Graduate Diploma in Business Administration | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Graduate Diploma in Business Administration

Get ready to run the show. Step up your business management expertise and open the door to even higher educational potential down the track. The Graduate Diploma aims to broaden management skills and take careers to a senior level.

In this program you will:

  • Focus on detailed practical skill development in real business settings to deepen your problem solving and decision-making capabilities
  • Work with local businesses, network, and identify possible employment opportunities
  • Specialise in a management area of your choice such as decision-making, economics, marketing, management, law, ethics or informatics
  • Choose to upgrade your qualification later by completing an additional 4 courses to earn an MBA

At UniSC, we’re proud to be an accredited member of AACSB, meaning our business degrees have earned international recognition with the most prestigious professional accreditation a business school can earn.

AACSB Accredited

Save $11,976*

*All eligible domestic applicants will receive a guaranteed Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP). Reducing the program cost to $16,992 and saving more than 40%.

100% ONLINE

Choose to study 100% online, or on campus at our Sunshine Coast campus. Or, combine the best of both worlds with blended learning options that offer more flexibility.

*Fees represent the estimated total program fees and are indicative for 2025 and subject to elective selections and yearly government adjustments.

Location

CRICOS code

067675C

Duration

1 year 1 year Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.

Indicative fees

Indicative 2025 fees (A$)

A$16,992 / A$28,968 - 2025 Fees CSP / Fee-paying
CSP / Fee-paying
A$28,990 Annual fee
Annual fee

Start

  • Session 2
  • Session 3
  • Session 6
  • Session 7
  • Session 2
  • Session 3
  • Session 6
  • Session 7

Career opportunities

  • Senior management across a diverse range of businesses and industries
  • Senior management roles in government

Start
  • Session 2
  • Session 3
  • Session 6
  • Session 7
  • Session 2
  • Session 3
  • Session 6
  • Session 7
Delivery mode
  • Blended Learning
  • Online
Total courses
8
Total units
96
Duration
1 year 1 year
CRICOS code
067675C
UniSC program code
BU610
Program coordinator
Program structure
Required courses (4) 48 units 

BUS703 Evidenced Based Decision Making
BUS704 Finance and Accounting for Managers
MGT703 Strategy, Governance and Ethics
MKG701 Marketing in a Global Environment

Elective courses (4) 48 units

Select 4 courses from any 500 or 700 level courses from the School of Business and Creative Industries.

These electives can be used to study courses in the following interest areas:

Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all UniSC courses are available on every UniSC campus.

Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
  • Successfully complete 96 units as outlined in the Program Structure
Program notes
  • Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses) and following the recommended study sequence
  • The unit value of all courses is 12 units unless otherwise specified
  • It is each students responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of the academic calendar dates
  • Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa
  • Online study mode not available to international students on a Student Visa  
  • Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses
Study sequences

To be considered for admission candidates would normally be required to:

  1. possess an undergraduate degree from a recognised higher education institution or equivalent
  2. have at least two years relevant full-time equivalent work or other relevant experience; and
  3. candidates whose first language is other than English must demonstrate an appropriate level of English proficiency. Refer to the English language requirements

English language requirements

You will also need to meet the English language requirements for this program. If you do not meet the minimum requirements, you may be able to enrol in our English Language Programs to reach the required level for most of UniSC’s programs (exceptions apply to non-standard English requirement programs).
Inherent academic requirements

Prospective students must consider the Inherent Academic Requirements before applying to study this program.

Refer to Business and Management discipline - Inherent Academic Requirements

UniSC strongly supports the rights of all people to pursue studies. The University embraces diversity and endeavours to accommodate all students.

What are Inherent Academic Requirements (IARs)?

The IARs of a program are those fundamental skills, capabilities and knowledge that students must be able to demonstrate in order to achieve the essential learning outcomes of the program, while maintaining the academic integrity of that program.

Students with a disability or chronic health condition may be able to have reasonable adjustments made to enable them to meet these requirements.

UniSC is committed to making reasonable adjustments to teaching and learning, assessment, placement and other activities to enable students to participate in their program.

