Graduate Certificate in Commerce

KNOWLEGE

Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Commerce will have a body of advanced knowledge of theoretical and technical which includes a selection of accounting and governance, finance, economics and quantitative methods.

SKILLS

Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Commerce will have:

1. cognitive, technical, and creative skills to exercise judgement under minimal supervision to solve emerging and/or advanced problems in complex contexts using social, ethical, economic, regulatory, and global perspectives
2. cognitive skills to integrate advanced theoretical and technical knowledge which includes a selection of accounting and governance, finance, economics, quantitative methods.
3. cognitive skills to critically apply advanced theoretical and technical knowledge and skills to solve emerging and/or advanced problems.
4. communication skills to justify and communicate business and commerce advice and ideas in complex collaborative contexts involving both professionals and non-professionals.

APPLICATION OF KNOWLEGE & SKILLS

Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Commerce will demonstrate the application of knowledge & skills: 

1. with creativity and initiative to exercise judgement in professional practice using social, ethical, economic, regulatory and global perspectives
2. to autonomously plan and conduct applied projects to investigate, evaluate and report on entity performance
3. to seek and reflect on performance feedback to identify and action learning opportunities and self-improvements

Build the analytical, financial and professional foundations to reshape your career. 

This program is ideal for graduates from non‑commerce backgrounds, professionals seeking a career shift, or those aiming to strengthen their credentials in finance, accounting or broader commercial practice. Designed to open doors to new opportunities, the Graduate Certificate in Commerce equips you with the technical capability, quantitative skills and industry awareness needed to thrive in today’s data‑driven business landscape. 

Highlights of studying the Graduate Certificate in Commerce 

• Develop core commercial and financial capability: Build a strong grounding in accounting principles, financial analysis, economics and business decision‑making. 
• Strengthen your analytical and quantitative skills: Learn how to apply theory, modelling and data‑driven techniques to financial and organisational scenarios. 
• Experience learning that reflects industry practice: Engage with case studies, hands‑on activities and the strategies used by finance and accounting professionals. 
• Connect with industry leaders and professional bodies: Hear from guest speakers, meet practitioners and expand your professional network through events and mentoring opportunities. 
• Create a pathway to further study: Use this qualification as a stepping stone into Griffith’s Master of Finance or Master of Professional Accounting. 

Practical learning for real commercial environments 

Throughout the program, you’ll explore how financial information guides organisational strategy, how data and information systems support decision‑making, and how quantitative techniques are applied to solve complex business problems.

You'll not only learn the theory but also develop the confidence to use it in practice—whether you’re interpreting financial statements, evaluating investment decisions or assessing organisational performance. 

Whether you’re preparing for a career transition, seeking to formalise your experience with a recognised qualification or planning to progress into postgraduate finance or accounting studies, this program helps you build a strong professional identity.  

Recommended study pattern

Students must complete 4 subjects for this degree.

Award requirements

To qualify for the award of Graduate Certificate in Commerce students must complete four subjects.

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

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.

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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 the following two Open Access Pathway subjects:
  • AFE733 Economics
  • AFE711 Accounting and Governance

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 business, financial services or government roles incorporating substantial responsibilities relating to accounting or bookkeeping, treasury, customer service (e.g., investments, superannuation, insurance services, banking), paraplanning, financial advice, stockbroking, financial analysis, risk management

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.