Key details
Duration
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
40Course code
Overview
Step into the world of modern business leadership with the Graduate Certificate in Business. This dynamic program equips you with the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to navigate today's evolving business landscape with confidence and expertise.
Designed for professionals looking to enhance their business acumen, this course explores strategic decision-making, leadership, financial literacy, and organisational management. You will learn how to drive business success while balancing operational efficiency and stakeholder engagement.
Whether you're seeking to upskill, pivot careers, or lay the foundation for further study, this course offers a flexible and engaging learning experience tailored to your professional ambitions.
Completion of this course provides a pathway into the Master of Business Administration, allowing you to continue expanding your expertise and career opportunities.
Career opportunities
Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Business have the opportunity to advance their careers across a diverse range of industries, equipping them with the essential skills for leadership, management, and strategic decision-making.
This qualification prepares you for roles in corporate, government, and not-for-profit sectors, offering pathways into business development, operations management, consulting, and project coordination.
Completing this course may also open doors to entrepreneurial ventures or specialist business roles, depending on your area of expertise and professional background.
Additionally, this course provides a stepping stone into further study, including a Master of Business Administration (MBA), for those seeking to deepen their knowledge and expand their career prospects.
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Pathways
Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Fees
Non-Commonwealth supported places
Full fee paying places are available in this course.
Information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
The annual tuition fee for full time study in 2026 is AUD $19,096.00. This equates to $4,774.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL).
These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.
You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia. See 2026 Higher Education International Annual Tuition Fees.
CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.
Why study business at CDU?
Learn from internationally-recognised academics when you study business at CDU. Future-proof your career with accredited courses built on sustainable business practices and innovation. You'll graduate ready to make an impact on the global market.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
- Industry experts with experience in Australia, the Asia Pacific and beyond
Why study business at CDU?
Learn from internationally-recognised academics when you study Business at CDU. Future-proof your career with accredited courses built on sustainable business practices and innovation. You'll graduate ready to make an impact on the global market.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Industry experts with experience in Australia, the Asia Pacific and beyond
Why study business at CDU?
Learn from internationally-recognised academics when you study business at CDU. Future-proof your career with accredited courses built on sustainable business practices and innovation. You'll graduate ready to make an impact on the global market.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
- Industry experts with experience in Australia, the Asia Pacific and beyond
Why study business at CDU?
Learn from internationally-recognised academics when you study Business at CDU. Future-proof your career with accredited courses built on sustainable business practices and innovation. You'll graduate ready to make an impact on the global market.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Industry experts with experience in Australia, the Asia Pacific and beyond
What will I study?
The course requires the successful completion of 40 credit points of study. This course of study gives you the flexibility to study online, on campus or a mix of both, part-time or full-time.
Course structure
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 40 credit points as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 40 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core Units (1 unit) | 10cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 10 credit points as detailed below. MAN500 Strategic Management |
| Specialist Elective Units (3 units) | 30cp | Specialist Elective units totalling 30 credit points selected from the list of available units detailed below. BUS508 Business Analytics |
| 40cp | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure)
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
Study plan
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 1
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time or part-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check assumed knowledge, pre-requisite, and co-requisite requirements for each unit.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| MAN500 Strategic Management | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective 1 | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 2 | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 3 | SE | ||
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| Specialist Elective 1 | SE | MAN500 Strategic Management | CO |
| Specialist Elective 2 | SE | Specialist Elective 3 | SE |
Special elective availabilities
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Summer Semester | Intensive |
| ECO505 Economics of Sustainability FIN504 Finance and Investment for the Executive MKT504 Marketing for Managers | ECO505 Economics of Sustainability HRM504 Organisational Change and Development | ECO505 Economics of Sustainability | ECO500 Contemporary Issues in Economics (INT 3) FIN504 Finance and Investment for the Executive (INT 2) |
| Not offered BUS508 Business Analytics | |||
_____________________________________
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 2
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time or part-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check assumed knowledge, pre-requisite, and co-requisite requirements for each unit.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| MAN500 Strategic Management | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective 1 | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 2 | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 3 | SE | ||
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Part-Time Study Plan 1
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Summer Semester | |||
| Year 1 | |||||
| Specialist Elective 1 | SE | MAN500 Strategic Management | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective 2 | SE | Specialist Elective 3 | SE | ||
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Part-Time Study Plan 2
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| Specialist Elective 1 | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 2 | SE | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| MAN500 Strategic Management | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective 3 | SE | ||
Special elective availabilities
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Summer Semester | Intensive |
| ECO505 Economics of Sustainability FIN504 Finance and Investment for the Executive MKT504 Marketing for Managers | ECO505 Economics of Sustainability HRM504 Organisational Change and Development | ECO505 Economics of Sustainability | ECO500 Contemporary Issues in Economics (INT 3) FIN504 Finance and Investment for the Executive (INT 2) |
| Not offered BUS508 Business Analytics | |||
_____________________________________
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SUMMER SEMESTER
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time or part-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check assumed knowledge, pre-requisite, and co-requisite requirements for each unit.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Summer Semester | |||
| Year 1 | |||||
| MAN500 Strategic Management | CO | ||||
| Specialist Elective 1 | SE | ||||
Year 2 | |||||
| Specialist Elective 2 | SE | ||||
| Specialist Elective 3 | SE | ||||
Special elective availabilities
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Summer Semester | Intensive |
| ECO505 Economics of Sustainability FIN504 Finance and Investment for the Executive MKT504 Marketing for Managers | ECO505 Economics of Sustainability HRM504 Organisational Change and Development | ECO505 Economics of Sustainability | ECO500 Contemporary Issues in Economics (INT 3) FIN504 Finance and Investment for the Executive (INT 2) |
| Not offered BUS508 Business Analytics | |||
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
Successful completion of a recognised bachelor degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma, masters degree or equivalent international qualification.
