Graduate Diploma of Business

The Graduate Diploma of Business is a postgraduate coursework qualification that advances business knowledge. It incorporates the same course options as a graduate certificate but builds on knowledge from the certificate and advances skills further.

Specialisations in the Graduate Diploma of Business

• Business Foundations: Build a strong foundation in business, lay the groundwork for further study, and tailor your journey with career-aligned business electives and flexible study options.
• Counselling Leadership: Strengthen your business leadership by integrating counselling skills to effectively address modern workplace challenges.
• Digital Marketing: Help drive business change, using digital skills to analyse customer data, develop insights, and inform data-driven marketing strategies.
• Finance: Advance in the world of finance with knowledge in FinTech innovation, portfolio management, and financial decision-making.
• Health Leadership: Be prepared to excel in dynamic healthcare environments, gain vital leadership qualities, and foster a more efficient and effective healthcare system.
• Leadership: Build the confidence, adaptability, and effective leadership skills to build and lead high-performing teams and drive business success.
• Managing Cyber Risk: Develop the expertise to manage cyber risk, respond to security threats and challenges, and achieve cyber resilience within organisations.
• People and Culture: Build and lead sustainable workforces by learning to cultivate employee engagement, build staff capability, and develop ethical solutions for emerging challenges.

Practical Approach

The best part of studying at UniSQ has been the practical approach to learning. The University supplies first-hand experiences, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations.

Career Outcomes

Graduates will have the ability to pursue business specialist careers in leadership or advisory roles within financial institutions, consulting firms, real estate, education, healthcare, or tech companies.

Professional Accreditation

Students who complete the People and Culture specialisation successfully meet the criteria for accreditation with the Australian HR Institute (AHRI).

Why Study Business at UniSQ?

• Career-ready graduates: UniSQ is ranked #1 in Queensland for graduates in full-time employment in business and management.
• Globally ranked: According to QS World University Rankings 2025, UniSQ is a top business and management university.
• Top starting salary: Rated #1 in Queensland for graduate starting salary in business and management.

What You'll Study

To graduate from the Graduate Diploma of Business, you must successfully complete 8 units of study.

Degree Structure

• Core (2 Units): MGT5100 - Harnessing Human Capabilities for the Future of Work, MGT6606 - The Ready Business Professional
• Specialisations (4 Units): Select one of the following specialisations - Business Foundations, Counselling Leadership, Digital Marketing, Finance, Health Leadership, Leadership, Managing Cyber Risk, People and Culture
• General Specialisation (4 Units): Discuss with UniSQ to determine which courses to study within the General specialisation
• Elective courses (2 Units): Choose two elective courses from the program

Other Study Options

Short Courses

At UniSQ, we support busy, modern learners wanting to start or progress in their careers. Whatever your goals, we offer flexible study options such as opportunities to upskill without committing to a full degree.

Further Study

If you're interested in further study, after completion of this degree you can go on to study the Master of Business (if you meet all the entry requirements).

Entry Requirements

There are many ways to be considered for entry into a UniSQ degree based on your education, work experience, and relevant personal attributes. You need to satisfy the following requirements to be considered for entry into this postgraduate degree.

Academic Entry Requirements

• Completion of an Australian-university bachelor degree, or equivalent, in any area
• A minimum of three years' professional work experience, or equivalent

English Language Requirements

You'll need to meet the applicable English language requirements, and this degree requires:

• IELTS (Academic) - Minimum overall score of 6.5 and a minimum score of 6.0 in each of the four components - listening, reading, writing, and speaking

Entry Pathways

There is more than one way to get into university, and if you're not sure about your entry options, get in touch to discuss.

Fees and Scholarships

• Commonwealth supported: AUD 17,392
• The Federal Government contributes to the cost of your degree, and you need to pay a student contribution
• This estimated 2026 annual fee is based on the current average rate for your first year of study (8 units per year) and does not include the cost of materials such as textbooks, additional costs, or the Student Services and Amenities fee

Additional Costs

Student Services and Amenities Fees

You may be required to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee as part of your degree cost.

Payment Options

HECS-HELP: Loan to Help You Pay Your Fees

You may not have to pay your course (subject) fees upfront. HECS-HELP is a government loan scheme that allows you to defer payment until your income reaches a certain threshold.

How to Apply

Complete your online application directly to UniSQ.

Study Dates

You can select to start your study in Trimester 1, 2, or 3.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Graduate Diploma of Business?

A Graduate Diploma in Business is a postgraduate coursework qualification often studied after a bachelor degree to advance your business knowledge.

What is the Difference Between a Graduate Diploma and Certificate of Business?

The main difference between a Graduate Certificate of Business and Graduate Diploma of Business is the time it takes to complete each.

Why Study a Graduate Diploma of Business?

At UniSQ, you can tailor your learning experience to suit your personal interests and career goals by choosing from a variety of Graduate Diploma in Business specialisations.

What are the Pathways to Entry?

At UniSQ, there is more than one journey to study a Graduate Diploma of Business. If you don't meet the entry requirements, we have a pathway option to suit you.

Why Study a Graduate Diploma of Business with UniSQ?

• UniSQ's Graduate Diploma in Business' flexibility provides you with the option to choose two specialisations.
• Use your Graduate Diploma in Business degree as a stepping stone into the Master of Business, which could lead to a postgraduate research degree.
• Study online from anywhere in the world or immerse yourself in campus life. Regardless of how you choose to study, you'll experience the same level of support and opportunity to connect with others.