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Gain the essential business management knowledge to progress your career.

Download our program guide

Our program guides are here to help you make the right choice. Packed with detailed information about studying with UNSW Online, from course content to career outcomes, they’re designed to support you in finding the program that fits your goals and aspirations.

Here's what you'll find inside:

  • Entry requirements
  • Program highlights
  • Course structures
  • Fees
  • Online learning approach
  • Current Step 1
  • Step 2
  • Step 3
  • Complete

Overview

Today’s business landscape is driven by rapid change, innovation and growing global competition. This dynamic environment creates demand for professionals who can adapt quickly, think strategically and lead teams through uncertainty. From digital transformation to entrepreneurship, new opportunities are emerging across industries opening doors for those ready to step up, build essential management capabilities and drive real organisational progress.

The Graduate Certificate in Business allows you to tailor your studies to align with your career goals. You will select from a range of courses covering financial management, marketing, business economics and digital strategy, ensuring what you learn is directly applicable to your professional environment. Upon completion, this certificate is not only a respected qualification on its own, but also provides a seamless pathway into the Master of Management, allowing you to continue your leadership journey with advanced standing.

 

Why study with us?


Choose UNSW and you’ll join a business school ranked #1 in Australia for Business and Management* and among the top 20 universities worldwide**. Our curriculum is designed and delivered by industry leaders and academic experts, ensuring you gain insights that are both theoretically robust and practically relevant. With a flexible online format, you can balance your studies with your career, immediately applying what you learn to real-world challenges. Supported by dedicated Student Advisors and a global network of alumni, you will gain the confidence and capability to shape the future of business.

*QS World University Rankings, 2024–2026
**QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025

Duration
8 months, part time

Courses
4

Intake
Jan, Mar, May, July, Aug, Oct

Indicative 2026 fee per course
$5,130

Study mode
100% Online

Program code
7413

UNSW's 100% online Graduate Certificate in Business covers the foundational skills required to enhance your credibility and advance your leadership capabilities in contemporary business settings. With courses that are future-focused and driven to meet the demand of employers, you will learn to identify opportunities where others see obstacles. 

 

By completing these courses, you'll immediately gain relevant frameworks and fundamental management skills to influence decisions, no matter what your industry. Upon successful completion of the program, you may be eligible to articulate into the Master of Management.

 

Core courses 

Choose any four of these courses:

  • Managing Yourself and Others
  • Financial Management
  • Business Economics
  • Foundations of Marketing
  • Law, Regulations and Ethics
  • Strategies for Disruption
  • Entrepreneurship and Innovation
  • Managing with Digital Technology 

 

Course availability is dependent on initial intake timing and following student participation in study periods. For more information, speak with a Student Advisor.

 

To find out more about each course and specialisation, download your program guide.

Develop the leadership skills and confidence to take your career to the next level with the online Graduate Certificate in Business from UNSW. Studying this program will give you the skills to succeed in roles such as:

  • Consultant
  • Senior Marketing Coordinator
  • Marketing Specialist
  • Financial Advisor
  • HR Advisor
  • Business Development Coordinator
  • Operations Analyst
  • Project Support Officer
  • Sales Analyst
  • Client Relationship Coordinator

General admission requirements

To be eligible for the Graduate Certificate in Business, you must have: 

  • A recognised bachelor’s degree (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline; OR
  • A minimum of three years’ relevant work experience. Relevant work experience includes clerical or administrative work in a commercial or public service organisation, supervisory or management, banking, finance or marketing experience or other business-related positions.

 

English language

You may need to provide evidence of English proficiency to study at UNSW. This ensures you can succeed in webinars, coursework and assessments. Proof can include:

  • English tests or university courses
  • Prior study in English
  • Other qualifications or waivers

Program fees

At UNSW Online, we’re committed to providing a world-class education that delivers exceptional value. Our programs are designed to fit your lifestyle and career goals, with fees structured on a per-course basis to give you flexibility and control over your investment. Your student fees are calculated based on the courses you take and your residency type, ensuring transparency and fairness.

Indicative 2026 fee per course

$5,130

Indicative 2026 total program fees

$20,500

The total indicative fee varies based on the elective courses you select, the year you complete them and any approved recognition of prior learning (RPL) granted before you begin your studies. Find out more about our course and program fees here.

FEE-HELP available

Eligible domestic students can apply for FEE-HELP, a government loan to cover all or part of your tuition fees for fee-paying places. The loan amount is added to our HELP debt, which is repaid once your income reaches the repayment threshold.

 

You can apply for FEE-HELP as part of your acceptance to UNSW Online. The form will present itself during your final stages of online acceptance if you are eligible.

 

Applications must be submitted before the relevant teaching period census date. Read more about FEE-HELP and eligibility here.

 

At UNSW Online, we’re here to support you every step of the way as you work toward graduating from one of the world’s leading universities. Our online learning environment is designed to fit seamlessly into your busy schedule, giving you the flexibility to access course resources anytime, anywhere on any device. We offer six study blocks, known as hexamesters, each year. These seven-week blocks with orientation time beforehand allow you to focus on one course at a time – providing the perfect balance between study and life’s other commitments.

 

Our academics are among the best in the world and even though you’re studying online, you’ll experience the same high-quality education as our on-campus students. Throughout your journey, you’ll have the dedicated support of your Student Success Advisor. From enrolment to graduation, they’ll be your go-to for all non-academic queries, available by phone or email to ensure you stay on track. You’ll also benefit from Career Success – a self-paced, curated module designed to help you build and implement an effective career plan. With access to tools like Career AI (powered by VMock) and CaseCoach as well as guides for perfecting your LinkedIn profile, resume and cover letter, you’ll be equipped to take the next step in your career with confidence.

