Graduate Diploma in Science – University of Melbourne

Graduate Diploma Science Full Time

Graduate Diploma in Science

at University of Melbourne · Melbourne, Victoria

CRICOS course code

085609G

CRICOS provider code

00116K

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

1.5 years

Tuition (whole course)

A$47,874 total

Per year

A$31,916/yr

Intake

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

About this program

The Graduate Diploma in Science at the University of Melbourne is designed for graduates seeking to broaden or deepen their understanding of the sciences. This programme provides students with the flexibility to select areas of study from a broad spectrum of scientific disciplines, such as biological sciences, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and earth sciences. Its structure comprises a series of core and elective units of study, allowing for both foundational learning and specialisation in chosen scientific fields.

This graduate diploma is structured to be completed over 1.5 years of full-time study, with students undertaking a set number of units to accumulate the required credit points. Each unit is designed to provide a thorough grounding in scientific theory, research methodologies, and practical laboratory or fieldwork skills where relevant. Some streams may also include a capstone project or research enquiry, helping students integrate their learning and apply scientific reasoning to real-world problems.

Graduates gain advanced skills in critical analysis, data interpretation, scientific communication, and problem-solving, highly valued in a range of scientific and technical careers across Australia. The programme is suitable for those aiming to transition into a science-related industry, upskill for career progression, or lay the foundation for future study at the master's level. The University of Melbourne's connections with research institutes, industry partners, and government agencies ensure students are exposed to current developments in the Australian scientific landscape.

International students benefit from work rights of 48 hours per fortnight while studying, and may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-completion. Entry requires meeting English language proficiency standards; various test results such as IELTS, TOEFL iBT, and PTE Academic are accepted. For the latest information on units, credit requirements, and outcomes, prospective students should consult the university’s official page.

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

Laboratory technician in government or private research facilities
Science communicator or technical writer
Research assistant in universities or research organisations
Technical support roles in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or environmental industries
Quality assurance officer in manufacturing or food technology sectors
Pathway to further research or postgraduate study in science

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Graduate Diploma in Science at University of Melbourne?

It typically takes 1.5 years, with intakes in Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul).

How much is the tuition?

Tuition is around A$47,874 total. Fees change yearly, confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Laboratory technician in government or private research facilitiesScience communicator or technical writerResearch assistant in universities or research organisationsTechnical support roles in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or environmental industriesQuality assurance officer in...

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