Key facts
Domestic students course information.
Entry is based on a bachelor qualification or above, or a relevant diploma, advanced diploma or bachelor with full-time relevant work experience, or 5 years full-time relevant work experience.
Entry is based on a bachelor qualification or above, or a relevant diploma, advanced diploma or bachelor with full-time relevant work experience, or 5 years full-time relevant work experience. English language requirements must also be met.
- Up to 2 years part-time
| Start Dates and Campus | Trimester 1 – February 2026 | Trimester 2 – June 2026 | Trimester 3 – October 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Offered | Offered | Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Online | Offered | Offered | Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
Course information
Download course brochure
From sole traders to leaders of multinational corporations, businesspeople seek growth opportunities in an uncertain and rapidly changing world. With UNE's Graduate Certificate in Business, you will hone your skills and knowledge to anticipate and respond to opportunities and challenges, and to help businesses thrive, in a dynamic environment — both locally and globally.
Why study the Graduate Certificate in Business with UNE?
Our course is perfectly positioned to upskill and futureproof your career. If you want to enhance your business skills and qualifications, and have relevant work experience, this course is geared to meeting your needs.
With UNE, you'll be choosing an industry leader in flexible online study options for business professionals — we help you balance work and lifestyle commitments with your studies. We’re highly rated – students consistently award UNE the maximum 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support in The Good Universities Guide, so when you choose to study with us, you are in very good hands.
What makes our course different?
Our flexible course allows you to tailor your studies to achieve your personal career goals, building on your existing knowledge base to broaden your skillset and career opportunities in your chosen area of business. You will have opportunities to:
- Study flexibly with our innovative and supportive online learning environment.
- Apply business theory and critical analysis to hypothetical and real-world case studies, as well as your own workplace.
- Develop and apply advanced problem-solving skills and communication skills.
- Learn new tools and digital technologies to communicate appropriately and persuasively with a range of customers and stakeholders.
- Achieve your qualification in as little as one year of part-time study, or take it one unit at a time over two years.
- Apply for your prior studies and relevant work experience to count towards up to 12 credit points of advanced standing, depending on your entry path.
- Gain credit from your completed Graduate Certificate of Business units towards a Graduate Diploma in Business or Master of Business Administration, if you choose to progress to higher-level studies.
Study online
Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and bring valuable experience with them. They form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities and who bring their life and work experience together at UNE in order to become future-fit and better respond to a rapidly changing world.
* 24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist you and help you to succeed.
Entry requirements
Select the option that best describes you.
This course is not currently available for this mode of study.
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
If you are an international applicant who wants to study online (overseas or in Australia):
You will need to meet both the Academic and English Language Requirements to gain admission into this course. Meeting academic requirements means we review what you have already studied to see if you have the results needed for admission to your preferred course.
This course is offered under six admission rules.
Rule A: You have completed ONE of the following qualifications or their overseas equivalents, in any discipline:
- Bachelor (AQF Level 7)
- Bachelor with Honours (AQF Level 8)
- Graduate Certificate (AQF Level 8)
- Graduate Diploma (AQF Level 8)
- Masters (AQF Level 9)
- Doctorate (AQF Level 10)
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A. Please see the Rule A Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule B: You have completed a Bachelor qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) in a relevant discipline,† AND you have a minimum of two years of full-time (or part-time equivalent) relevant professional experience.*
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule B. Please see the Rule B Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule C: You have completed an Advanced Diploma (AQF Level 6) in a relevant discipline† from an Australian TAFE or Registered Training Organisation (RTO), AND you have a minimum of four years of full-time (or part-time equivalent) relevant professional experience.*
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule C. Please see the Rule C Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule D: You have completed a Diploma (AQF Level 5) in a relevant discipline† from an Australian TAFE or Registered Training Organisation (RTO), AND you have a minimum of six years of full-time (or part-time equivalent) relevant professional experience.*
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule D. Please see the Rule D Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule E: You have a minimum of five years of full-time (or part-time equivalent) relevant professional experience.*
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule E. Please see the Rule E Course Structure (Program of Study).
* Relevant professional experience refers to a position of responsibility in any organisational or industry context.
† Relevant disciplines include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Accounting
- Business
- Economics
- Finance
- Human Resources Management
- Leadership
- Management
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
Online study in your own country
If you would like to study online with UNE while you reside outside of Australia you do not need a Student Visa. If your course requires you to visit Australia to attend any mandatory study requirements, you would need to explore Visitor Visa options for a short-term stay.
Online study in Australia
If you would like to study online with UNE while you are residing in Australia, you will need to hold a visa (other than a Student Visa) that allows you to study. If you are unsure if your visa allows you to study, you can check with UNE's International Admissions team. If you hold a Student Visa you cannot study completely online; you must be enrolled as an on-campus student (although you can study a limited number of online units).
Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:
- If you are applying for admission under Rule A, you must provide a certified academic transcript of your completed qualification.
- If you are applying for admission under Rules B, C, or D you must provide a certified academic transcript of your completed qualification and a Statement of Service from your employer/s on company letterhead. Learn about our Statement of Service requirements.
- If you are applying for admission under Rule E, you must you must provide a Statement of Service from your employer/s on company letterhead. Learn about our Statement of Service requirements.
- Proof of identity and citizenship. This can be a certified/notarised copy of the photo page of your passport, or another form of official photo identification that lists your full personal details including name and date of birth; for example, a foreign government identity card.
- Evidence of English Language Requirements satisfied. If you have completed a UNE-approved formal English test within the last two years, you must provide a copy of the test results with your application. Please see UNE’s English Language Requirements above for further information.
Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.
Course Entry Advanced Standing
Some entry rules come with Advanced Standing or Articulation Programs that are assessed automatically without the need for you to fill in an additional application. Simply apply for your course and we’ll look after the rest.
- If you are admitted under Rules B or C, you will be granted 12 credit points of Block Advanced Standing. You cannot apply for further Advanced Standing.
- If you are admitted under Rule D, you will be granted 6 credit points of Block Advanced Standing.
Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.
- If you are admitted under Rule D, you can apply for up to a further 6 credit points of Advanced Standing.
- If you are admitted under Rules A, or E you can apply for up to 12 credit points of Advanced Standing.
This course is offered under six admission rules, each with its own Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule A: You have completed ONE of the following qualifications or their overseas equivalents, in any discipline:
- Bachelor (AQF Level 7)
- Bachelor with Honours (AQF Level 8)
- Graduate Certificate (AQF Level 8)
- Graduate Diploma (AQF Level 8)
- Masters (AQF Level 9)
- Doctorate (AQF Level 10)
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A. Please see the Rule A Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule B: You have completed a Bachelor qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) in a relevant discipline,† AND you have a minimum of two years of full-time (or part-time equivalent) relevant professional experience.*
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule B. Please see the Rule B Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule C: You have completed an Advanced Diploma (AQF Level 6) in a relevant discipline† from an Australian TAFE or Registered Training Organisation (RTO), AND you have a minimum of four years of full-time (or part-time equivalent) relevant professional experience.*
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule C. Please see the Rule C Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule D: You have completed a Diploma (AQF Level 5) in a relevant discipline† from an Australian TAFE or Registered Training Organisation (RTO), AND you have a minimum of six years of full-time (or part-time equivalent) relevant professional experience.*
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule D. Please see the Rule D Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule E: You have a minimum of five years of full-time (or part-time equivalent) relevant professional experience.*
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule E. Please see the Rule E Course Structure (Program of Study).
* Relevant professional experience refers to a position of responsibility in any organisational or industry context.
† Relevant disciplines include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Accounting
- Business
- Economics
- Finance
- Human Resources Management
- Leadership
- Management
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:
- If you are applying for admission under Rule A, you must provide a certified academic transcript of your completed qualification.
- If you are applying for admission under Rules B, C, or D you must provide a certified academic transcript of your completed qualification and a Statement of Service from your employer/s on company letterhead. Learn about our Statement of Service requirements.
- If you are applying for admission under Rule E, you must you must provide a Statement of Service from your employer/s on company letterhead. Learn about our Statement of Service requirements.
Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.
Course Entry Advanced Standing
Some entry rules come with Advanced Standing or Articulation Programs that are assessed automatically without the need for you to fill in an additional application. Simply apply for your course and we’ll look after the rest.
- If you are admitted under Rules B or C, you will be granted 12 credit points of Block Advanced Standing. You cannot apply for further Advanced Standing.
- If you are admitted under Rule D, you will be granted 6 credit points of Block Advanced Standing.
Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.
- If you are admitted under Rule D, you can apply for up to a further 6 credit points of Advanced Standing.
- If you are admitted under Rules A, or E you can apply for up to 12 credit points of Advanced Standing.
Course structure
To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 24 credit points with at least 18 credit points at 400-level or above.
