What is a graduate diploma?
By Ralph BrownPublished on
A graduate diploma is a postgraduate qualification that builds advanced knowledge in a specific field. Here's what it involves, how it compares with other qualifications, and how to work out if it fits your goals.
What is a graduate diploma?
A graduate diploma is a postgraduate qualification offered by Australian universities. It sits at Level 8 of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), which places it above a standard bachelor degree.
There are a few reasons students choose a graduate diploma. You might want to deepen existing knowledge, or specialise in a new area. It can also support a career change, or lead to further postgraduate study.
A graduate diploma and a graduate certificate sit at the same AQF level (Level 8). A graduate diploma just involves more study, and covers the subject in greater depth.
A graduate diploma isn't the same as a vocational diploma. That qualification sits lower on the AQF and is intended for undergraduates. A graduate diploma is also usually shorter than a masters degree.
My advice for students:
One of the most common questions I hear is whether a graduate diploma is 'higher' than a graduate certificate. They're actually both AQF Level 8 qualifications. The real difference is how much study you do, and how deeply you cover the subject matter.
Graduate diploma at a glance
Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
What is it? | A postgraduate qualification that builds advanced knowledge in a specific field |
What level is it? | AQF Level 8 |
Is it higher than a bachelor degree? | It sits above a standard bachelor degree, which is usually AQF Level 7 |
Is it higher than a graduate certificate? | Not by AQF level. Both are Level 8, but a graduate diploma involves more study |
Is it lower than a masters degree? | Yes. A masters degree is AQF Level 9 |
How long does it take? | Commonly around one year full-time, or longer part-time |
Can you study online? | Yes, many Australian universities offer graduate diplomas online |
What can it lead to? | Specialised skills, career development, a career change pathway, or further postgraduate study |
Comparing postgraduate options? Help Me Choose can help you narrow down what fits your goals.
How does a graduate diploma compare with a graduate certificate and masters degree?
If you're comparing postgraduate options, this side-by-side breakdown can help.
Qualification | AQF level | Typical duration | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
Graduate certificate | Level 8 | Around six months full-time | Building targeted skills quickly or testing postgraduate study |
Graduate diploma | Level 8 | Around one year full-time | Building deeper postgraduate knowledge without committing to a full masters degree |
Masters degree | Level 9 | Commonly around two years full-time | Advanced specialisation, professional pathways, leadership or research |
In some study areas, a graduate certificate, graduate diploma and masters degree can form a pathway. A graduate diploma may give you credit toward a related masters degree. The rules depend on the university and course structure, so always check the entry and credit rules before you enrol.
For a more detailed breakdown, see our graduate certificate vs graduate diploma comparison.
Who is a graduate diploma for?
A graduate diploma might suit you if you're:
- a working professional looking to upskill in your current field
- wanting to specialise without committing to a full masters degree straight away
- returning to study after time away
- considering a career change and already have some study or relevant experience
- looking for a pathway into a masters degree
- after a more substantial qualification than a graduate certificate
Is a graduate diploma worth studying?
A graduate diploma can be a useful step, depending on what you want from study.
It builds specialised knowledge in a focused area. It's often shorter than a masters degree, which suits students who want a substantial postgraduate qualification without the longer commitment. In some fields, it can support a move into more specialised roles, though that depends on your industry and experience.
For some students, a graduate diploma also acts as a pathway into a related masters degree. Whether it's the right choice for you comes down to your goals, field, time and budget.
What are the entry requirements for a graduate diploma?
Entry requirements vary by university and course. Most graduate diplomas ask for one or more of the following:
- a completed bachelor degree, sometimes in any discipline
- a completed bachelor degree in a related area of study
- relevant work experience, in place of or alongside previous study
- a graduate certificate, which can act as a pathway into a graduate diploma
- extra checks for some professional fields, like a portfolio, professional registration or an interview
Always check the course page for specific entry requirements. Each university sets its own rules.
Can you study a graduate diploma online?
Yes. Many Australian universities offer graduate diplomas online, and you can compare those options through us.
Online study can suit you if you're balancing work, family or other commitments. You still have deadlines, assessments and an expected weekly study load, but you have more flexibility around when and where you study. Some courses include placements, practical tasks or set attendance requirements, so read the course details closely.
