Fees
Course information
View entry requirements, career options and what’s available to you, through our extensive student support network below.
Entry requirements
- Completion of an Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent) in any discipline; OR
- Applicants with a minimum five (5) years approved work experience will be considered for admission to this course.
Career options
Graduates will be continuously challenged to think critically and to develop useful insights about the concepts and principles of making better business decisions. Students will acquire advanced business skills they can apply to a range of government, private and non-profit organisations in Australia or overseas, in roles as diverse as:
- Accounting and finance
- Business analytics
- Economics
- Human resources
- Marketing
Student support
VU Online provides you with the support you need, when you need it, during your course. Our support network has a single focus on ensuring you are entirely supported to succeed in your studies.
Our highly experienced academics are responsive and accessible and understand how to deliver a quality online learning experience. You will also be introduced to your very own Student Success Advisor, who provides motivation and one-on-one personalised assistance with non-academic matters throughout your course.
You’ll experience the support of your community through chat, virtual seminars and discussion board activity. Remember, your support network is only a phone call and email away.
Fees and FEE-Help
A Graduate Certificate in Business from VU Online costs $3,115 - $4,155 per unit*, taking the total for 4 units to $13,500 - $16,620*.
This depends on the number of units you study and whether you are eligible for Advanced Standing, which is assessed after you submit your application.
Note that you may be eligible for the Australian Government’s loan scheme, FEE-HELP. The loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying students with the cost of a university program. It can be used for all or part of the tuition. To determine your eligibility, visit the FEE-HELP website.
*2026 student fees are shown and are subject to change.
For more information on fees and student support, download a brochure.
How online study works
Studying with VU Online means that you can undertake postgraduate study without having to attend on-campus classes. This makes it easy to fit study around existing commitments including work and family. You will be able to access your coursework, resources, assignment details and individual feedback from facilitators, all from your online learning environment, VU Collaborate.
Chat with fellow students, compare research notes and collaborate on group tasks – it’s all possible with our seamless, community-focused platform.
With VU Online, you will study just one unit at a time under the award-winning VU Block Model®. Learn about our postgraduate online Block Model with this YouTube video.
With VU Online, you can rest assured you will find support from our responsive academics and facilitators, as well as your dedicated Student Success Advisor throughout your study.
How to apply
VU online has simplified the application process, involving just three key steps.
- Speak to one of our Student Enrolment Advisors, who will help you determine your eligibility for the program and whether it suits your career goals. Our advisor will keep you informed of all the application requirements and what to expect during the process. They can also suggest flexible study plans for your circumstances.
- Begin your online application and submit the required documentation. This may include a copy of your CV and academic transcript.
- Upon completing your application, you will receive a confirmation email or an email letting you know if you need to provide any additional information.
What you'll study
Students will complete four units of their choice from the list below.
Business Administration units
- Marketing Management
- Business Ethics and Sustainability
- Managing Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- Strategic Management and Business Policy
- Business Analytics and Visualisation
Finance units
- Financial Analysis
- Accounting and Financial Management
- Corporate Finance
- Advanced Finance
Financial Planning units
- Principles of Financial and Investment Planning
- Superannuation and Retirement Wealth Planning
- Taxation Law of Australia
Change Management units
- Agile Project and Change Management
- Organisational Change Management
- Technological Change and Innovation
- Managing Change and Complexity
Human Resources units
- Strategic Human Resource Management
- Managing Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- Organisation Change Management
- Performance Management and Rewards
Leadership units
- Art and Practice of Leadership
- Business Consulting
Career options
Graduates of VU Online’s Graduate Certificate in Business Administration are well placed to make their next career move.
From taking the leap to a middle or senior management role to effectively running your own small business, a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration will give you an edge and help progress your business career to the next level.
Typical job titles:
- Account Executive
- Project Manager
- Systems Manager
- Financial Project Manager
- Marketing Manager
Frequently asked questions
Is a graduate certificate in business worth it?
A graduate certificate in business can be a worthwhile option for professionals looking to build core business knowledge quickly, strengthen their career prospects, or prepare for more advanced postgraduate study. These programs are designed to develop practical skills in areas such as management, strategy, communication, and decision-making, which are relevant across a wide range of industries. Completing a graduate certificate of business can help you gain confidence in business fundamentals, demonstrate commitment to professional development, and support career progression without the time commitment of a full master’s degree.
The Graduate Certificate in Business at Victoria University Online is designed for working professionals who want to develop essential business capability in a flexible format. Delivered fully online, it allows students to apply what they learn directly to their workplace while building a strong foundation for future postgraduate study if they choose to continue.
What is the difference between a graduate certificate and an MBA?
A graduate certificate and an MBA differ primarily in scope, depth, and time commitment. A graduate certificate is a shorter postgraduate qualification that focuses on foundational or targeted business knowledge, typically completed in a matter of months. It’s well suited to professionals seeking to upskill, transition into business-focused roles, or test postgraduate study before committing to a longer program. An MBA, by contrast, is a comprehensive master’s degree that explores advanced leadership, strategy, and organisational management in greater depth and usually requires a longer period of study.
The Graduate Certificate in Business at VU Online offers a practical entry point into postgraduate business education. It can stand alone as a recognised qualification or act as a pathway into further study, including an MBA, depending on your career goals.
What is a graduate certificate in business?
A graduate certificate in business is a postgraduate qualification that provides foundational knowledge across key business disciplines such as management, strategy, leadership, and organisational practice. It’s designed for professionals who may not have previously studied business or who want to formalise their experience with an academic credential. A graduate certificate business online format allows students to study flexibly while gaining skills that are immediately applicable in the workplace.
The Graduate Certificate in Business at Victoria University Online delivers this foundation through a fully online structure, enabling students to study one unit at a time while developing broad business capability. The course is suited to professionals from diverse backgrounds who want to strengthen their understanding of business and prepare for future leadership or postgraduate study opportunities.
Why study with VU Online?
Ranked among the world’s top two per cent of universities, VU Online is respected by employers and professionals alike.
We offer degrees that empower you to progress over time, putting your dream qualification in reach—regardless of educational background.
Known for industry-focused courses as well as high-calibre facilitators and academics, VU Online combines a track record in tertiary education that puts students first with a deep understanding of contemporary online learning.
Study with VU Online and you’ll be part of a vibrant, virtual community of like-minded peers, actively supported to achieve your professional goals.
