Graduate Diploma of Business

At the end of the program, students of the Graduate Diploma of Business can:

1. Apply high level, independent judgement when analysing and evaluating complex problems to generate creative solutions for business.
2. Communicate advance knowledge, concepts and skills to a variety of audiences in business settings.
3. Critique complex business issues considering the ethical and social consequence.
4. Demonstrate advanced understanding of a global body of business knowledge and practice by initiating, planning, implementing and evaluating tasks in a business setting.

This course can lead into the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and is designed to give students the skills and knowledge needed to manage successfully in today's organisations.

With flexible study options, the Graduate Diploma of Business builds on knowledge including people management, marketing, professional development and value creation in a business. Graduates will be able to make independent judgments and provide sustainable solutions to contemporary global business issues.

Recommended study pattern

As a guide, core subjects in this degree can include:

• Managing People and Organisations
• Marketing Leadership
• Fundamentals of Value Creation in Business
• Responsible Management
• Strategic Management and International Competitiveness
• Big Data, Analytics and Business Decision Making

As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you. 

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

Indicative total fee $26,450

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.

ECU is ranked one of the world’s best young universities and Australia’s best public university for teaching quality. That quality extends to more than 30,000 students, many studying online through Open Universities Australia. ECU offers the same quality of teaching to you, regardless of where you’re studying in the world. Their flexible study solutions include a huge range of online courses, recognising your need to juggle work, family or other commitments.

Learn more about ECU.

Explore ECU courses.

QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

29

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

24

The following course-specific admission requirements are mandatory and must be satisfied by all applicants. These requirements are in addition to or supersede the minimum requirements outlined within the Academic admission requirements band section below.

All applicants are required to meet the published entry requirements. Alternatively applicants may apply with a Graduate Certificate of Business/Commerce.

Academic admission requirements (Band 6) may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

• Bachelor degree; or

• Equivalent prior learning including at least five years relevant professional experience.

Students can satisfy English competency requirements by showing any of the following:

• An IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0).

• Completion of a Bachelor degree from a country specified by ECU.

• Completion of 0.375 EFTSL of study at postgraduate level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent).

• Equivalent prior learning courses including at least five years relevant professional experience – as accepted by ECU.

• Completion of other tests, courses or programs as accepted by ECU.

Reduce the time it takes to finish your degree. For eligible students, ECU offers credit and recognition of prior learning (CRPL). There are 2 CRPL options: 

• Credit transfer to acknowledge students’ formal learning at uni or TAFE. 

• Recognition of students’ informal learning gained outside of the education system (for example workplace experience or volunteer training.) "