Diploma in Business
UndergraduateACU-BUS-DIP2026
Course information for 2026 intake
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 1 year full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 8
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
- CSP available
- Yes
Diploma in Business
About this degree
Upon successful completion, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate foundation knowledge and understanding of key principles, concepts and theories of business.
- Analyse a range of business-related issues and communicate sustainable and ethical solutions to different audiences.
- Apply theoretical and technical knowledge and skills both independently and collaboratively to create value for business stakeholders and society.
- Communicate complex information to diverse audiences using oral, written and multimodal (including digital) formats.
The Diploma in Business (Online) is a flexible and accessible pathway designed to help you achieve your career and study goals no matter where you are located or what your schedule looks like. Delivered fully online, this program allows you to study from anywhere while balancing work, family, or other commitments.
Students who complete the Diploma in Business may receive credit for up to the first year of study and articulate into the second year of ACU’s associated bachelor’s degrees.
Alternatively, the Diploma can be completed as a standalone qualification.
With lower entry requirements than bachelor’s degrees, this online diploma is ideal for those seeking an alternative entry point to university. It equips you with foundational skills in business while preparing you for further tertiary study.
ACU Online is committed to your success. Whether you are a recent school leaver or returning to study after time away, you'll benefit from dedicated academic support and a suite of online student services designed to help you thrive in your studies.
Successful completion of the Diploma in Business will provide an entry pathway into the following ACU degrees:
· Bachelor of Business
It may also provide a pathway into:
· Bachelor of Accounting and Finance
· Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Global Studies
· Bachelor of Arts/ Bachelor of Commerce
· Bachelor of Information Technology/Bachelor of Business
· Bachelor of Nutrition Science/Bachelor of Business
· Bachelor of Exercise Science/Bachelor of Business Administration
· Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Global Studies
· Bachelor of Arts/ Bachelor of Commerce
*Students seeking these pathways will require specific course advice about specified units, potential credit, and pattern of study.
Recommended study pattern
As a guide, core subjects in this degree can include:
• DPBI100 Academic Literacy in Business and Information Technology
• BUSD113 Managing People and Organisations
• ITED100 Information Technology in Action
• ECOD200 Economics: Policy Frameworks and Markets
• MKTD210 Product Marketing and Innovation
As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you.
Students are required to follow the pattern of unit enrolment set out in the relevant Course Enrolment Guide, unless otherwise approved by the Course Coordinator. In all aspects of progress through the course, students will be advised by the Course Coordinator.
Award requirements
To qualify for the Diploma, a student must complete 80 cp from the Schedule of Unit Offerings.
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative first year fee
$14,828
Indicative total fee $14,828
The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.
Fees may vary depending on:
- the subjects you choose
- credit from previous work experience
- your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.
To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.
Established in 1991 after amalgamating four eastern Australian Catholic tertiary institutes, Australian Catholic University now has seven campuses, from Brisbane to Melbourne and welcomes students of all beliefs. Specialising in arts, business, education, health sciences, law, theology and philosophy, ACU encourages its students to think critically and ethically and bring change to their communities and offer this online through Open Universities Australia.
Learn more about ACU.
Explore ACU courses.
- QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:
- 33
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:
- 27
How to apply
Australian Catholic University manages enquiries and applications for this degree.
Complete your details and we'll make sure your enquiry is sent to Australian Catholic University who will contact you to discuss this degree.
Don't worry, we're still here to help you - you'll receive a personalised follow-up from an Open Universities Australia student advisor to make sure you have found the right degree for you.
Entry requirements
For students to be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed:
- Equivalent of year 12 level with the ACU minimum eligibility rank for Diploma programs; OR
- Entry via an alternative pathway as approved by ACU.
An applicant must comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
International applicants need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in Schedule 4 of the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
If your prior study or relevant work experience has provided you with knowledge, skills or experience aligned with the learning outcomes of units in your new course, you may be eligible to gain credit for study or have your prior learning recognised. This means you may be able to complete your ACU course in a shorter timeframe.