9 courses that will help you change careers at a reduced cost

How to switch direction without starting over

If you find yourself wanting more out of your working life, postgraduate study can be a fantastic way to change directions quickly, without leaving your experience behind. It’s about building on who you already are and backing yourself to go further.

Of course, it’s natural to think about the financial side of things, and to be reluctant about taking on HELP debt. But if you choose a postgraduate course that offers Commonwealth supported places (CSPs), you can move into a new field at a reduced cost, without paying full tuition fees.

CSPs explained

CSPs are typically more common in undergraduate courses, but are now being offered in more postgraduate courses, especially in ‘in-demand’ study areas.

When you enrol in one, the government subsidises part of your course fees, and you’re only required to pay the remainder, or what’s called the ‘student contribution amount’, through a HELP loan.

A CSP will save you a lot of money in the long-term vs enrolling in a traditional full fee-paying place, as you’ll see in the courses we’ve recommended below.

If you have questions about exactly how they work, be sure to check out our guide to postgraduate CSPs. Or if you’d like tips on how to choose a new direction, see our ultimate guide to making a career change.

What you need to enrol in a postgraduate course

• An undergraduate qualification in any field (must be a related field in some instances); or

• At least five years of relevant professional experience, depending on the course.

Check the entry requirements for your course of interest to see what applies.

Postgraduate career change courses that are open for enrolments now

These postgraduate courses all put you on the path to a career change quickly, and at a reduced cost. And with enrolments open for a February or March start, it’s a great time to take the plunge.

Master of Teaching (Primary) or (Secondary)

Enrol if you want to: Become a teacher in just 2 years

Do you daydream about sparking your own “O Captain, my Captain!” moment in a classroom? This Initial Teacher Education qualification gives you a clear way to make that real. You'll learn how to channel your life experience into leading the next generation after only 16 subjects (as opposed to the 32 required in a bachelor degree). Choose either a primary or secondary teaching path and seek registration as soon as you graduate.

Who offers it: Curtin University

Duration: 2 years (at a full-time pace)

Next enrolment deadline: 15 February 2026

Your estimated fees with a CSP: $9,472

Typical full-fee cost (no CSP): $35,000 – $55,000+*

*This is based on full-fee costs with other universities

Graduate Certificate in Nutrition and Health Science

Enrol if you want to: Turn your passion for health and fitness into something you get paid for

This graduate certificate will give you a strong foundation in nutrition, human health and disease prevention knowledge, setting you up to keep learning or move into health and wellbeing roles.

Who offers it: University of New England

Duration: 5 months (at a full-time pace)

Next enrolment deadline: 6 February 2026

Your estimated fees with a CSP: $4,752

Typical full-fee cost (no CSP): $12,456

Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies

Enrol if you want to: Develop specialist expertise in autism support

As autism awareness grows, there’s an increasing need for professionals who can offer informed, compassionate support. This course is designed for people working in education, health, disability or community services who want to deepen their understanding of autism through a neurodiversity-affirming lens, and take their career in a more specialised direction supporting autistic individuals and their families.

Who offers it: Griffith University

Duration: 6 months (at a full-time pace)

Next enrolment deadline: 9 February 2026

Your estimated fees with a CSP: $2,400

Typical full-fee cost (no CSP): $12,750

Graduate Diploma in Counselling

Enrol if you want to: Qualify for professional counselling roles and become eligible for ACA registration

This professionally accredited qualification prepares you to work as a counsellor in settings like relationship and family services, schools, disability and aged care facilities. You’ll graduate eligible to register with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and step into work that truly helps others cope with life’s challenges.

Who offers it: University of Tasmania

Duration: 1 year (if full-time)

Enrolment deadline: 8 February 2026

Your estimated fees with a CSP: $9,540

Ask the university about full-fee pricing.

Learn more about how tertiary education fees work in Australia.

Master of Teaching (Early Childhood and Primary)

Enrol if you want to: Qualify as an early childhood and primary school teacher in 2 years

This course is perfect for those who want to make a speedy career transition into early childhood education, while also qualifying to work in primary schools (doubling your career options!). You’ll gain hands-on experience in classrooms and leverage your previous life and professional experiences to embark on a new and deeply rewarding career journey.

Who offers it: Australian Catholic University

Duration: 2 years (at a full-time pace)

Next enrolment deadline: February 2026 (verify with the university)

Your estimated fees with a CSP: $9,472

Typical full-fee cost (no CSP): $35,000 – $55,000+*

*This is based on full-fee costs with other universities

Graduate Certificate in Digital Marketing

Enrol if you want to: Qualify for a marketing role within 1 year

Skilled marketers are always in high demand. This graduate certificate will equip you with all the digital know-how you need to land your ultimate marketing gig, whether that's social media specialist, SEO manager, PPC specialist or beyond. You’ll become an SEO pro, use data analytics to drive killer campaigns, and whip up social media strategies like it’s nobody’s business.

Who offers it: University of Canberra

Duration: 1 year (at a full-time pace)

Enrolment deadline: 20 February 2026

Your estimated fees with a CSP: $8,496

Ask the university about full fee pricing.

Graduate Diploma in Psychology

Enrol if you want to: Switch into psychology, or another people-centric field like social services, human resources, counselling, or marketing

If you’ve always been interested in the human mind but haven’t had the chance to study it, a Graduate Diploma in Psychology could offer the perfect career pivot. Designed for people from other disciplines who want a bridging course into psychology, it will give you a fascinating insight into human behaviour and open up several career pathways.

Who offers it: University of New England

Duration: 1.5 years (at a full-time pace)

Next enrolment deadline: 6 February 2026

Your estimated fees with a CSP: $18,530

Typical full-fee cost (no CSP): $30,144

Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security

Enrol if you want to: Become a cyber security analyst in just 6 months

This graduate certificate gives you practical, hands-on experience in protecting systems, networks and data, helping you prepare for entry-level cyber security roles. Co-designed with industry and supported by recognised certifications, it’s a fast, focused option for career changers or IT professionals looking to move into cyber security with confidence.

Who offers it: Queensland University of Technology

Duration: 6 months (at a full-time pace)

Enrolment deadline: 30 January 2026

Your estimated fees with a CSP: $4,800

Typical full-fee cost (no CSP): $16,500

Graduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

Enrol if you want to: Take your teaching career overseas

Already a registered teacher, but yearning for a year away? Learning how to teach English could be your ticket to adventure, without putting your income on hold. Registered teachers who have a TESOL qualification can work in schools, universities, community programs and language centres all over the world.

Who offers it: Curtin University

Duration: 6 months (at a full-time pace)

Next enrolment deadline: 15 February 2026

Your estimated fees with a CSP: $2,368

Typical full-fee cost (no CSP): $11,971

Want more course advice?

If you feel like you need a bit more advice on what course may be right for you and how to secure a Commonwealth supported place (CSP), book a consultation with a friendly student advisor. They’ll be able to run you through all the info you need to know before enrolling.