Graduate Certificate in Business

Postgraduate | 2026

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Mode icon
Mode
On Campus
Start date icon
Start date
February, July
Duration icon
Duration
0.5 year(s) full-time
Program code icon
Program code
GCBUS
Study as icon
Study as
Full-time
Fees
Indicative annual fees
$25,250, per 0.5 of a year
Prerequisites icon
Prerequisite
N/A
Assumed knowledge icon
Assumed knowledge
N/A
English Language Requirements icon
English language requirements
IELTS Overall 6.5 IELTS Reading 6 IELTS Listening 6 IELTS Speaking 6 IELTS Writing 6 Equivalent English qualifications
CRICOS code icon
CRICOS code
115793F
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Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and fulfill any essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

A completed bachelor (AQF level 7) or bachelor honours (AQF level 8) degree or equivalent from a recognised higher education institution; OR

A minimum of five years relevant work experience.

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 Adelaide University. 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.

  • IELTS Overall 6.5
  • IELTS Reading 6
  • IELTS Listening 6
  • IELTS Speaking 6
  • IELTS Writing 6

Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by Adelaide University and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:

Equivalent English qualifications
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Note:

Applications for international students are open now, to begin your studies in 2026. 

Apply through one of the University’s official Education Agents, or via our International Application System.  

Find an Education Agent 

Depending on your country of citizenship, you may be required to apply through one of our Education Agents. 

Why Graduate Certificate in Business?

Learn the latest in contemporary business practice and theory. 

Engage in a series of fundamental business courses in our Graduate Certificate in Business. Gain the skills needed to further your career in business. Expand your knowledge in interpreting, solving and collaborating to make well-informed business choices. 

Establish a strong foundation across essential business disciplines, ready to explore new careers or pursue further postgraduate study. Adelaide University will prepare you to confidently apply your newly acquired skills in real-world business settings. 

Become a well-rounded business professional and position yourself for career advancement in a range of industries. 

program overview

Overview

Your studies will dive into core business disciplines such as accounting, marketing, entrepreneurship and management. Develop critical thinking skills, solve complex problems, work effectively in teams, make informed business decisions and hone your communication skills. 

Developed in partnership with industry, you’ll be taught by leaders in the field and connect with potential employers. Our curriculum is crafted in collaboration with industry leaders and aligned with professional organisations to ensure its relevance in the current business landscape. 

Use this program as a pathway to pursue further postgraduate study – from an MBA to a specialised management or human resources master’s degree. Our program offers flexible learning options tailored to busy professionals and different career aspirations. This approach ensures you can study on your own terms and enter dynamic business environments. 

What you'll learn

Our Graduate Certificate in Business comprises of four courses, providing you with a solid foundation in key areas of business. 

Explore areas like accounting, marketing, entrepreneurship and management, giving you a broad perspective of the discipline.  

You’ll study the following topics: 

  • Marketing 
  • People, leadership and organisational performance 
  • Entrepreneurial thinking 
  • Accounting for decision makers. 

Design a study path that works for you

This degree is part of a stackable set of qualifications, meaning your study choices are flexible. If your goals shift, you can exit after six months of study with a standalone Graduate Certificate or after one year with a Graduate Diploma qualification. 

You can also begin your studies with a shorter qualification like the six-month Graduate Certificate and continue on to complete the Graduate Diploma (one year) or full master’s degree. 

What courses you'll study

Complete 24 units comprising:

  • 24 units for Core courses

Complete 24 units comprising:

  • 24 units for all Program core

Course name Course code Units
course icon
Course name
Accounting Principles for Decision Makers
Course code
ACCT5007
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Entrepreneurial Thinking
Course code
BUSI5014
Units
6
course icon
Course name
People, Leadership and Organisational Performance
Course code
HRES5002
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Marketing
Course code
MARK5000
Units
6

Course name Course code Units
Year 1
Semester 1
Course name
Accounting Principles for Decision Makers
Course code
ACCT5007
Units
6
Course name
Entrepreneurial Thinking
Course code
BUSI5014
Units
6
Course name
People, Leadership and Organisational Performance
Course code
HRES5002
Units
6
Course name
Marketing
Course code
MARK5000
Units
6

Ready to apply?

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Check your eligibility

Before you begin, find the degree you wish to study and check you meet the academic entry requirements and English language requirements.

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Gather your relevant documents

Ensure you have all supporting documentation needed at the time of application to avoid delays.

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Complete and send your application

Apply through one of the University’s official agency partners, or via our online application system.

Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.

How to Apply

How to apply

Applications for international students are open now, to begin your studies in 2026.

Apply through one of the University’s official Education Agents, or via our International Application System.

Find an Education Agent

Depending on your country of citizenship, you may be required to apply through one of our Education Agents.

Your study experience and support

Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.

You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.

Student services

We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:

  • Career advice and mentoring services
  • Personal counselling
  • LGBTQIA+ support
  • Academic support
  • Fees and finance help
  • Security services
  • Accommodation services
  • Common rooms
  • Prayer rooms.

You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.

Your campus

You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.

This degree is offered at the following campus(es)

Study hours

Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week. 

 

Assessment

During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include: 

  • Case studies  
  • Essays and assignments  
  • Examinations  
  • Group projects  
  • Internships and placements  
  • Practicals  
  • Presentations  
  • Reports and project documentations 
  • Research projects 
  • Workplace and classroom contributions. 
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