Graduate Diploma in Business Administration

Graduates of the Graduate Diploma in Business Administration will be able to:

• Explain how decision making and the management of organisations is aided by knowledge of theory and practice in a range of business sub-disciplines.
• Analyse organisations and apply contemporary management practices compatible with organisational, social and environmental sustainability.
• Present theoretical concepts and complex ideas in both written and verbal formats appropriate for management audiences.

The postgraduate program in business administration is designed to provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills for a successful career as a manager in a range of organisations. These courses may also provide graduates the opportunity to pursue entrepreneurial interests or work in a consultant capacity.

You will be able to study the new accelerated online degrees in a highly engaging environment, expanding your business skills into areas such as accounting, economics, strategic marketing, financial management, managing people, leadership, sustainability, supply chain and global context.

Our teaching philosophy and online content ensure that you can really engage with the person leading the learning while also interacting with your fellow students. You will have access to interactive activities, online group discussions and a capstone strategic business project.

It is 1 year in length on a full-time basis and can also be undertaken part-time.

Recommended study pattern

students complete eight option topics chosen from a range of option topics available and aimed at providing students with a sound understanding and appreciation of the context in which organisations operate including the impact of global economic, social, environmental and ethical and business conditions and practices.

This graduate diploma articulates into the Master of Business Administration.

As a guide, full-time students generally undertake two subjects per study period and part-time students undertake one subject per study period. 

Award requirements

To complete the requirements of the Graduate Diploma in Business Administration, students must successfully eight elective subjects chosen from a range of elective subjects.

Exit points

Alternatively, students who enrol directly in the Graduate Diploma in Business Administration may choose to complete only the requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration and exit with that qualification.

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

Indicative total fee $30,310

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.

Flinders University is a globally-focused, locally-engaged institution with a reputation for excellence in teaching, learning and research. They offer world‐class education that develops the critical and creative thinking skills to support a student’s success. Their courses offered through Open Universities Australia span business, education and law. They are designed with flexibility in mind, while delivering the advanced qualifications to take careers to the next step.

Learn more about Flinders University.

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QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

21

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

22

Applicants must normally:

• hold a bachelor degree or equivalent qualification and have a minimum of three years' full-time equivalent post-degree work experience by the commencement date of the course, or;
• hold a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration from Flinders University or equivalent qualification and have either a minimum of seven years' full-time equivalent pre-certificate work experience or three years' full-time equivalent post-certificate work experience by the commencement date of the course. 

Flinders University conducts an English Language proficiency check on applications submitted for consideration to its courses. 
This will be met in a number of ways, including if the applicants: 

• first language is English (i.e. citizenship is held for a country where English is the official language)
• completed secondary schooling in Australia
• completed prior study in English (e.g. a Certificate IV or higher from a recognised Australian training institution)
• completed one semester of full-time equivalent tertiary study at a higher education institution 
• completed a recognised Foundation Studies or bridging program 
• performance in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test  (STAT) meets the University's admissions requirements 
• registered with an Australian professional registration body relevant to the applicant's proposed course (e.g. applicant holds current registration as a Registered Nurse, General Practitioner, Teacher, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Social Worker and such in Australia)
• achieved a score within an international English language proficiency test such as IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or Cambridge CAE that meets the minimum proficiency for the university
• completed an approved English language course from a registered English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) Provider

In some instances, applicants may be asked to provide evidence they meet the requirements if the information required is not available in their application. 

Credit transfer may be granted, on application, for prior study completed in a relevant honours, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or master degree; accredited professional development; or relevant work experience.

Applications for credit transfer are assessed on a case by case basis according to Flinders University policies. Students must be made an offer for entry into a degree before lodging their completed credit transfer application, along with all necessary documentation for formal assessment. More information is available at www.flinders.edu.au/credit