Key facts
Domestic students course information.
Guaranteed ATAR: 60.00
Entry is based on recent secondary (ATAR), higher education (GPA), a UNE Diploma in Business, VET study, or work experience.
Entry is based on Australian Year 12 equivalence or a UNE Diploma in Business. English language requirements must also be met.
- 1.5 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
| Start Dates and Campus | Trimester 1 – February 2027 | Trimester 2 – June 2027 | Trimester 3 – October 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Offered | Offered | Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Offered | 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
In today's dynamic and fast-paced business landscape, standing out from the pack requires flexibility, innovation, practical skills, and strategic insight. Our Advanced Diploma in Business is specifically designed to help you develop these abilities, pairing foundational knowledge with real-world case studies to ensure that you are as competitive and effective in the job market as possible.
Whether you're a seasoned professional looking to add a tertiary qualification to enhance your opportunities, you're pivoting to a different facet of business, or you're preparing to start a brand new career, this course will give you the foundation you need to succeed.
Why study the Advanced Diploma in Business with UNE?
To make sure you can start using your skills in the real world straight away, this course uses real business case studies to analyse business data, strategy and management practices. Take advantage of the opportunity to learn from the expert academics in the UNE business school, and get ahead by maximising your networks with the UNE SMART Region Incubator.
UNE has the longest heritage of any Australian university in offering distance and online courses. We’re also highly rated – year after year, students award UNE 5-star ratings in The Good Universities Guide for Overall Experience and Student Support, so when you study with us, you know you are in good hands.
What makes our course different?
Located in regional NSW, UNE has a unique perspective on business in rural and remote areas that ensures you'll be future-fit to take on a wide range of opportunities throughout your career. When you study this course with us, you will have opportunities to:
- Build the adaptable skillsets employers are now seeking. Develop your capacity for creative thinking, critical analysis, communication and business decision-making, and graduate from this course ready to develop and lead ethical, social and environmental solutions to meet a variety of business challenges.
- Set yourself up for future study. The Advanced Diploma in Business is designed to articulate into our Bachelor of Business – you can start with the Advanced Diploma and then choose to further your knowledge by entering into a more advanced course with credit for your previous studies.
- Choose to study when it suits you. The course is available online, allowing you to fit study around your busy lifestyle, not the other way around, no matter where you are in the world. Or join us on campus and take advantage of our high staff-student ratio and supportive environment. Study part-time or full-time, and move between the two as your circumstances change.
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 to build real world networks for the future.
Study on campus
Many of our students choose to take advantage of the on-campus lifestyle in Armidale, in the beautiful New England region, with access to unparalleled support, accommodation and sporting facilities. These students are often starting their first degree and have left school recently. Through access to academic and career support they get a fantastic start to their careers.
* 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.
You can check your overseas qualifications in our Admission Country List and Qualifications table. If you can't find your qualifications in this list, simply submit your application and UNE's International Admissions team will assess them for you.
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.
There are no mandatory intensive school requirements in this course.
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 two admission rules.
Rule A: You have completed, at minimum, an Australian Year 12 qualification or overseas equivalent.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule B: You have completed a UNE Diploma in Business.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule B. Please see the Course Structure (Program 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.
You can check your overseas qualifications in our Admission Country List and Qualifications table. If you can't find your qualifications in this list, simply submit your application and UNE's International Admissions team will assess them for you.
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.
There are no mandatory intensive school requirements in this course.
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:
- Any supporting documents related to your admission pathway. For example, if you apply based on previous study, upload evidence of your study so we can assess eligibility.
- 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 Rule B, you will be granted 48 credit points of Specified or Unspecified Advanced Standing. You cannot apply for further Advanced Standing.
Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course under Rule A 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.
> Learn how to apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing
Select the option that best describes your experience.
You are currently studying Year 12 (school or TAFE) or have done so within the past 2 years.
If you are admitted on the basis of your ATAR, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A. Please see the Course Structure (Program 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.
There are ATAR-related adjustments that can be applied to increase your rank when applying for this course.
UNE ATAR Adjustment Scheme
UNE can automatically award additional points as adjustment factors to the ATAR of eligible applicants for this course without the need for an additional application.
> Learn more about the UNE ATAR Adjustment Scheme
Education Adjustment Scheme (EAS)
UNE acknowledges and provides consideration for applicants who have experienced an educational disadvantage. If you are planning to study on campus you can seek consideration for this scheme when applying for this course.
> Learn more about EAS
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.
There are no mandatory intensive school requirements in this course.
You have studied at UNE or other higher education institutions, completed or otherwise.
Rule A: You have undertaken any of the following qualifications with an appropriate Grade Point Average (GPA):
- Undergraduate Certificates
- Diplomas
- Advanced Diplomas/Associate degrees
- Bachelor degrees
- Postgraduate degrees
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule B: You have completed a UNE Diploma in Business.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule B. Please see the Course Structure (Program 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.
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.
There are no mandatory intensive school requirements in this course.
You have undertaken VET study through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), e.g. TAFE.
You can apply for this course if you have undertaken VET studies. When assessing your application, we will look at the following factors:
- Level and type of qualification (Certificate III or above)
- Graded or ungraded (competency-based)
- Complete or incomplete.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A. Please see the Course Structure (Program 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.
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.
There are no mandatory intensive school requirements in this course.
You left high school more than two years ago or did not finish Year 12.
