Graduate Certificate in Business Administration

The UniSA Graduate Certificate in Business Administration curriculum is informed by above world-class research in Business and Management¹. The program is taught by leading business experts from our broad range of research institutes, centres and concentrations including the Ehrenberg‐Bass Institute for Marketing Science – one of the world’s leading centres for research into marketing. The Institute makes fundamental discoveries about consumer behaviour for global corporations, providing you with the opportunity to learn from the same marketing scientists that advise senior marketing executives from all over the world.

With a focus on individual and business growth along with innovation and entrepreneurship, we are committed to supporting you further develop your leadership skills, knowledge and networks.

¹2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).

Our Graduate Certificate in Business Administration is structured to fit with your lifestyle and work commitments and can be studied part-time, 100% online. You will develop business administration skills and knowledge through studying areas such as managerial finance, international business, ethics, marketing, leadership and change management. You will learn ways to think strategically and critically, and to work collaboratively.

UniSA Business is the only business school in South Australia accredited by both AACSB International (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) and EFMD (EQUIS) – the world’s leading accreditation bodies recognising excellence in business education and research at a global level. These dual accreditations demonstrate the high standards we hold across all areas such as teaching, student learning and research, as well as our commitment to continually improving the quality of our programs.

After completing the Graduate Certificate, you may wish to consider enrolling into the University of South Australia’s Master of Business Administration degree. The Graduate Certificate also provides a pathway into and credit for four courses towards the MBA.

Recommended study pattern

You will commence the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration with the course Strategic Thinking: Concepts and Tools.

As a guide, full-time Graduate Certificate in Business Administration students generally undertake two courses and part-time students undertake one course per study period. Completing the Graduate Certificate full-time will normally take 6 months and part-time students taking one course per study period can typically complete the program in one year.

Courses:

• Strategic Thinking: Concepts and Tools

Then, in any order, any 3 of the following courses:

• Accounting for Decision Making
• Managerial Finance
• Managing People and Organisations
• International Business
• Strategic Marketing
• Ethics, Governance and Sustainability
• Leadership for Growth
• Elective 1 (See notes 1 and 2 below)

Notes:

1. The elective is to be chosen from a range of specified elective courses set out in the electives schedule and online timetable or, subject to Program Director approval, from courses in other postgraduate programs at the University of South Australia or from other recognised higher education institutions.
2. Not all electives will be offered each year. Students should refer to the University of South Australia’s online timetable for details of courses offered in the current year as additional electives may be offered on a once-off basis.

Award requirements

To successfully complete the requirements of the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration, you must complete the foundation course in strategic thinking plus three courses selected from a diverse range of business areas, including electives.

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

Indicative total fee $18,000

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.

The University of South Australia (UniSA) is ranked as one of the best young universities in the world, and is the number one university in Australia for graduate employability. UniSA offers over 200 world-class degrees that are informed by industry and delivered with a highly practical approach to teaching and learning, and is a valuable partner with Open Universities Australia.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

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Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

22

Applicants seeking admission to the program will normally have:

• A minimum of three (3) years full time management experience and a recognised university undergraduate degree or equivalent professional qualifications;

A minimum of seven (7) years full time management experience.

All applicants are also required to submit a detailed curriculum vitae or equivalent with at least one referee who can validate work experience.

Credit transfer and exemption may be offered through recognition of prior learning for up to one subject to eligible Graduate Certificate in Business Administration applicants, at the discretion of the Program Director. If you have completed appropriate postgraduate management subjects at recognised institutions, you may apply for a credit transfer.