Diploma of Business
Overview
Meet workplace challenges with assurance by studying Swinburne’s Diploma of Business. Develop a solid set of digital and business skills that stand up in a rapidly changing environment. You’ll learn financial and project management, online marketing, teamwork and effective leadership. Explore platforms (such as Teams, Trello and Miro) that maximise the strengths of teamwork and productivity. Graduate with confidence.
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
Apply ATAR-free and secure your future
The best move you’ll make in Year 12 is not leaving your future to chance. Apply for Swinburne’s Early Entry Program now and you could secure an offer before exams – no ATAR required.
Skills you’ll learn
- Decision making
- Project management
- Communication
- Time management
- Problem solving
- Ethical conduct
Your career opportunities
- Business Analyst
- Entrepreneur
- Sustainability Manager
- Consultant
- Financial Manager
- Business Development Manager
Key codes
International student visa
International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.
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Nicholas' story
Diploma of Business | Business
Despite challenges in his early life, Nicholas progresses to a career in banking and finance with support from Swinburne.
Admissions
Applicants require a minimum of Year 12 completion or equivalent.
Applicants without formal qualifications but with significant relevant work experience are welcome to apply.
Admission requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.
This will be assessed at the time of your application. To check your eligibility for this course, visit our entry requirements for international students page.
Course prerequisites
Language, literacy and numeracy
Applicants are required to complete a language, literacy and numeracy skills assessment as part of the application process. This will assist in determining course suitability and identifying whether additional support may be required.
The approved online skills assessment tool used to determine language, literacy and numeracy skills within the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) is Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB).
The levels required for this course are:
- Language and literacy: 3 (Working level 3)
- Numeracy: 3 (Working level 3)
Digital Literacy
Digital capability means being confident and skilled in using technology for learning, communication , and everyday tasks. It’s about knowing how to find information online, use digital tools safely, and create content responsibly. Having strong digital skills helps you study effectively and prepare for the future. Digital Literacy required for this course is Foundation Digital Literacy.
Foundation Digital Literacy
Applicants should have Foundation Digital Literacy and be able to:
- Use basic digital devices, applications and online services with guidance
- Follow clear instructions to complete routine digital tasks
- Access, view and save information using simple tools
- Communicate using basic digital platforms (e.g. email, messaging)
- Apply basic online safety practices, including password use and privacy awareness
- Seek help or support when encountering common technical issues
Other requirements
This course requires the use of some software from Microsoft 365 and Adobe. Swinburne allow students to acces this software through the Swinburne system at no cost.
English language requirements
Satisfactory completion of one of the following:
- IELTS overall band of 6.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 65%, all skills 65% or above
- or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.
Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?
A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.
Credit transfer
Credit transfer is a formal recognition process that allows students to receive credit for units of competency achieved through previous accredited study at another registered training organisation (RTO).
The number of credits granted will vary and is based on the:
- unit/s that have been successfully completed
- unit currency and status
- qualification requirements
- relevance to the qualification
- Swinburne policy
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process of transferring the skills and knowledge that you have acquired over your lifetime (irrespective of how they were obtained) against the requirements of the unit.
RPL is an assessment process that requires you to provide evidence that demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the unit/s. The amount and types of evidence you will need to provide will depend on the unit requirements.
Finding your fit
At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.
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Diploma of Library and Information Services
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Diploma of Sport / Diploma of Leadership and Management
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Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping
Course structure
To graduate from this course, students are required to complete 12 units: five core unit plus seven electives. Students are expected to attend classes and be involve in all classroom activities.
Delivery model
Full-time standard delivery is on campus delivered over two semesters.
Learning approach
Learn through practical projects, business scenarios and collaborative activities.
Study areas
Topics include business planning, marketing, communication, finance and project management.
Course structure
Complete 12 units, with six units delivered in each semester.
Prerequisites
There are no formal prerequisite units for this course.
Your units
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Manage budgets and financial plans
Core unit |
BSBFIN501 |
|
Lead communication in the workplace
Core unit |
BSBXCM501 |
|
Develop critical thinking in others
Core unit |
BSBCRT511 |
|
Manage business resources
Core unit |
BSBOPS501 |
|
Develop workplace policies and procedures for sustainability
Core unit |
BSBSUS511 |
| Elective units | |
|
Manage organisational finances
Elective unit |
BSBFIN601 |
|
Articulate, present and debate ideas
Elective unit |
BSBCRT412 |
|
Identify and evaluate marketing opportunities
Elective unit |
BSBMKG541 |
|
Lead the development of business opportunities
Elective unit |
SIRXMGT005 |
|
Undertake project work
Elective unit |
BSBPMG430 |
|
Develop and implement business plans
Elective unit |
BSBOPS601 |
|
Develop and implement an e-commerce strategy
Elective unit |
BSBTEC501 |
Study requirements
Timetable
- Classes run three days a week, Monday to Friday between 8:30am and 5:30pm, with approximately 12-15 hours of on-campus attendance per week.
- Scheduled days depend on group allocation, with semester and term breaks included in the timetable.
- Students must access online resources and attend on-campus classes to consolidate learning.
- Students are expected to engage in approximately 20-40 hours of self-managed study outside of scheduled classes.
Assessment
- Assessments occur throughout the course.
- Students must demonstrate required skills and knowledge by satisfactorily completing assessments at different points in the course.
2026 fees
Full fee* ($AUD)
$11,080
Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)
N/A
2026 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$0.00
Fees are estimates only
Fees published on this page are estimates only and are subject to change depending on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. The above fees apply for units studied in 2026 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.
Fees are estimates only
The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
Skills first government-subsidised place
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. To qualify for a government-subsidised place, you must meet various eligibility criteria. The course you’ve applied for must also be offering government-subsidised places. Swinburne will determine your eligibility by conducting a full assessment of your eligibility during the course application process.
How do I pay my fees?
You can pay your Swinburne fees in person, via credit card, BPAY, or at Australia Post. Check to see if loans and employer sponsored training are also available.
International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.
To pay your fees:
- log in to My Finances
- check your Australian bank account details are correct
- check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
- pay using your preferred payment method.
Eligibility for VET student loans (VSL)
If you apply for a VET Student Loan, Swinburne must first verify your identity. If you are eligible, we will provide your enrolment information to the government so you can complete the application within their eCAF system.
The VET Student Loan amount for this course is capped. You must start repaying this loan once you earn above the compulsory repayment threshold.
VET Student Loan amount* ($AUD)
$12,557
Concessions rates for vocational students
Concession rates for Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs are also available if you self-identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and qualify for a government-subsidised training place under the Indigenous Completions Initiative.
The eligibility criteria are set by the Victorian Government and assessed by Swinburne in accordance with government directives, which are subject to change at any time.
Student services and amenities fee
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
From 1 January 2024, all courses at the Diploma level and higher will contribute to the Student Services and Amenities fee.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown is the capped amount for 2026.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$373.00
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$373.00
Scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2026 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals.
Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.
When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 30 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.
Apply through an agent
Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.
Apply directly
Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.
Apply through VTAC
International students currently studying Year 12 in Australia must apply through VTAC. VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.
VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.
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This course has been invaluable for me, it has boosted my confidence, helped me reassess my career, set goals for myself, and given me insights into the kind of skills employers are looking for now.
Skender , Diploma of Business
