Graduate Diploma of Business Administration

This Graduate Diploma of Business Administration is a postgraduate qualification for people who want a solid grounding in how organisations run without committing to a full MBA. It's taught at the Australian College of Applied Professions (ACAP University College) and runs for 1.5 years. You'll study core business areas such as management, marketing, finance, organisational behaviour and strategy, and you'll also get the chance to apply what you learn through projects or case studies drawn from real organisations. The course sits at the graduate diploma level on the Australian Qualifications Framework, so it's a shorter, more focused qualification than a master's degree.

The course is structured around units of study, each worth a set number of credit points. At ACAP, the academic year is typically split into trimesters, which means you can start at more than one point in the year and move through the course at a pace that suits you. The exact number of units, credit points and any elective choices are set out on the official course page and the CRICOS register, so check those before you apply. If you decide to continue on to a master's degree later, you may be able to use some of the credit you've already earned, but that depends on the receiving institution's rules.

You'll come out of the course with practical skills in planning, budgeting, leading teams, analysing business problems and communicating with stakeholders. The teaching leans on discussion, group work and written assignments rather than pure exams, so you'll spend a lot of time working through real business scenarios. Some units may include a work-integrated learning component, such as a placement or industry project, which gives you local experience and contacts. That kind of experience is valued by Australian employers and can help if you're looking to stay and work after you finish.

This qualification suits people who have a bachelor's degree in any field and want to move into management, or who are already working and want a formal business credential without the time and cost of a full MBA. It also works for career changers who need to build business knowledge quickly. If you're an international student, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while you study, and after you graduate you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream. English requirements for entry are typically IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall, with equivalents accepted. Confirm all details, including fees and intake dates, on the official course page or the CRICOS register.

• Business manager, roles in retail, hospitality, professional services and not-for-profit organisations, overseeing teams and day-to-day operations.
• Project officer or coordinator, supporting projects in construction, IT, government or community services.
• Marketing or sales coordinator, working in agencies, corporate marketing teams or small businesses.
• Human resources officer, handling recruitment, onboarding and employee relations in medium to large organisations.
• Operations analyst, improving processes and efficiency in logistics, manufacturing or service industries.
• Small business owner or manager, running your own enterprise or a family business.
• Management consultant (junior), assisting on projects for consulting firms serving Australian clients.
• Government administration officer, roles in local, state or federal agencies, including policy support and program delivery.