If you do decide to study through us, know that the university delivers and awards the qualification. We help you understand your options and enrol with the university.
How long does a graduate diploma take?
A graduate diploma commonly takes around one year of full-time study. Part-time study takes longer, often around two years.
Your study load (how many subjects you study at once) can vary depending on what you feel comfortable with, and when subjects are available. Most standard graduate diplomas require you to complete 8 subjects to graduate. A postgraduate subject may involve around 10 to 12 hours of study per week, though this varies by study area and how you like to learn.
Online students can typically adjust their study load between terms, depending on the course rules.
How much does a graduate diploma cost?
Graduate diplomas available on Open Universities Australia typically range in cost from $3,000 to $30,000. It varies by university, course, study area and the type of place you’re offered. Total indicative fees can change, so check the specific course page for current pricing.
Fees are lower in some courses because Commonwealth supported places (CSPs) are available. These tend to be in areas where there are graduate shortages, like health, psychology, teaching and social work.
If you secure one, the Australian Government will cover part of your course fee, and you only pay the remaining amount. You can do so by using a HECS-HELP loan to avoid paying upfront. Learn more about postgraduate CSPs.
Graduate diplomas in other areas like marketing, business and finance generally only offer full-fee paying places, which is why costs for those courses can be higher. However, eligible students can use a FEE-HELP loan to defer payment of their course fee until after they have graduated. Read more about how to pay for university and how much university costs.
Scholarships and other support may also be available in some cases. For current details, check out our guides on university scholarships available in Australia and student allowances.
What can you do after a graduate diploma?
Your next step depends on your goals and field. Some students continue into a related masters degree, where credit or pathway rules allow. Others use the qualification to specialise further in their current role, or to support a career change.
A graduate diploma can also give you practical, professional or leadership knowledge to apply directly at work.
If you'd like help thinking through your options, you can get in touch with a student advisor.
How to get started
If a graduate diploma sounds like a fit, here's a simple path forward:
- Explore online graduate diploma courses
- Compare entry requirements, fees, course structure and start dates
- Check whether the course can lead to credit toward a related masters degree, if that matters to you
- Use Help Me Choose if you're unsure what fits your goals
- Contact a student advisor if you'd like help understanding your options
- Enrol with the university through us when you're ready
Explore graduate diploma options through us
Ready to compare your options? Exploreonline graduate diplomas offered by Australian universities, orget in touch with a student advisor if you'd like help working out what fits your goals.
About the author
Ralph Brown
Student advisor specialising in qualification advice
Ralph Brown is an experienced student advisor at Open Universities Australia. Over nine years, he has helped thousands of students compare courses, understand their options and take their next step with confidence. Ralph believes there is often more than one path forward. He gives clear, practical advice without pressure, helping students make decisions that suit their goals, circumstances and readiness to study.
Frequently asked questions
What is a graduate diploma equivalent to?
A graduate diploma is an AQF Level 8 qualification in Australia. It sits at the same AQF level as a graduate certificate and a bachelor honours degree, but it involves more study than a graduate certificate.
What is the difference between a graduate certificate and a graduate diploma?
A graduate certificate and a graduate diploma are both AQF Level 8, but a graduate diploma involves more study and goes into greater depth. For a full breakdown, see our graduate certificate vs graduate diploma comparison.
Is a postgraduate diploma the same as a graduate diploma?
In Australia, 'graduate diploma' is the standard qualification term. Some people use 'postgraduate diploma' or 'post-degree diploma' to mean something similar, but naming can vary between countries and institutions.
What is the difference between a graduate diploma and a masters degree?
A graduate diploma is AQF Level 8, while a masters degree is AQF Level 9. A masters degree is usually longer and more advanced, and may include more specialised coursework, research or professional components.
Can a graduate diploma lead to a masters degree?
Yes. Some graduate diplomas provide a pathway or credit toward a related masters degree. The rules depend on the university and course, so always check the course page before you enrol.
Is a graduate diploma worth it?
A graduate diploma can be worth it if it helps you build specialised knowledge, change direction, or move toward further postgraduate study. Whether it's the right choice depends on your goals, field, time and budget.
Can you study a graduate diploma online?
Yes. Many Australian universities offer graduate diplomas online. Through us, you can compare online graduate diplomas from Australian universities and check details like entry requirements, fees, start dates and study load.
