Program Overview

Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Agricultural Science is designed for recent graduates in any field and established professionals wanting to upgrade their skills. This program aims to equip students with the skills to tackle global environmental challenges and improve agricultural practices anywhere in the world.

Program Highlights

• Access to some of the best animal and agricultural facilities in the Southern Hemisphere across more than 1,000 hectares of subtropical farmland.
• Learning from highly awarded academics who are world leaders in their disciplines.
• Building leadership skills with courses in rural leadership, entrepreneurship, and international agricultural development.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for entry, students need:

• A bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline, or
• 2 years full-time equivalent, relevant work experience. Students must have a grade point average (GPA) of 4.0 on a 7-point scale in their previous degree.

Relevant Work Experience

Relevant work experience means work:

• In agronomy and/or horticultural crop production/protection roles, or
• In environmental management and restoration roles, or
• In any other profession where students have built a portfolio demonstrating their agricultural science expertise.

Fees and Scholarships

Indicative Annual Fee

Approximate yearly cost of tuition (8 units). Fees will vary according to selected courses and study load. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.

• Domestic: $2,370 (2026)
• International: AUD $27,048 (2026)

Government Assistance

Domestic places in the Graduate Certificate in Agricultural Science are Commonwealth supported. This means the cost of education is shared between the student and the Australian Government.

Financial Aid

As an international student, you might be eligible for financial aid – either from your home country, or from the Australian Government.

How to Apply

All international applications should be submitted to UQ. The program code for the Graduate Certificate in Agricultural Science is 5561.

Important Dates

The closing date for this program is:

• To commence study in Semester 2: May 31 of the year of commencement.
• To commence study in Semester 1: November 30 of the previous year.

Career Possibilities

Postgraduate study can lead to various careers, including:

• Agricultural consultant
• Animal research scientist
• Agricultural economist
• Extension and inspection officer
• Land information systems officer

Average Annual Salary Range

• Protection Officer: $85K-$105K
• Agronomist: $80K-$100K

Next Steps After Graduation

As the world’s population continues to expand, demand is high for agricultural scientists. Graduates will find diverse career opportunities in organizations such as:

• Local, national, and international agribusiness companies
• Research institutions, including universities and CSIRO
• Local, state, or federal government departments
• Biosecurity, extension, and animal production enterprises
• Small- or large-scale organizations involved in production, post-harvest, and marketing of horticultural products
• Feed mills, stock equipment manufacturers, and livestock and poultry health companies within allied industries.

Alternatively, graduates can further their research ambitions and continue into the Master of Agricultural Science.