Reasonable adjustments must not fundamentally change the nature of the IAR.

Consideration is given to a student's cultural and religious background/beliefs, which may impact on participation in their program or course. For further information contact Student Support.

Why are Inherent Academic Requirements (IARs) important?

IARs ensure the academic integrity of a program is maintained and preserves the University's learning, assessment and accreditation processes. They must be met by all students.

How does this affect you?

To successfully complete a program at UniSC, you need to be able to meet all the Inherent Academic Requirements.

If you are applying for a program, you should read the IAR statement carefully to ensure you are able to meet them.

If you have a disability or chronic health condition, contact a UniSC Disability Advisor to talk about the adjustments that may be put in place so you can meet the requirements.

CSP estimate
A$16,992
Fee-paying estimate
A$28,968 - 2025 Fees
Annual tuition fee (A$, 2025)
A$28,990

Postgraduate coursework places

All postgraduate coursework programs are subject to tuition fees unless the postgraduate program is offered under Commonwealth support arrangements.

Eligible students (Australian citizens, permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand Citizens who hold a Special Category Visa and meet the eligibility requirements) may seek assistance to defer payment via a FEE-HELP loan.

International student fee information is available on the Tuition fees and other costs page. For information on how higher degree by research student fees are calculated, including the Student Services and Amenities Fee, visit the Higher Degree by Research Student Fee Calculation Information page. Visit the HDR scholarships page for information on available scholarships.

Estimated total tuition fees are based on 2023 rates and the minimum number of courses required within the programs standard duration.

Annual tuition fees are based on 2023 rates and the equivalent full-time student load as per the recommended study sequence in the relevant program.

Actual fees payable are based on the actual enrolment load in a teaching period (excluding Study Abroad and Postgraduate Qualifying Pathway).

All prices quoted are in Australian Dollars (A$).

Commonwealth supported places

Commonwealth supported places are substantially subsidised by the Australian Government so that students only pay 'student contribution" amounts. The student contribution amount will vary depending on the course you are studying and how much funding the Government provides.

If you accept a Commonwealth supported place you are a Commonwealth supported student. As a Commonwealth supported student you must make a contribution towards the cost of your education (unless you are enrolled in Enabling or Tertiary Preparation Pathway courses) with the majority of the cost met by the Commonwealth Government.

Commonwealth supported places are only available to domestic students. As a domestic student you are entitled to a Commonwealth supported place in an eligible program if you:

  • meet the citizenship and residency requirements
  • complete an electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF)
  • meet the University's entry requirements for your chosen program.

  • Session 1 and Session 7 intakes are an accelerated study sequence only
  • Session 2, Session 3 and Session 5 can be completed in either standard or accelerated study sequence
  • Session 6 can be completed in a standard or accelerated study sequence
  • International students must complete the accelerated study sequence

Domestic applicants apply for admission direct to UniSC.

Find out about how to apply and key application closing dates.

No matter what kind of future you’re looking for, you can find it at UniSC. Our programs offer the choice and flexibility you need to get started on any career goal.

Visit How to apply for simple steps to submit your international student application and start your UniSC experience today.

Need help with submitting your application?

UniSC has appointed representatives to assist you with submitting your application and provide information about the steps you need to complete to begin your studies. You can contact a UniSC Representative in your area.

Any questions? Contact us.

No. 1 in Aus for teaching quality in business Ranking of public universities. Good Universities Guide 2024/25
#2 in Australia for teaching AFR BOSS Best Business Schools, 2024
No. 1 in Qld for overall educational experience Ranking of public universities. Good Universities Guide 2024/25
Cherrell Picton

Student story

"I went into the EMBA looking to build my existing business skills so I could better help social impact organisations in developing nations become more sustainable through the volunteer work I do with a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade-funded program".

Cherrell Picton
Need advice on what to study or how to apply? 
Our Student Central team can help.

Call us +61 7 5430 2890
Email us information@usc.edu.au
For locations and opening hours, visit Student Central.

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