Program Overview

Overview

The Graduate Diploma in Sustainable Energy is a 1-year program designed to address complex problems across disciplines and equip students with the knowledge and skills to progress to leadership positions in the energy sector. Students will learn from leading academics and researchers, as well as national and international practitioners, about the complex nature of energy generation, distribution, and supply, and the challenges of transitioning to a sustainable energy future.

Program Details

• The program is offered at the St Lucia campus.
• The duration of the program is 1 year full-time (or part-time equivalent).
• The program code is 5683.
• The AQF level is 8.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for entry, students must have:

• A bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline, or
• Completed post-secondary studies and 3 years full-time equivalent relevant work experience, or
• Completed 5 years full-time equivalent relevant work experience. Applications based on post-secondary study and/or work experience will be individually assessed. Students must have a grade point average (GPA) of 4.5 on a 7-point scale in their previous qualification.

Relevant Disciplines

Relevant disciplines include:

• Engineering
• Science
• Environmental management
• Economics
• Commerce
• Business
• Public policy
• International development
• Information technology
• Energy
• Law
• Architecture/design

Relevant Work Experience

Relevant work experience includes work in an engineering, science, environmental management, economics, commerce, business, public policy, international development, information technology, energy, law, or architecture/design related field. This will need to be supported with evidence.

Fees and Scholarships

• The indicative annual fee for domestic students is $9,540 (2026).
• The indicative annual fee for international students is AUD $58,056 (2026).
• Scholarships are available, including the Aquatec Maxcon Scholarship, Edwin Munro Scholarship in Agricultural Science, and Roslyn Griffiths Veterinary Science Bursary.

How to Apply

• All international applications should be submitted to UQ.
• The program code for the Graduate Diploma in Sustainable Energy is 5683.
• The closing date for this program is May 30 of the year of commencement.
• To commence study in semester 1, the closing date is November 30 of the previous year.

Career Possibilities

Postgraduate study can lead to various careers, including:

• Sustainable energy engineer
• Solar energy technician
• Energy project manager
• Wind energy solutions manager
• Energy and sustainability professional
• Sustainability officer
• Clean energy policy officer
• Energy analyst
• Renewable energy manager
• Sustainability engagement manager

Program Highlights

• Learn from leaders in energy research who share your desire for a more sustainable, cleaner energy future.
• Enjoy the flexibility to complete each course, whenever and wherever you choose.
• Gain the critical knowledge and in-demand skills to stand out in your field.
• Benefit from a program validated by top-tier companies to ensure your competitive advantage for career success.

What You'll Study

At UQ, degrees are called 'programs' and subjects are called 'courses'. Some of the courses you could study in this program include:

• Sustainable Energy Technologies and Supply Systems
• Energy and Development
• Energy Transitions in Industrial Processes
• Energy Investment and Finance
• Net Zero Pathways for Business
• Energy Strategy, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship
• Energy Efficiency and Transport
• Energy Markets, Law and Policy

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.
• OET is not accepted.

Inherent Requirements

To complete this degree, you have to meet its inherent requirements by demonstrating essential skills and attributes. Read the inherent requirements before you apply.

Student Visas

International students who are accepted into full-time study in the Graduate Diploma in Sustainable Energy are eligible to apply for an Australian student visa (subclass 500). There are a number of requirements you must satisfy before a visa is granted, including the Genuine Student (GS) requirement.