24 credit points
For candidates admitted under Rule (a) and Rule (e)12 credit points
Complete the following units:- Advanced Organisational Behaviour (MM405) – 6 credit points
- Marketing Management (MM431) – 6 credit points
12 credit points
Complete 12 credit points from one of the following Specialisations:12 credit points
Complete the following unit:- Strategic Human Resource Management (MM439) – 6 credit points
6 credit points
And complete 6 credit points from the following units:- Employment Relations (MM553) – 6 credit points
- Organisational Leadership: Theory and Practice (MM545) – 6 credit points
12 credit points
Complete the following unit:- Management Practices in Responsible Organisations (MM503) – 6 credit points
6 credit points
And complete 6 credit points from the following units:- Managerial Judgement and Decisions (MM540) – 6 credit points
- Management of Change (MM573) – 6 credit points
12 credit points
Complete the following unit:- Business Ethics, CSR and Sustainability (MM551) – 6 credit points
6 credit points
And complete 6 credit points from the following units:- Management Practices in Responsible Organisations (MM503) – 6 credit points
- Strategic Management Research Project (MM523) – 6 credit points
24 credit points
For candidates admitted under Rule (b) and Rule (c)12 credit points
12 credit points block advanced standing granted at admission12 credit points
Complete the following units- Advanced Organisational Behaviour (MM405) – 6 credit points
- Marketing Management (MM431) – 6 credit points
24 credit points
For candidates admitted under Rule (d)6 credit points
6 credit points block advanced standing granted at admission12 credit points
Complete the following units:- Advanced Organisational Behaviour (MM405) – 6 credit points
- Marketing Management (MM431) – 6 credit points
6 credit points
Complete 6 credit points from the following units:- Business Ethics, CSR and Sustainability (MM551) – 6 credit points
- Strategic Human Resource Management (MM439) – 6 credit points
- Management Practices in Responsible Organisations (MM503) – 6 credit points
See UNE Handbook for more details. The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course plans, exit awards, intensive schools, and work placement requirements.
Fees and scholarships
Understanding Your Course Fees
Your total course fees are based on the number of units you complete, not the length of time you study. This gives you flexibility to tailor your study journey to suit your circumstances.
Here's how it works:
- Unit-based pricing - Each unit has its own fee. Visit our Fees and Costs section for detailed unit pricing information
- Advanced standing - If you're eligible for credit for previous study, you'll complete fewer units and pay less overall
- Study pace - Choose part-time or full-time study to fit your schedule without affecting unit costs
- Trimester 3 option - Students who choose to accelerate their progress by studying during Trimester 3 can do so without increasing overall costs
The table below shows estimated fees for a typical full-time year of study (48 credit points which typically equates to 8 units)
How much will it cost?
Estimated fees for your first year of study in this course are:
| Fee type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Full Fee (no government subsidy) | $15,288* |
| International | $17,088* |
| Commonwealth Supported Place (quotas apply) | $8,688* |
| Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time | $373 |
* Annual course fees only cover the cost of tuition. They do not include other expenses associated with university study such as text books, accommodation and living expenses. If you are successful in gaining admission to study at UNE, the Offer of Admission will list the exact tuition fees you need to pay for your course. Fees quoted cover full-time tuition for two full-time trimesters only. For more information, please see fees and costs.
What are the course fee payment options?
A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a government subsidised place in a university course. The government pays part of your tuition fees, and you pay the remainder.
If you have a CSP in either an undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) degree, you may be eligible for a HECS-HELP Loan, which allows you to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.
Full Fee places are mostly in postgraduate coursework degrees. In a full fee place you pay the tuition fee set for your course, however you may be eligible for a FEE-HELP Loan to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.
If you are enrolled in a Full Fee place and there is a direct connection between your work and your study, you may be able to claim your tuition fees as a tax deduction.
UNE scholarships are open for all to apply and offer financial help while you are studying. There are scholarships for students with high academic achievement, from rural areas, studying specific degrees, in disadvantaged groups, experiencing financial hardship, who excel at sport or want to live in a UNE residential college.
UNE offers bursaries and scholarships that can help you with the costs of studying and living in Australia.
The UNE International Bursary reduces the published annual tuition fees for international students by up to 20%. These bursaries are available for international students commencing coursework studies at UNE in 2025. View detailed Bursary information.
UNE also offers a number of substantial research scholarships to postgraduate students studying research-based degrees.
Your career
Develop advanced business skills that you can apply to your work in a range of government, private and non-profit organisations in Australia or overseas, in roles as diverse as:
- accounting and finance
- agribusiness
- business analytics
- economics
- human resources
- marketing.
Graduates of our post-graduate level business and management degrees achieve excellent career outcomes, with 93 per cent in full-time employment and a median salary of $95,000, according to the 2020 Good Universities Guide.
Course outcomes
- demonstrate specialised knowledge of contemporary business-related theory and practice in order to promote sustainable business in a globalised economy;
- identify and critically assess disciplinary concepts and issues;
- identify, critically evaluate and synthesise relevant information drawn from a range of sources in order to analyse complex business related issues, and develop solutions; and
- demonstrate proficiency in information transfer in written and oral formats at a professional level, either independently or working collaboratively.