You can apply for this course on the basis of work and/or life experience via at least one of the following methods:
Professional Experience
If you have completed at least one year of paid professional experience, we can assess you for admission on this basis. Simply provide a resume and a Statement of Service from your employer/s in your application.
> Find out more about applying based on professional experience
> Learn about our Statement of Service requirements
Mature Age Special Entry
Tell us more about your work and life experience, demonstrating why you believe you will be successful in the course you are applying for. Simply complete the form and upload it in your application.
> Download the Mature Age Special Entry form (PDF)
Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
The STAT is a test that assesses a range of competencies considered important for successful tertiary study. UNE accepts the multiple-choice component provided you have completed it within the three years prior to course commencement.
> Visit ACER for more information
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A. Please see the Course Structure (Program 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.
Foundation Program
This is a free (fees exempt) and 100% online program designed to help you prepare for university. It will provide you with all the skills needed to undertake undergraduate study.
> Learn more about the Foundation Program
TRACKS Indigenous Foundation Program (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants)
TRACKS is a foundation program run by the UNE Oorala Aboriginal Centre. Over two trimesters you will experience what university study is about and learn in a supported environment. Be part of a community of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples who share your goals and interests.
> Learn more about TRACKS
Internal Selection Program (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants)
This program is designed for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples who have professional work or community experience, or any formal VET qualifications, e.g. TAFE study.
> Learn more about the Internal Selection Program
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.
There are no mandatory intensive school requirements in 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:
- Any supporting documents related to your admission pathway. For example, if you apply based on previous study, upload evidence of your study so we can assess eligibility.
- If you are applying through Mature Age Special Entry, you will need to include a completed Mature Age Special Entry form in your online application. Learn more about Mature Age Special Entry.
- If you are applying based on professional experience you will need to provide a resume and 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 Rule B, you will be granted 48 credit points of Specified or Unspecified Advanced Standing. You cannot apply for further Advanced Standing.
Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course under Rule A 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.
> Learn how to apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing
Course structure
To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 72 credit points, with not more than 48 credit points at 100-level.
30 credit points
Complete the following units:- Accounting for Business Decisions (AFM123) – 6 credit points
- Economics for Management (ECON123) – 6 credit points
- Communication for Business (MM105) – 6 credit points
- Fundamentals of Marketing (MM110) – 6 credit points
- Fundamentals of Management (MM123) – 6 credit points
18 credit points
Complete 18 credit points from the following:- Introduction to Financial Accounting (AFM101) – 6 credit points
- Introduction to Management Accounting (AFM112) – 6 credit points
- Fundamentals of Personal Finance (AFM104) – 6 credit points
- Microeconomics I: Understanding Markets, Prices and Competition (ECON101) – 6 credit points
- Business Statistics (QM161) – 6 credit points
24 credit points
Complete 24 credit points from the following units:- Corporate Finance (AFM231) – 6 credit points
- International Business (BUS202) – 6 credit points
- Banking and Finance (ECON203) – 6 credit points
- Australian Economic Institutions and Performance (ECON243) – 6 credit points
- Management Practices in Responsible Organisations (MM203) – 6 credit points
- Human Resource Management (MM221) – 6 credit points
- Introduction to Business Analytics (QM262) – 6 credit points
- Business Decision Making (QM265) – 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 |
|---|---|
| International | $35,472* |
| Commonwealth Supported Place (quotas apply) | $18,000* |
| Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time | $384 |
* 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.
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
You will graduate from the Advanced Diploma in Business as a flexible all-rounder, capable of applying your skills and knowledge in organisations both large and small.
Your career pathway may include:
- administration or management
- Indigenous organisation management
- human resources
- project management or consulting
- entrepreneurial work.
By studying an Advanced Diploma in Business Studies, you'll develop skillsets in areas such as finance, marketing, human resources and management, which are highly transferable across a wide range of industries. You can look forward to a variety of roles in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, technology, manufacturing, government, not-for-profit, real estate and more.
Course outcomes
- demonstrate breadth of knowledge of business and management theory and processes and their application to real-world business contexts, and to promote sustainable business in a globalised economy;
- utilise cognitive and communication skills, tools and digital technologies to communicate appropriately and persuasively with a range of stakeholders;
- apply critical and creative thinking to analyse complex real-world business problems and synthesise materials from a variety of sources in identifying solutions;
- identify relevant information drawn from a range of sources in order to analyse data and complex business-related issues;
- evaluate and demonstrate judgement in formulating responses to complex, social, cultural and ethical issues;
- demonstrate a preparedness to engage in continuous learning and reflection to help inform professional practice; and
- demonstrate ability to work independently and collaboratively with others to generate solutions to business problems.
- Knowledge of a Discipline
Knowledge of a discipline is taught, practised and assessed in all units. Students will develop an in-depth knowledge of key business and management theory and apply knowledge in business contexts to solve business problems. Students will also demonstrate a detailed 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 be assessed using case analysis of both hypothetical and real-world examples, analysing and applying theory to a workplace, theory-based assignments and via multiple assessment modes.
- Communication Skills
Communication skills are taught, practised and assessed throughout this course. Students will utilise 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 cognitive and critical thinking skills to identify business issues, and to 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, 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 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 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?
UNE offers many opportunities to students during their studies that provide them with job-ready skills.
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 | 12 February 2027 | 22 February 2027 |
| Trimester 2 | 11 June 2027 | 21 June 2027 |
| Trimester 3 | 8 October 2027 | 18 October 2027 |