Applicants who do not have one of the above qualifications, but who have at least four years full time appropriate experience in management roles will also be considered. Applicants must provide further documentation in the form of a curriculum vitae (CV), documented evidence from your employer detailing roles and responsibilities, and a statement of purpose addressing how the course will help you achieve your career aspirations.
International entry pathway
Applicants who have completed the CDU English for Academic Purposes 4 or the Accelerated International Masters Qualifying Program are eligible for entry.
Essential requirements
English language requirements
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
To be eligible for admission to this course, applicants must meet the standard English language proficiency requirements for Higher Education courses at Charles Darwin University (CDU) and provide evidence as part of their application.
You can meet the minimum English language requirement by providing evidence of one of following:
| Previous study in English |
|
| AHPRA Registration | Current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). |
| English Test^ | Completion of an approved English Test within two years of commencement, with the minimum scores shown below. |
| Primary language pathway | Completion of six years of primary and/or secondary schooling in a recognised English-speaking country*, including at least two years between years 7-12. |
Additional information about accepted tests and the evidence requirements is available on the English language proficiency requirements page.
^English tests - approved tests and minimum scores
| Undergraduate and postgraduate pathway program requirement | Postgraduate requirement (HDR and coursework) | |
| CDU ELICOS - English for Academic Purposes | Successful completion of EAP003 | Successful completion of EAP004 |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test | Overall minimum: 6.0 No band below: 6.0 | Overall minimum: 6.5 No band below 6.0 |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic | Overall minimum: 50 No score below: 50 | Overall minimum: 58 No score below: 50 |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) | Overall minimum: 60 Minimum writing score: 21 | Overall minimum: 79 Minimum writing score: 21 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | Overall minimum: 169 No skill below: 169 | Overall minimum: 176 No skill below: 169 |
Information about test validity, accepted combined test results, IELTS One Skill Retake and evidence requirements is available on the English language proficiency requirements page.
*Recognised English-speaking countries:
| Standard List | Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America. |
| Extended List | Bermuda, Botswana, Cayman Islands, Fiji, Kenya, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Seychelles, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe. |
All previous studies must have been delivered in English (medium of instruction was English). Applicants who have studied at an institution from a coutnry on the extended list must provide confirmation that their study was completed within the last five years.
For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to the CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education from an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| CDU English for Academic Purposes 4 (ZEAP40) | Successful completion of EAP004 English for Academic Purposes 4 |
| IELTS Academic Module (including One Skill Retake) | A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0. |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | A minimum overall score of 176, with no skill below 169. |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | A minimum overall grade of C1, valid for three years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 58 with no score lower than 50. |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 79 with a minimum writing score of 21. |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
Most of my lecturers also had industry experience working for multinational companies, giving us insight into real-world scenarios.
Sachin
CDU student
I genuinely believe Darwin is the land of opportunities if you leverage your strengths, abilities and skills.
Ellie
CDU student
Most of my lecturers also had industry experience working for multinational companies, giving us insight into real-world scenarios.
Sachin
CDU student
I genuinely believe Darwin is the land of opportunities if you leverage your strengths, abilities and skills.
Ellie
CDU student
Course details
Inherent Requirements
There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
Learn about business at CDU
Sushan is from Nepal studying a Master of Business Administration (Professional Practice) at CDU. Hear more about his experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
Learn about business at CDU
Sushan is from Nepal studying a Master of Business Administration (Professional Practice) at CDU. Hear more about his experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
SATAC
SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.
International applications
Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.
You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.
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