Why choose the Graduate Certificate in Business at UNSW Online?

The AGSM advantage

Powered by UNSW’s Business School, the Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM) delivers globally acclaimed management education, equipping you to lead and make an impact.

Most employable graduates*

UNSW is recognised for producing the most employable graduates, winning the AFR Top100 Future Leader Awards six years in a row.

*AFR, Top 100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020-2025

#1 for Business and Management

Learn from the top experts and academics in Australia for Business and Management studies*.

*QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025

Top 20 global university*

UNSW is one of the top universities in the world*, with a global reputation for excellence that opens doors for our graduates.

*QS World University Rankings, 2024–2026

Why pursue a career in business?

Projected employment growth by 2035

21.9%

Typical salary in Australia

 

$115,000

 

People who feel their managers lack change leadership

 

74%

 

Job postings in 2025

39,230

 

I was really worried about coming back to Uni studies after a very long time, but I could not be any happier with my experience at UNSW. From the beginning, I've been made to feel comfortable, and from the teaching staff to the website navigation I will be strongly considering continuing my studies and will definitely recommend others to study at UNSW.

Online Graduate Certificate in Business Graduate

Frequently asked questions

Yes, a Graduate Certificate in Business is a highly valuable qualification in Australia, particularly for early-career professionals or those seeking to enhance their management and leadership skills. Programs like UNSW's 100% online Graduate Certificate in Business provide foundational expertise in financial management, marketing, and digital technology, while fostering contemporary business skills such as entrepreneurship and innovation. With its flexible, accelerated format, this UNSW Online program not only boosts career prospects across diverse industries but also serves as a stepping stone to advanced degrees like a Master of Management, making it a smart investment for career growth.

UNSW Online Graduate Certificate in Business graduates can unlock diverse career opportunities across industries such as finance, marketing, consulting and government. Roles like business analyst, operations coordinator, project officer, and team leader are common pathways, along with entry-level management positions. This program equips professionals with future-focused skills in financial management, marketing and digital technology, enhancing their credibility and leadership capabilities to meet the demands of an evolving business landscape.

A Graduate Certificate is a shorter, foundational postgraduate program designed to equip students with essential business skills and knowledge, typically completed within six to eight months. It provides a focused introduction to key areas such as financial management, marketing and leadership, making it ideal for early-career professionals or those looking to upskill quickly.

In contrast, a Master of Business is a more comprehensive and in-depth degree that requires 1 to 2 years of study, covering advanced business concepts and strategic leadership skills. Many students choose to begin with a Graduate Certificate as a pathway into a master’s program, allowing them to build their expertise progressively while gaining a recognised qualification along the way.

Yes, you can study a Graduate Certificate in Business 100% online in Australia through UNSW Online. This program offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing you to study one course at a time on your own schedule, from anywhere in Australia or overseas. With no on-campus commitments, the program is designed to fit seamlessly around your work and personal life, enabling you to balance your studies while gaining future-focused skills in financial management, marketing and digital technology. The online learning experience at UNSW maintains the same academic rigor as on-campus programs, ensuring you receive a world-class education to support your personal and professional ambitions.

We offer six study blocks, or hexamesters per year. Each hexamester runs for seven weeks with some orientation time beforehand. You study one course per block, offering balance and flexibility with life's other commitments. This flexible online certificate consists of four courses and can be completed in as little as eight months, part-time (15 - 20 hours a week study commitment).

To be eligible for the Graduate Certificate in Business, you’ll need either a recognised bachelor’s degree in any discipline or at least three years of relevant full-time professional experience. Examples of eligible experience include clerical or administrative work in a commercial or public service organisation, supervisory or management, banking, finance or marketing experience or other business-related positions.

Yes, the UNSW Online Graduate Certificate in Business is highly recognised and respected across Australia. As a Group of Eight (Go8) university, UNSW is renowned for its academic excellence and leadership in education, ensuring that its qualifications, including the Graduate Certificate in Business, are valued by employers nationwide. This program is delivered by the UNSW Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM), Australia's #1 Business School and equips graduates with future-focused skills and foundational business expertise, making it a credible and sought-after qualification in the Australian job market.

Yes, the Graduate Certificate in Business provides an articulation pathway to the UNSW Online Master of Management. Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate, you may be eligible to progress into the Master of Management program, provided you meet the academic requirements. This pathway allows you to build on the foundational business skills gained in the Graduate Certificate and advance to a comprehensive postgraduate qualification, equipping you with the expertise to excel in contemporary management roles.

A Graduate Certificate in Business is a short postgraduate program for early career professionals who want to develop management skills and advance their careers. It offers focused business learning and practical skills that you can apply straight away, without committing to a full master's program.

A strong example is the Graduate Certificate in Business at UNSW Online. This 100% online program equips you with the skills to navigate complex business landscapes with confidence, focusing on entrepreneurship, innovation and dynamic leadership. You can tailor your study through four courses and, on successful completion, progress directly into the Master of Management.

The Graduate Certificate in Applied Finance will prepare students for the opportunities and challenges of the 21st century global workplace. The program offers fundamental financial knowledge that is relevant for business decision making at the executive level where students will have opportunities to solve real-world problems in finance.

 

Luis Filipe Goncalves-Pinto
Associate Professor
 

Image
UNSW Faculty Dr Helen Parker

Explore related management programs at UNSW Online

Master's

Duration
2 years, part time
Courses
12

Graduate Certificate

Duration
8 months, part time
Courses
4

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Advance your career with UNSW Online’s intentionally designed programs. Flexible, innovative and tailored to your ambitions, our programs empower you to achieve your goals and make an impact in your field. Explore your options and take the first step towards success today.

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