Graduate Certificate in Business Administration

Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration will have advanced knowledge of current business theories and future directions for business across the four subjects that constitute the graduate certificate- accounting, economics, sustainability and human resources.

This program enables managers with extensive relevant experience but without a prior undergraduate degree in a business discipline to advance their management thinking through four foundation courses as a stepping-stone to more advanced courses within the Master of Business Administration. Griffith's business administration programs are built on three core values that are crucial to doing business in the 21st century: responsible leadership, sustainable business practices and an Asia-Pacific focus.

Recommended study pattern

As a guide, core subject in this degree can include:

• Sustainability and Systems Thinking 

Plus there’s a selection of electives to choose from. As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you.

Award requirements

For the award of Graduate Certificate in Business Administration (GCertBusAdmin), you must successfully Complete 40 credit points comprising:

• 10 credit points for all Core Course, and
• 30 credit points from Electives

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

Indicative total fee $22,500

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.

With a network of campuses spanning three cities in South East Queensland, Griffith University is committed to progressive multidisciplinary teaching and research and a valuable online provider with Open Universities Australia. Already attracting students from over one hundred countries, Griffith's dedication to academic excellence is available across Australia through OUA.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

18

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

21

To be eligible for admission to the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration, a student must have:

• A minimum of five years full-time (or equivalent) relevant ^professional experience, which includes three years of relevant work experience and two years demonstrating management/leadership experience, OR
• A recognised Bachelor degree (or higher) in any discipline with a minimum grade point average of 4.0 using a 7.0 scale; and have a minimum three years full-time (or equivalent) work experience post-degree which includes:
• two years of relevant work experience and
• one year in a role demonstrating leadership experience

^Professional experience: A professional role for example in: Business, Commerce, International Business, Marketing, Human Resource Management, Supply Chain Management, Health Care Administrator, Consultant, IT Manager, Operations Manager, Strategy, Business Analysis, Public Service, Banking, or other related areas. Experience as an Owner, Manager or Team Leader would also be considered relevant professional experience.

A candidate's application must also include:

1. A two-page CV
2. A one-page statement of motivation (see guidelines)

Guidelines for Statement of Motivation (Compulsory)

You are required to write a max. one page statement of motivation, outlining your reasons for applying for the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration. Your statement can include:

• highlighting your career aspirations and how this qualification will help you achieve them
• describing your short-term and long-term career goals and how you plan to leverage the Graduate Certificate to reach these goals
• explaining how the program aligns with your professional development needs
• describing your leadership experience (direct supervisory and/or change management or project specific setting)

• A minimum of five years full-time (or equivalent) relevant ^professional experience, which includes three years of relevant work experience and two years demonstrating management/leadership experience, OR
• A recognised Bachelor degree (or higher) in any discipline with a minimum grade point average of 4.0 using a 7.0 scale; and have a minimum three years full-time (or equivalent) work experience post-degree which includes:
• two years of relevant work experience and
• one year in a role demonstrating leadership experience

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this program are as follows:

• A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on IELTS (Academic) with no sub-score of less than 6.0
• OR a minimum score of 575 on TOEFL
• OR an internet-based (iBT) TOEFL score of 79 (no sub-score less than 19)
• OR no score less than 3+ in each skill of the ISLPR (conducted by ISLPR Language Services only)
• OR a minimum overall score of 176 (no score less than 169) on C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English) or C2 Proficiency (formerly Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English)
• OR an overall score of 58 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 50.

English test results must be no more than two years old.

International students who successfully complete the Direct Entry Program (DEP) will satisfy the English Language requirements for this Griffith degree.

The Direct Entry Program (DEP) is not available for Domestic students.

Applicants should refer to the English language requirements section of the following University procedure for exceptions to these overall requirements:

• Admission Procedure

If you do not meet the University's specified English language requirements, you may wish to contact the Griffith English Language Institute to increase your eligibility for entering a Griffith University program. This Institute offers a number of English language and other courses at both its Brisbane and Gold Coast branches.

Reduce the time it takes to finish your degree. You can apply to Griffith to recognise your prior learning, including:  

• Formal learning through courses completed at uni and TAFE.  
• Informal learning through workplace experience or volunteer training.  
• Non-formal learning through social experiences and hobbies.