therefore provide you with relevant skills that are transferable in the workplace.
This qualification lays a solid foundation of knowledge and is a great pathway into the professional accredited and recognised Master of Urban and Regional Planning.
1Planning Institute of Australia, Become a Planner 2020
What you'll learn
This graduate diploma will equip you with the knowledge, skills and practical expertise needed to embark on a career in the field of urban and regional planning.
You will learn about:
- sustainable urban design and development
- planning governance and policy
- planning for healthy cities
- planning law and ethics
- development assessment
- transport and planning
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 and professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary.
You can expect them to include individual and/or group:
- presentations
- reports
- essays
- literature/artefact reviews.
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 Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning
UniSA offers the only urban and regional planning qualifications in South Australia and has more than 70 years’ experience in planning education – that makes us the longest provider of planning education in the country.
Throughout your studies, you will have access to and learn from prominent industry figures through lectures, national and international field trips, industry/professional based projects and workshops.
You will graduate with highly developed professional competencies, placing you to make sound, logical and ethical decisions in a range of planning contexts throughout your career.
Our commitment to research with an industry focus is unprecedented in South Australia. In the 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia evaluation, 100 per cent of our assessed research was rated world-class or above.
We are fast becoming a renowned centre of innovation and enterprise in the sectors that will drive Australia's future, including health.
Study at UniSA
Hear about Rajat's experience studying Urban and Regional Planning at UniSA.
Your career
This degree opens up excellent career opportunities for graduates. You may be involved in:
- planning and designing towns and suburbs
- development assessment
- environmental and transport planning
- social and community-based planning
- the protection of heritage buildings and landscapes
- planning for active living health promotion
- neighbourhood and urban regeneration
- infill and master planning
- development of regional and rural communities.
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 study spaces
As an urban and regional planning student you will have access to:
- specialised computer suites
- Australia’s only Architecture Museum.
Your program director
I am the Program Director for the Master of Urban and Regional Planning, and the Graduate Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning. My enthusiasm for the field of urban and regional planning was in part kindled through the experience of peri-urban post-migration life on the fringe of multicultural Melbourne and also a period as an elected member and then mayor of the City of Port Adelaide Enfield in Adelaide. My academic education has largely focused on sociology. I felt very honoured to be awarded the Peter Harrison Memorial Prize at the State of Australian Cities Conference in Sydney in 2013 for a paper based on my PhD research analysing the suburban context of adjustment to retrenchment in the automotive industry. The paper discussed the impacts and opportunities that arise during and following retrenchment and how new jobs, the journey to work and the meaning of home play a role in adjusting to new circumstances.
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.