- Knowledge of a Discipline
Knowledge of a discipline is taught, practised and assessed in all units. Students will develop an advanced and integrated knowledge of key business theory and critically apply knowledge at an advanced level in business contexts to solve business problems. Students will also demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the global environment in which business is conducted. Students will learn through independent research, interaction with unit materials, unit coordinators and fellow students, and will be assessed using case analysis of both hypothetical and real-world examples, workplace learning by analysing and applying theory to their own workplace, theory-based assignments and via multiple assessment modes.
- Communication Skills
Communication skills are taught, practised and assessed throughout this course. Students will utilise advanced cognitive and communication skills, tools and digital technologies to communicate appropriately and persuasively with a range of stakeholders. Students will develop oral, written and presentation skills relevant to business contexts through assessments such as essays and oral presentations.
- Problem Solving
This graduate attribute is taught, practised and assessed throughout the course using scenarios requiring students to use advanced cognitive and critical thinking skills to identify business issues, and to critically analyse and evaluate the relevant theories and concepts to construct business solutions.
- Information Literacy
Information literacy is taught, practised and assessed throughout the course as students need to identify, critically evaluate and synthesise relevant information drawn from a range of sources in order to analyse complex business-related issues.
- Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility
Throughout the course, ethical conduct and social responsibility is taught, practised and assessed. Students need to reflect on the principles of professional and social responsibility and critically apply these to a range of ethical issues and scenarios. This is assessed through evaluation and analysis of reflective based and scenario based assessment tasks.
- Lifelong Learning
Lifelong learning is taught and assessed in this course through reflective tasks that encourage critical analysis of professional experience, and appreciation of business as a dynamic discipline.
- Independence and Collaboration
This graduate attribute is taught, practised and assessed in this course. Students are required to work independently and complete learning and assessment activities that require self-directed learning and initiative. Students are also required to collaborate in a variety of learning and assessment tasks throughout the course.
Excellence in experience, equity and employability
Five Stars,
20 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 20 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience.
Good Universities Guide 2007-2026
Five Stars for
Social Equity
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities nationally and is #1 in NSW for Social Equity.
Good Universities Guide 2026
Five Stars for
Graduate Employment
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-Time Employment and Starting Salary.
Good Universities Guide 2026 (Undergraduate)
Diamond-Rated Digital Learning
UNE’s leadership in digital learning earned the highest ‘Diamond’ rating in a peer review.
ASCILITE TELAS 2025
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
Excellence in experience, equity and employability
Five Stars,
20 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 20 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience.
Good Universities Guide 2007-2026 Five Stars for
Social Equity
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities nationally and is #1 in NSW for Social Equity.
Good Universities Guide 2026 Five Stars for
Graduate Employment
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-Time Employment and Starting Salary.
Good Universities Guide 2026 (Undergraduate) Diamond-Rated Digital Learning
UNE’s leadership in digital learning earned the highest ‘Diamond’ rating in a peer review.
ASCILITE TELAS 2025 Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian University.
As an international student you can take advantage of flexible online study from overseas or while you are studying in Australia on a visa other than a student visa. You can’t study fully online on a Student Visa.
To study online from overseas you need to consider that you may need to travel to Australia to attend a UNE campus for some mandatory intensive schools.
Studying on Campus
Whether you are an undergraduate student coming to study in Australia for the first time, a PhD student coming to live here with your family, or you only need short-stay accommodation whilst in Armidale for Intensive Schools, we have the perfect accommodation option for you.
Stay connected
Join our mailing list for updates and helpful tips to support your study plans. You can unsubscribe at any time.
- •Course updates and important changes as they happen
- •Key dates for intakes, deadlines, and enrolment steps
- •Application guidance, including supporting documentation requirements
- •Next steps and what to expect after you apply or enquire
Ready to stay in the loop?
GET IN TOUCH
Why study with us?
For me, the best thing about studying at UNE has been the flexibility. As an online student, I am able to fit my studies around my work and other commitments.
How to apply
Preparing to apply
You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.
The kind of documents you need will depend on:
- Your preferred course/s
- Your personal circumstances
Preparing to apply
You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.
The kind of documents you need will depend on:
- Your preferred course/s
- Your personal circumstances
Important Dates
Different application methods and courses can have different closing dates. To find your correct application method click the Apply Now button below. Please check the appropriate application website for opening and closing dates.
If you are applying online direct to UNE please see below for application dates.
| Intake | Application Closing Date | Trimester Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | 24 February 2026 | 23 February 2026 |
| Trimester 2 | 23 June 2026 | 22 June 2026 |
| Trimester 3 | 9 October 2026 | 19 October 2026 |
