Graduate Certificate in Business Administration
Course overview
Step confidently into your next leadership chapter
The Graduate Certificate in Business Administration at QUT Online offers a clear path to deepen your leadership capability and earn a globally respected qualification. Study at a leading business school ranked in the global top 1%. We’re Australia’s first business school to achieve triple international accreditation – a distinction earned by fewer than 1% of business schools worldwide. Whether you’re ready to step into new responsibilities or seeking to formalise your experience with a recognised postgraduate credential, this course is designed to help you think strategically, lead with clarity, and solve complex problems with creativity and purpose.
Build practical leadership skills, sharpen your strategic thinking, and shape your future — all through a flexible, fully online experience that fits around your life and career.
Graduates gain real-world practical insights into today’s technologically driven business landscape, helping to unlock new opportunities for both personal and career growth. Whether you’re preparing to lead teams, manage change, or formalise your business expertise, this program offers a future-focused pathway into senior roles.
This graduate certificate forms one-third of the QUT Master of Business Administration (MBA). Students who successfully complete this course with a minimum grade point average of 4.5 (on a 7-point scale) have the option of articulating into the MBA Program.
Gain insight into the QUT Online MBA with Professor Sarah Kelly
6 months full-time or 1 year part-time equivalent
Duration
Why this course
The Graduate Certificate in Business Administration is your pathway into postgraduate study and the first step toward an MBA. Designed for working professionals, this flexible online course delivers the perfect blend of academic insight and real-world application. Build the leadership skills that matter most: strategic thinking, people management, decision-making, and innovation, without pressing pause on your career. Whether you’re looking to grow in your current role or explore a new direction, this program equips you with the tools, perspective, and confidence to lead in a rapidly changing world.
Flexible study
Part-time or full-time study available to suit your study needs
Rankings
We are ranked in the top 50 universities in the world for employer–student connections
Study on your time
Available to you anywhere at any time
Course units
tudents must complete a total of 48 credit points (4 units)
12 credit points
12 credit points
12 credit points
12 credit points
Entry requirements
You can gain entry into the Graduate Certificate of Business Administration online via the following pathways:
6-month program
You can gain entry into the Graduate Certificate of Business Administration online via the following pathways:
- A recognised bachelor degree in any field with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 4.50 (on QUT's 7-point scale) and a minimum three years full-time post degree work experience with minimum of two years relevant professional work experience and one year minimum supervisory/management experience
or
- a recognised postgraduate degree in any field with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 4.50 (on QUT's 7-point scale) and a minimum three years full-time post degree work experience with a minimum of two years relevant professional work experience and one year minimum supervisory/management experience
or
- a minimum of five years work experience with a minimum four years relevant professional work experience and one year minimum supervisory/management experience).
*Relevant work experience indicates an applicants’ capacity to contribute to workshop discussions and the wider student body. To enable us to assess your work experience, a current curriculum vitae providing details of your roles, responsibilities and achievements is required.
Additional entry requirements:
You must submit responses to the following mandatory reflective questions:
- Motivation to complete the QUT MBA
- Intended contribution to the cohort
- Work/life/study balance strategy
- Current leadership philosophy
- You may also be required to: attend an interview with the MBA Director or nominee.
Pathway to masters
Students who successfully complete this course with a minimum grade point average of 4.5 (on a 7-point scale) have the option of articulating into the MBA program.
Course outcomes
Graduates of this course are well-equipped, innovative leaders, capable of managing teams and complex projects. With enhanced communication and leadership skills, you can critically engage with stakeholders and drive positive change in the business. This expertise allows you to take on supervisory and management roles across a range of industries.
Skills and tools in this course
- Demonstrate and apply integrated theoretical and practical knowledge
- Develop excellent communication through precise language, structured expression, and strategic enhancement
- Develop self-directed leadership capabilities grounded in accountability, ethical judgment, and reflective practice
- Gain insight into ethical, legal and responsible business principles
- Apply core business principles effectively across diverse social, cultural, and organisational contexts
- Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills through principled negotiation, persuasive communication, and constructive collaboration
Potential career opportunities
Account executive
Account executives are dynamic sales professionals who foster client relationships and drive business across industries like advertising, tech, real estate and travel.
-
Average Salary
$100,000
-
Industry Job Satisfaction of
3.5/5
-
Industry Growth
+11.4%
Projected job growth in next 5 years
, 2025
Business development manager
Drive business growth by identifying untapped markets, partnerships and developing new strategies to penetrate existing markets.
-
Average Salary
$110,000
-
Industry Job Satisfaction of
4/5
-
Industry Growth
+4.4%
Projected job growth in next 5 years
, 2025
Project manager
Manage complex projects from inception to completion to achieve project-related goals that meet predefined success criteria. Coordinate all the many moving parts that make a project successful, from ideation through to completion.
-
Average Salary
$140,000
-
Industry Job Satisfaction of
4/5
-
Industry Growth
+9.3%
Projected job growth in next 5 years
, 2025
Business consultant
Hone your analytical skills to identify and strategise the execution of improvements to business models.
-
Average Salary
$110,000
-
Industry Job Satisfaction of
4/5
-
Industry Growth
+32.2%
Projected job growth in next 5 years
, 2025
How online study works
Learn in your own way
Experience the unwavering support of our university as you embark on your online learning journey.
- Flexible and supportive options for your lifestyle
- The easy application and enrolment process
- Alignment with career aspirations
Ready to apply?
Apply online by filling out an application form, or speak to a course consultant on 1300 104 196.
Study on-campus
Are you interested in studying for a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration on campus? Please see our on-campus course page HERE
Frequently asked questions
Yes, students who complete the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration with a GPA of 4.5 (or higher) can gain admission in the MBA and receive credit for units completed.
Applicants without a prior degree may be eligible for entry into the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration. Students who successfully complete the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration with a GPA of 4.5 (or higher) are eligible to articulate into the MBA with advanced standing for units completed.
A bachelor degree in Business is not required. Students can gain admission with a bachelor degree in any study area and three years (full-time) work experience in a management-related field.
No – this course is completely taught online.
QUT has many dedicated services that are specifically designed for the online cohort. These can be found here: https://online.qut.edu.au/student-support/
Got a question?
Contact us on our enquiry form
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If you’re not ready to apply or want to know more before you submit your application, you can request more information by calling us on 1300 104 196 or by completing our enquiry form.
Ready to apply?
Apply online by filling out our application form or speak to a Course Consultant on 1300 104 196.
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