Graduate Certificate in Business Administration
Develop a core business foundation while continuing to work, applying what you learn on the job.
Graduate Certificate in Business Administration Program Overview
Accelerate your career or change direction with a graduate business program that fits around you.
Our Graduate Certificate in Business Administration is designed for aspiring leaders who want to make a difference without putting their life on hold.
Comprising of Business Essentials, our foundational business program, and two core subjects from our MBA program, you’ll develop a core business foundation while continuing to work, applying what you learn on the job. And if you choose, you can go further by studying a Graduate Diploma – or jump straight into the MBA itself. It's the most flexible way to study a graduate business program, while learning new skills that can be applied immediately at work.
Why a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration at Melbourne Business School?
#1 MBA in Australia
Melbourne Business School
QS Global MBA Rankings, 2026
Part-time Learning
Industry Connections
Student Experience
People come to Melbourne Business School because they want to study with the best.
We attract some of the brightest academics from around the world, who teach in class sizes much smaller than their colleagues overseas and are accessible to you throughout your studies.
Our campus is just four tram stops from the centre of Melbourne and has vibrant communal areas with accommodation available nearby.
We offer opportunities for self-development via a wide range of electives, co-curricular activities, and host regular industry networking events.
Success Story
I had flexibility for home and class, which I used for extra research and that gave me a better handle on the content.
CHRISTINE CRAWSHAW
Associate, McKinsey & Company
What You'll Study
Students will complete Leadership and Business Essentials and then choose from a number of core and elective subjects.
50 credit points total required to complete the program.
Leadership (6.25 = 0.5 subject)
Build leadership capability by developing your intrapersonal and interpersonal skills. Explore theoretical concepts and perspectives alongside practical exercises to prepare you for the challenges of leading in a complex environment.
Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma and MBA students must complete Leadership in their first term of study, as it provides the foundational knowledge required for future terms.
Business Essentials (12.5)
Develop an essential foundation for becoming an effective business executive, including the skills for successfully completing more advanced subjects of the MBA program.
You will gain a clear understanding of the key areas needed to successfully manage a business, including leading and managing people, growing demand, managing operations, and managing financial sustainability.
Core Subjects
Managerial Ethics and Business Environment (6.25 = 0.5 subject)
Find out how the societal context affects organisations and their strategies, as well as why managerial ethical problems frequently arise in the business context.
Learn to evaluate business decisions by considering various stakeholders and the moral reasoning frameworks that can help you be more aware of ethical pitfalls.
Data Analysis (12.5)
Gain the core skills to extract information from data in order to understand business processes and make better managerial decisions.
You will learn quantitative analysis, analytical thinking and ways to measure and improve performance, which will build a framework for solving complex business problems and the foundation for advanced MBA subjects.
Managing People (12.5)
Acquire the analytical skills to identify, diagnose and solve people-related challenges in organisations.
You will use tools to examine different theoretical concepts and perspectives that underlie behaviour to improve organisational, group and individual outcomes in a practical manner.
Marketing (12.5)
Learn to manage market demand using proven demand‐side strategies.
You will learn to recognise, create, grow and protect market‐based assets that influence demand and how marketing investments help develop and translate market‐based assets into outcomes that ensure an organisation’s long‐term survival and success.
Financial Accounting (12.5)
Learn to interpret and analyse financial statements in order to extract useful information for better decision-making and assessing the financial health of an organisation.
Accounting is the “language of business”, and what you learn in this subject is essential for successfully completing other MBA subjects such as Finance, Strategy and Mergers and Acquisitions.
Finance (12.5)
Establish a solid foundation for valuing financial assets and selecting and managing investment projects.
You will discover how to manage a firm to increase the wealth of shareholders, subject to fulfilling contractual and legal obligations to relevant stakeholders.
Managerial Economics (12.5)
Discover the economic principles that underlie nearly all business functions, including finance, marketing, negotiations, accounting and strategy.
You will discover tools and ways of thinking for assessing and evaluating different business options, understanding competition and different market structures, pricing new products, and negotiating winning deals.
Choose subjects from the broad range featured here, where pre-requisites are met.
You can exit the program at this point with a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration, or, if you choose, use the program as a pathway to progress into further study.
Meet With Us
The best way to learn more about studying at Melbourne Business School is to attend an upcoming information session or book a one-on-one conversation with our recruitment team.
We hold sessions monthly, providing a comprehensive overview of everything you need to know about the program, along with an opportunity to participate in a group Q&A session. After this, if you need more specific information on subjects and study materials, campus life or assistance with your application, please book a one-on-one session. We are available to meet in person at our Carlton Campus or online.
Career Services
By partnering with leading organisations, our Career Services can connect you to top-tier firms in Australia and around the world.
