Graduate Certificate in Business

KNOWLEDGE

Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Business will develop specialised knowledge and application skills of contemporary theories across a range of business disciplines.

SKILLS

Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Business will have:

1. cognitive skills to critically review literature, conduct appropriate analysis and provide solutions to business problems
2. communication skills to articulate theoretical ideas and knowledge in business.

APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Business will demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills:

1. across a range of business disciplines
2. to plan and execute appropriate management operations that are required within business organisations.

Advance your career with a qualification built for modern leaders. 

Step into a program designed to strengthen your business acumen, sharpen your strategic thinking, and prepare you for the opportunities emerging across today’s fast‑changing industries. This graduate certificate equips you with a solid understanding of essential business functions while developing the analytical mindset needed to make confident, informed decisions in complex organisational environments. 

Highlights of studying the Graduate Certificate in Business 

• Understand the realities of modern business: Examine the challenges organisations face in global, digital and competitive markets, and learn how leaders respond with agility and insight. 
• Strengthen your leadership and problem‑solving capabilities: Build the skills that help managers guide teams, influence stakeholders and drive meaningful organisational outcomes. 
• Grow your professional network: Connect with peers from diverse industries, learn from experienced academics and engage with industry practitioners who bring real‑world perspectives into the classroom. 
• Create a pathway to further study: Use this qualification as a stepping stone into the Master of Business, with credit that accelerates your progress. 

Learn through real business scenarios 

Throughout your studies, you’ll explore how data informs strategic choices, how financial information shapes organisational performance, and how economic forces influence business decisions at local and global levels. You’ll gain exposure to key areas such as analytics, marketing, human resources, accounting and economics—building a versatile skillset that employers value across sectors. 

Case studies, applied projects and practical assessments ensure you’re not just learning theory but developing the confidence to apply it in your workplace from day one. 

Designed for your next career move 

Whether you’re preparing to transition into a new field, stepping up to a leadership role or planning to continue into the Master of Business, this qualification gives you a competitive edge. You’ll graduate with the knowledge, credibility and strategic mindset to thrive in a rapidly evolving business landscape. 

Recommended study pattern

Students must complete 4 subjects for this degree.

Award requirements

To qualify for the award of Graduate Certificate in Business students must complete four subjects as prescribed below:

• 3 core subjects
• 1 elective subject

The maximum period for completing this program is 2 years.

Degrees are usually made up of core subjects and electives. Some degrees include a choice of majors, so you can focus your studies on a specialisation.

This list is a general overview. Download the full Degree Guide for more information.

• Core Subjects

• Electives

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

Indicative total fee $17,000

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.

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.

Learn more about Griffith University

Explore Griffith University courses

QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

18

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

20

To be eligible for this program you must meet one of the following criteria:

• a recognised Bachelor degree (or higher)*
• a combination of alternative admission criteria such as formal, informal and non-formal learning deemed to be equivalent to either of the above

*Note: International students - You must have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 4.0 (on a 7.0 point scale) in your previous qualification

You must meet the following criteria:

• a minimum of three years’ work experience, AND
• successful completion of at least two of the following Open Access Pathway subjects:
  • EHR701 Principles of Human Resource Management and Employment Relations
  • MKT703 Marketing Foundations
  • AFE711 Accounting and Governance OR AFE733 Economics

To be eligible for this program you must meet one of the following criteria:

• five years relevant work experience
• a combination of alternative admission criteria such as formal, informal and non-formal learning deemed to be equivalent to either of the above

Relevant work experience includes professional roles in business (including management, owner or team leader), commerce, trade, international business, marketing, human resource management, supply chain management, strategy, business analysis, consultancy, public service, banking or other related areas

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.

You may be eligible for credit based on your prior study or experience, which could reduce the time it takes to complete your degree. Credit may be granted for:

• Prior study completed through an accredited education provider
• Relevant professional or life experience, including employment, workplace training, volunteer work, or community‑based activities

For more information, visit Credit transfer.

If you have questions, contact Griffith Student Connect at oua.programsupport@griffith.edu.au.