What is a graduate certificate?

A graduate certificate comprises 4 units of postgraduate study with courses taking between 6 and 12 months to complete. Most graduate certificates form part of a nested suite of programs providing you with the opportunity for advanced study at graduate diploma and master degree level.

Graduate certificates are categorised as level 8 in the Australian Qualifications Framework with entry requiring a minimum of a 3 year bachelor degree, or at least 5 years of relevant industry experience.

How long does it take to complete a graduate certificate?

Most students complete their graduate certificate within 6 to 12 months.
 

What's the difference between a graduate certificate and a graduate diploma?

The difference between a graduate certificate and a graduate diploma is the number of units studied and completion time.

  • Graduate certificates take 4 units of study over 6 to 12 months.
  • A graduate diploma requires 8 units of study over 1 to 2 years.

Browse graduate certificate courses

Why study with Swinburne?

Rated #1 by our postgraduate students for teaching quality, skills development, and more

Our postgraduates are paid more than their peers nine years on from graduation

You’ll get experience while you study thanks to our Work Integrated Learning

Popular graduate certificate courses

Take the next step in your career

When you enrol in a Swinburne graduate certificate, you’ll experience a world-class, digitally-connected student experience – irrespective of your chosen field of study. 

You’ll graduate job-ready with industry-proven skills that are valued by employers.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, entry into a graduate certificate is possible if you have 5 years substantiated, relevant work experience. We recommend that you check the entry requirements for your chosen course before applying.

Yes. A graduate certificate is a good way to build an advanced skillset, create future job opportunities and demonstrate your motivation to progress your career by taking on more complex challenges and responsibilities in the workplace. 

Fees for graduate certificates vary based on the individual course. Fees can be found under Fees and Scholarships on each course page, or you can browse all indicative course fees.

Find a course to view indicative course fees

Yes. Swinburne offers a number of online graduate certificates spanning business, information technology, marketing, design, health science and creative industries.

Swinburne higher education offers two main start dates per year in February and July.

View Swinburne's major intakes

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