Our career coaches will help you develop your job-hunting skills, maximise your future opportunities and increase your chances of success.
Investment
Program Fee
The program fee for 2026 is $5,308 per subject (12.5 credit points equivalent).
Fees are paid per subject, per term in advance*.
* Fees are subject to annual review and may increase annually. The School guarantees that fees will not increase by more than 10 per cent from year to year.
FEE-HELP
FEE-HELP is available for eligible Australian citizens and some permanent residents.
Company Sponsorship
Many students share the cost of studying with their employer. Melbourne Business School is happy to provide a business case to share with your employer about the benefits of studying a Part-time MBA to the organisation. Please contact us for more information.
Other Costs
Approximately $120 per subject is a reasonable amount to budget for textbooks and other study-related expenses.
Entry Requirements
Admissions Criteria
To be considered for entry into this course, you must have:
- An undergraduate degree AND at least two (2) years of documented full-time professional work experience, OR
- A minimum of six (6) years of documented full-time professional work experience.
You must submit:
- An up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV)
- Evidence of all qualifications completed and incomplete including academic transcripts with grading schema.
- A valid passport or verified document showing current citizenship / residency status.
Please note: This course is only open to domestic students (Australian/NZ citizens, Australian PR visa holders, or any Australian visas without study restrictions).
English Language Requirements
All applicants to the University of Melbourne must satisfy the English language requirements. This may be achieved in a number of ways, including recognised previous study taught and assessed entirely in English or an approved English language test. If you need to undertake an English language test, you must meet one of the scores below:
- IELTS (Academic English only): Overall score of 7.0 (with no individual band less than 6.5).
- TOEFL Internet-based test: Overall score of 91 (with writing 23; speaking 22; reading 19; listening 19).
- Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE): Overall score of 72 (with writing 65; speaking 66; reading 64; listening 64).
- Cambridge C1 Advanced: Overall score of 178 (with writing 180; speaking 187; reading 168; listening 168).
- LanguageCert Academic: Overall score of 73 (with writing 71; speaking 76; reading 65; listening 62).
- Michigan English Test (MET): Overall score of 62 (with writing 64; speaking 53; reading 59; listening 59).
About Selection
When assessing applications, the Selection Committee will consider your previous studies, academic performance and professional history. The Selection Committee may request additional information to clarify any aspect of an application, according to the University’s Academic Board rules regarding selection instruments. You are also welcome to supply additional information that you believe will strengthen your application.
Meeting the published entry requirements for this course does not guarantee selection.
Additional Information
It is a university requirement that applicants provide evidence that they meet the published entry requirements. Uncertified documentation does not provide this evidence; however, we accept uncertified documents for the purpose of selection and reserve the right to request your original certified documentation at any time.
Frequently Asked Questions
For more information about entry requirements, applications, scholarships, international study and program options, ask our MBS chatbot or visit our Part-time MBA Program FAQ's page.
For personalised advice, you can also contact our Recruitment Team:
p: +61 3 9349 8200
e: [email protected]
How to Apply
Application Process
Apply
- Meet with us to find out more about the School and program.
- Review entry requirements and eligibility.
- Gather your supporting documentation.
- Apply and submit your application by the application closing date.
After you apply
All communications related to your application, including requests for additional information and application outcomes, will be sent to the email address you registered for your application. We may also contact you by phone if needed. To avoid delays, please upload requested information as soon as possible.
Outcome
The Selection Committee reviews all applications and makes the final decision. Outcomes are typically communicated via email within four (4) weeks of receiving a complete application.
Application Deadlines
Closing dates for 2026 are as follows:
Term 1 Intake (7 January 2026)
Application deadline: 1 December 2025
Term 2 Intake (25 March 2026)
Application deadline: 9 March 202
Term 3 Intake (24 June 2026)
Application deadline: 8 June 2026
Term 4 Intake (16 September 2026)
Application deadline: 31 August 2026
The deadline for all applications is 11.59pm AEST.
Late applications may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
Study Options
Upon completion of your Graduate Certificate in Business Administration, go further with a Graduate Diploma – or jump straight into the MBA itself.
Equip yourself with the essential personal skills and management tools for becoming a better business executive.
Graduate Certificate
Take a deeper dive and develop a core business foundation while continuing to work, applying what you learn on the job.
Gain a complete business toolkit that will develop your understanding of how to deliver value across all areas of business.
Complete the Part-time MBA to unlock your full potential, transform the way you see business and maximise your career opportunities.
Program Enquiry
Fill out the form below with details of your enquiry and our team will respond to your request within three business days,
or call us on +61 3 9349 8200 or email [email protected]. Read our Privacy Policy.
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