Graduate Diploma Development Studies Full Time

Graduate Diploma in International Development

at La Trobe University · Melbourne, Victoria

CRICOS course code

067404D

CRICOS provider code

00115M

This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. Verify it yourself at cricos.education.gov.au before paying any fee.

Duration

1 year

Tuition (whole course)

A$40,600 total

Per year

A$40,600/yr

Intake

Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul)

About this program

The Graduate Diploma in International Development at La Trobe University in Melbourne is designed to deepen your understanding of global development challenges and strategies for sustainable solutions. The course is structured across two semesters of full-time study, comprising a range of core and elective units that each carry a set number of credit points, allowing for flexible and tailored learning pathways. It covers key areas such as poverty alleviation, social policy, human rights, and the operation of development agencies, offering both theoretical frameworks and practical approaches.

Australian graduate diplomas like this are awarded at AQF Level 8 and usually take one year full-time, corresponding to around 120 credit points across multiple units of study. Assessment blends critical essays, research tasks, and applied projects, offering both academic rigour and real-world relevance. The curriculum may also include opportunities for work-integrated learning and fieldwork, preparing graduates for active involvement in Australian and international development environments.

Students gain advanced research, analytical, and project management skills, as well as cross-cultural competencies essential for development practice. The Graduate Diploma suits those seeking to enter the field of international development, professionals upgrading their credentials, or graduates from related disciplines aiming to pivot careers. It is well-matched for people interested in policy, humanitarian work, or the non-governmental sector in both Australian and global contexts.

La Trobe's strong research links and location in Melbourne—a hub for international NGOs and government agencies—offer valuable industry connections. International students on a Student visa may work up to 48 hours per fortnight and can be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream. For detailed admission and course requirements, check the official La Trobe and CRICOS websites.

Entry requirements

English: International applicants must evidence English proficiency. IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common undergraduate and coursework-postgraduate standard, rising to 7.0–7.5 for teaching, nursing, medicine, law and social work. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university’s own English programmes are accepted as equivalents; the Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself.

International students: Registered on CRICOS for international students. A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for this course supports a Student visa (subclass 500) application; Overseas Student Health Cover is required for the full duration.

Career outcomes

Project officer in international development organisations
Policy analyst for government departments and agencies
Program coordinator with non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
Community development worker in Australia and overseas
Researcher with academic or think-tank institutions
Roles in monitoring and evaluation within aid and international development sectors

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Graduate Diploma in International Development at La Trobe University?

It typically takes 1 year, with intakes in Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul).

How much is the tuition?

Tuition is around A$40,600 total. Fees change yearly — confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Project officer in international development organisationsPolicy analyst for government departments and agenciesProgram coordinator with non-governmental organisations (NGOs)Community development worker in Australia and overseasResearcher with academic or think-tank institutionsR...

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