Graduate Certificate in Special Education

Strengthen your ability to support learners with diverse educational needs through an evidence-based approach to special and inclusive education. This 100% online degree develops specialist knowledge and practical skills that can be applied across primary, secondary and special education settings.

You'll develop the knowledge and skills to:

1. Understand diverse learning needs: explore the characteristics, strengths and educational requirements of students across a range of learning profiles.
2. Design personalised learning supports: develop strategies that promote engagement, participation and academic success.
3. Apply inclusive teaching approaches: use evidence-based practices, differentiation and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles.
4. Support gifted and twice-exceptional learners: identify strengths and implement approaches that challenge and support diverse learners.
5. Collaborate with families and professionals: work effectively with parents, educators and multidisciplinary teams to improve student outcomes.
6. Apply policy, research and legislation: interpret evidence and educational frameworks to support inclusive practice.

Advance your understanding of special and inclusive education through a program designed for education professionals and support staff working with students who have diverse learning needs. You'll explore current research, legislation, policy and practice while building practical skills that support student learning, wellbeing and participation.

Through evidence-based approaches, you'll learn how to adapt curriculum, instruction and assessment to better meet individual needs while fostering inclusive learning environments where all students can succeed.

Learn from leaders in education

Study with experienced academics and education professionals recognised for their expertise in special and inclusive education. You'll examine challenges and emerging approaches while learning practical strategies that can be applied in real educational settings.

Collaborative online learning, seminars and group activities provide opportunities to engage with peers and expand your professional network while developing knowledge you can immediately apply in your current work.

Award requirements

For the award of Graduate Certificate in Special Education (GCertSpEd), you must successfully Complete 40 credit points comprising:

• 40 credit points for all Foundation Module

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

Indicative total fee $2,400

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)
• two 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 early childhood, K-12 schools, higher education, adult education

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 an overall score of 79 in the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL with no sub-score less than 19 (applies to tests taken prior to 21 January 2026)
• OR an overall score of 4 in the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL with a minimum score of 4 in each of the listening, reading, and writing skills, and a minimum score of 3.5 in speaking skills (applies to tests taken on or after 21 January 2026)
• 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 Cambridge C1 Advanced or Cambridge C2 Proficiency
• OR an overall score of 58 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 50 (applies to tests taken prior to 7 August 2025)
• OR an overall score of 55 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 47 (applies to tests taken on or after 7 August 2025)
• OR an overall score of 70 in the LanguageCert Academic
• OR an overall score of 59 in the Michigan English Test (MET)

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.

• Griffith English Language Institute

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.