Graduate Certificate in Business Administration

The Graduate Certificate in Business Administration lays the foundation for a generalist management qualification in the Master of Business Administration. 

Upon successful completion, students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate the generic knowledge and principles of a broad range of management disciplines required to commence or advance a career in management in the context of the local and global economic and social environments.
2. Apply theoretical knowledge to solving defined business problems taking into consideration ethical insights of management decision making, impact of business decisions, and the role of business on the stewardship of resources.

Gain enhanced professional recognition and marketability to advance your career. The Graduate Certificate in Business Administration gives you an overview of key business functions while also providing the foundation for a generalist management qualification in the Master of Business Administration.

During this course you will be introduced to important management disciplines such as finance, communications, marketing, and business organisation. And you will get the opportunity to apply your new knowledge to your organisation via assessments. All our units are embedded with the United Nations sustainable goals.

If you wish to advance your qualification further, the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration articulates into the graduate diploma or Master of Business Administration. It also provides a pathway to further postgraduate study if you have not completed a bachelor’s degree.

Recommended study pattern

To qualify for the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration award, a student must complete 40 cp from the Schedule of Unit Offerings, consisting of:

40 cp Business Units:

• BUSN602: Money Management 10 CP
• BUSN609: Business Communication for the 21st Century 10 CP
• BUSN612: Managing Market Environments 10 CP
• MGMT641: Organisational Dynamics and Behaviour 10 CP.

Award requirements

Students need to complete 40cp to graduate.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $9,012

The amount shown here is 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.

Australian Catholic University – So much more

An Australian Catholic University (ACU) education is grounded in the Catholic understanding of faith and reason working together in the pursuit of knowledge, promotion of human dignity, and advancement of the common good.

ACU aims to transform lives and communities. Students are challenged to look beyond the classroom, solve real-world problems, develop their own search for meaning and cultivate strong professional ethics. They are invited to stand up for people in need and causes that matter.

Opportunities for personal and professional growth are critical to ACU. It is a university of service – so much so that it is built into the curricula. All ACU courses offer work placements, internships or volunteering opportunities.

Learn more about Australian Catholic University

Explore Australian Catholic University courses

QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

33

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

27

An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy. To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed the following prerequisites:

• Equivalent of an Australian Bachelor’s degree in any discipline; or
• At least two years’ industry experience in a relevant role.

International students need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed the following prerequisites:

• Equivalent of an Australian Bachelor’s degree in any discipline; or
• At least two years’ industry experience in a relevant role.

International students need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the ACU Admissions 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.

Students can apply for RPL after accepting their offer and enrolling.