Is an undergraduate certificate the right choice for me?
Understand how an undergraduate certificate compares to other qualifications, so you can decide on your next step with confidence.
Now that you know what an undergraduate certificate is, you might be wondering: “Is it the best fit for me?” Especially when there are diplomas, degrees, and other pathway options out there.
Let’s help you figure it out.
An undergraduate certificate could be ideal for you if:
- You’ve never been to university and you’re looking for a way into a degree. You can be any age—including straight out of school, or ready for a fresh start after years in the workforce;
- You want to give your resume a boost and you want to do it quickly; or
- You’re eyeing a career change but you’d like to dip your toes in before committing to a degree.
How does it compare to other study options?
There are four different undergraduate qualifications you can choose from in Australia:
- An undergraduate certificate
- A diploma
- An associate degree
- A bachelor degree
Each has its own benefits, and the best choice really depends on you—your goals, your schedule, and where you’re at in life or work right now.
We've stacked them up side-by-side, so you can get a clear picture of how an undergraduate certificate compares, and whether it’s the right starting point for your study journey.
A quick heads-up before we dive in
The course fees below are a guide only and you don’t need to pay them upfront. Provided you’re eligible, you can defer your payment for these qualifications with a government HELP loan.
An undergraduate certificate vs a diploma
Both of these qualifications let you study a field at an introductory level, and can be used as a pathway into a bachelor degree.
But there are some key differences between them:
| Qualification type | Duration | Subjects | Entry requirements | Career outcomes | Course fees |
| Undergraduate certificate | 6 months | 4 | Usually none | Entry level or junior roles in areas that don't require a degree | $4,000 to $8,000 |
| Diploma | 1 year | 8 | Some very low entry requirements | Vocational or paraprofessional jobs | $9,000 to $20,000 |
The entry requirements
Undergraduate certificates are designed for those without any prior study experience, so there are generally no entry requirements. Diplomas, on the other hand, have some low entry requirements, such as a minimum ATAR score.The duration
You only need to complete 4 subjects to earn an undergraduate certificate, while you’ll need to complete 8 subjects to earn a diploma. As a result, your course fees will be lower with an undergraduate certificate.
What you learn
Both cover similar foundational content, but a diploma is a higher-level qualification that allows you to delve a bit deeper. Some diplomas let you choose electives to build on your core subjects, while this isn’t the case with undergraduate certificates.
The graduate outcomes
While an undergraduate certificate can open doors to entry-level or assistant roles, it’s most popular as a stepping stone into further university study. As a longer standalone qualification, a diploma can prepare you for hands-on, practical roles in areas like childcare, IT, community services and business.
Compare undergraduate certificates to diplomas
An undergraduate certificate vs an associate degree
An associate degree is another step up in terms of the depth and breadth of the course material. It’s an ideal choice if you’re eyeing a more professional or managerial role.
Here are its main differences when stacked up against an undergraduate certificate:
| Qualification type | Duration | Subjects | Entry requirements | Career outcomes | Course fees |
| Undergraduate certificate | 6 months | 4 | Usually none | Entry-level or junior roles that don't require a degree | $4,000 to $8,000 |
| Associate degree | 2 years | 16 | Some low entry requirements | Paraprofessional jobs where some technical knowledge is needed | $16,000 to $30,000 |
The entry requirements
You’ll generally need to have completed Year 12 or have some previous work or study experience to be eligible for an associate degree, whereas this isn’t the case with an undergraduate certificate.
The duration
An associate degree takes 2 years of full-time study to complete (or part-time equivalent) and offers a broader look at a topic.
What you learn
You’ll cover both theory and practical skills in an associate degree, while an undergraduate certificate is more of a taster. If you want to continue into further study, you can leapfrog straight into the second or third year of a closely related bachelor degree after completing an associate degree. An undergraduate certificate will help shave time off your first year.
The graduate outcomes
With an associate degree, you can move into roles across industries that involve some technical knowledge and responsibility, like the creative arts, health, IT and business.
Compare undergraduate certificates to associate degrees
An undergraduate certificate vs a bachelor degree
An undergraduate certificate is easier to start, and faster to finish. But if you’re already laser focused on a professional career and confident about the direction you’d like to take, then you might like to enrol straight into a bachelor degree.
Here’s how this qualification compares to an undergraduate certificate:
| Qualification type | Duration | Subjects | Entry requirements | Career outcomes | Course fees |
| Undergraduate certificate | 6 months | 4 | Usually none | Entry-level or junior roles in areas that don't require a degree | $4,000 to $8,000 |
| Bachelor degree | 3-4 years | 24-32 | A minimum ATAR or other study and work experience | Most professional careers that don't require postgraduate study | $25,000 to $50,000 |
The entry requirements
You’ll need to have completed Year 12 with a certain ATAR, or have some previous work or study experience, to apply for a bachelor degree. This is to make sure you’re ready for the academic load. Undergraduate certificate students can enrol no matter their past results.
The duration
A bachelor degree involves 3-4 years of full-time study vs the speedy 6 months it takes to finish an undergraduate certificate.
What you learn
You’ll gain an in-depth, comprehensive understanding of a field with a bachelor, and often have the chance to go on internships or placements in the workplace. Once you graduate, you’re also eligible to continue into postgraduate study if you wish, which can increase your earning potential.
The graduate outcomes
While an undergraduate certificate is more an initial credential, a bachelor degree will prepare you for a professional career in most industries. There are many roles you can’t pursue without a bachelor degree, especially across areas like teaching, medicine and law.
Compare undergraduate certificates to bachelor degrees
Still weighing up your options?
That’s completely normal. Every qualification offers something a little different.
Here’s a quick checklist to help you figure out what might suit you best:
- I want to start small and build my confidence → Consider an undergraduate certificate.
- I have a practical job in mind and I’m keen to get qualified quickly → A diploma could be a great fit.
- I want more than a diploma, but I’m not quite ready for a full bachelor degree → An associate degree could be your sweet spot.
- I’m ready to commit to in-depth study and aim for a professional career → A bachelor degree sounds perfect for you.
Talking to others about your study choices can also help. Our student advisors have 30+ years’ experience giving unbiased advice to Australian university students. Choose a time to speak with one—for free—and get help making sense of your options.
