Program Overview

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Overview

The Graduate Diploma in Biotechnology is a one-year full-time (or part-time equivalent) program that integrates practical scientific training with commercialization and innovation. This flexible program is designed for scientists who want to update their technical skills in core areas such as molecular biology, protein technology, or bioinformatics, or acquire research laboratory experience.

Program Highlights

• Learn from entrepreneurial scientists who have successfully commercialized their scientific discoveries.
• Choose from a large suite of electives in science that underpin new biotechnologies.
• Take advantage of UQ’s strong links to industry, government, and the research community to build your professional network, skills, and experience.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for entry, you'll need:

• A bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline, or
• 2 years full-time equivalent, relevant work experience in biomedical science, biotechnology, science, bioinformatics, pharmacy, or engineering. You must have a grade point average (GPA) of 4.5 on a 7-point scale in your previous qualification.

GPA Equivalent

Select where you studied and your qualification to see the GPA equivalent you need to be considered for this program. Use the GPA equivalent as a guide. When you apply, we’ll calculate your GPA using the UQ grading scale. Any failing grades will be included. Entry requirements are subject to change.

Fees and Scholarships

Indicative Annual Fee

Approximate yearly cost of tuition (16 units). Your fees will vary according to your selected courses and study load. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.

• $9,540 (2026)
• AUD $58,056 (2026)

Government Assistance

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

Scholarships

You may be eligible for more than 100 scholarships.

How to Apply

Applying Online

All international applications should be submitted to UQ. If you prefer, you can use an approved UQ agent near you. The program code for the Graduate Diploma in Biotechnology is 5119.

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.

English Language Requirements

IELTS overall 6.5; reading 6; writing 6; speaking 6; listening 6. For other English Language Proficiency Tests and Scores approved for UQ:

• 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.

Career Possibilities

Postgraduate study can take you anywhere. Here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:

• Nanotechnology and biosensor application specialist
• Diagnostic test developer
• Pharmaceutical producer
• Industry researcher
• Venture capital consultant
• Plant breeding, engineering, cropping, or horticulture specialist
• Plant and animal geneticist
• Agricultural advisory board member
• Business plan analyst

Average Annual Salary Range

• Microbiologist: $110-$130K
• Biomedical Engineer: $75K-$95K

Next Steps After Graduation

Graduates from this program can pursue a diverse range of scientific, technical, or leadership opportunities in Australia or overseas, including in:

• Research institutes
• Biotechnology startups or commercial companies
• Biopharmaceutical companies
• Vaccine manufacturing
• Diagnostics laboratories
• Government
• Venture capital
• IP management firms
• Regulatory or advisory bodies
• Top universities worldwide.

Our graduates have stepped into roles such as quality assurance manager, quality control microbiologist, biochemical engineer, biomanufacturing professional, researcher, policy advisor, investment analyst, production manager, entrepreneur, start-up founder, and more.