Program Overview

Overview

The Graduate Certificate in International Relations (GCIR) is a coursework program aimed at developing conceptual and empirical understanding and skill-sets in research and knowledge development in the International Relations (IR) field. You'll work with world-class teachers and researchers who are in touch with industry partners and participate in regular public commentary and debate in their fields, and you'll study alongside students from many different countries and backgrounds.

Program Details

• The GCIR will cover the four key areas of international relations: international theory, the development of the international system, international security, and international political economy.
• The half year full-time (or part-time equivalent) program includes over 20 courses and projects covering specific fields such as Writing Politics, Principles of International Law, Ethics and Human Rights, Global Governance, and Foreign Policy and Diplomacy.
• You may also participate in the Graduate Centre Mentorship Program.
• UQ’s Graduate Certificate in International Relations will equip you with the analytical and practical skills for a career in diplomacy, government, think-tanks, non-governmental organisations, the UN, international journalism, or development.

Career Possibilities

• International aid coordinator
• Asia-Pacific international relations adviser
• Policy and advocacy adviser
• Policy officer
• Ministerial officer
• External affairs officer
• Senior compliance officer
• International aid coordinator
• Overseas development manager
• Human rights advocate

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for entry, you'll need:

• a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline, or
• to have completed post-secondary studies and have 2 years full-time equivalent relevant work experience with documented evidence (such as references).
• You must have a grade point average (GPA) of at least 4.5 on a 7-point scale in your previous qualification.

Relevant Work Experience

Relevant work experience may be paid or voluntary and includes work:

• in planning, management and/or implementation of international policy and/or governance initiatives, including work for international organisations, non-governmental organisations, government agencies, social movements, and the international business community, and
• a demonstration of basic computer literacy, research and writing skills, and the ability to work collaboratively.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS overall 6.5; reading 6; writing 6; speaking 6; listening 6.
• TOEFL iBT (including Paper Edition) - Overall 87, listening 19, reading 19, writing 21 and speaking 19.
• PTE Academic - Overall Score of 64 and 60 in all sub bands.
• BE - A minimum overall grade of 4 plus a minimum grade of C in all macro skills.
• CES - Overall 176 and 169 in all sub bands.

Fees and Scholarships

• The indicative annual fee for the program is $17,256 (2026).
• As an international student, you might be eligible for financial aid – either from your home country, or from the Australian Government.
• You may be eligible for more than 100 scholarships.

How to Apply

• All international applications should be submitted to UQ.
• The program code for the Graduate Certificate in International Relations is 5643.
• 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.