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What Is a Graduate Certificate? And How Can It Level-Up Your Career?
Kristen Michaelides
Why study for a graduate certificate? Because when you’re passionate about your work, chances are you want to keep growing, both professionally and personally. A graduate certificate can help you upskill quickly without the fluff.
What is a graduate certificate?
A graduate certificate in Australia is a specialised qualification that usually takes one semester of full-time study or one year of part-time study. Think of it as a fast-tracked, practical qualification that focuses on one specialisation’s skills, designed to help you reach your career goals faster.
If you’re looking to get better at your work or put yourself forward for a promotion, a graduate certificate makes sense. It develops critical industry skills while not as costly or time-consuming as a graduate diploma or a master’s degree.
What is a graduate certificate equivalent to?
As a level-8 postgraduate qualification on the Australian Qualifications Framework, a graduate certificate sits just under an Honours year (for a Bachelor’s Degree) or a Graduate Diploma.
Graduate certificate vs. bachelor's degree
A bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate university qualification, usually taking three to four years of full-time study to complete. It provides students with a strong foundation of knowledge on a broad discipline of studies such as Science, the Arts or Business. At AQF level 8, a graduate certificate sits above a bachelor’s degree.
Entry requirements
You don’t necessarily need a bachelor’s degree to embark on a graduate certificate. Anyone who has completed a certificate IV or equivalent in their chosen field meets the entry requirements of most graduate certificate courses. To complete a graduate certificate or a “level 8” qualification, you should have advanced knowledge and skill within your chosen profession or field. Most people who have worked in their profession will meet this criterion.
A stepping stone to a masters degree
Successfully completing a graduate certificate can be a stepping stone toward into academic journey and fully-fledged postgraduate studies. It can be used as a bridging qualification, allowing you access to a more advanced course, like a master’s program. However, not all masters degrees have a graduate certificate entry pathway. So for those hoping to jump feet first into the land of postgraduate studies, make sure you do your research.
Is a graduate certificate worth it?
Levelling up in your career can sometimes feel like a slog. And maybe you know further study is the way to go, but navigating all the options gets confusing. How and where should you upskill? Do you need to spend years completing a masters?
Not necessarily. The graduate certificate is a super-targeted and well-regarded qualification. It’s a great alternative to a full-time postgraduate degree that can take years to complete, and you won’t need a bachelor’s degree to get started.
Here’s why a graduate certificate could be the perfect choice for you:
Relevancy-led coursework
A graduate certificate is a highly specialised qualification. It aims to develop advanced specialist knowledge and skills within your chosen field so you can move forward in your career. As the graduate certificate is only six months long, the coursework and learning outcomes are relevant and practical.
More autonomy over your studies
A graduate certificate’s shorter, more specialised nature means you have more control over what you learn than longer postgraduate courses. The certificate focuses more on practical application than theoretical knowledge, leaving less room for irrelevant, core units to take up your time.
Enables career progression
Choosing to complete a graduate certificate shows your employers (and yourself) that you have a passion for your work. It shows your drive to upskill and can open the door to forward progression in your industry.
Takes less time and money
Graduate certificates are only one full-time semester long. Most RTOs offer part-time study options and online or blended study methods. Not only are graduate certificates more flexible than their longer postgraduate counterparts, but they also have lower tuition fees. Rather than pay for two-three years of full-time study, you only need to pay for one semester, and FEE-HELP loan schemes are also available.
Popular industries for graduate certificates
Many people choose to complete a graduate certificate to prepare for a new leadership position. By honing in on specific skill sets within your field of choice, you demonstrate the initiative, passion and knowledge required of leaders in any sector.
Some industries that particularly encourage specialised upskilling via graduate certificates include:
Business
A Graduate Certificate in Management is perfect for managers looking for targeted professional development.
Graduate certificates are also popular in areas like project management, business administration and digital marketing leadership.
IT
The Graduate Certificate in Data & Cyber Management is an Australian Defence Force Approved Program, designed for leaders who need to manage technical experts and stakeholders. Graduate certificates are also popular in areas like data science, business analytics, and cyber security.
Health
Graduate certificates are popular in areas like mental health nursing, nursing, and counselling.
Hospitality
In the hospitality industry, graduate certificates are great for upskilling in areas like hospitality leadership, hospitality management and hospitality decision-making.
If it’s time to take the next step in your career, but you need a leg-up with some focused, effective upskilling, it’s time to enrol in a graduate certificate.
Browse Graduate Certificate Results
Certificate III in Non-Emergency Patient Transport (VIC Only) HLT31120
Our Promise We are confident in the delivery of our training. On successful completion of the course, graduates will be guaranteed a telephone interview for vacant Patient Transport Officer positions in the Non-Emergency Patient Transport division. So...
Certificate IV in Business (WA Only) BSB40120
The BSB40120 Certificate IV in Business is designed for individuals looking to build strong foundational skills in business operations while preparing for leadership, administrative, or team coordination roles. Delivered through scheduled virtual class...
Certificate IV in Information Technology Cyber Security Focus
Defend the Digital World - Build Your Career in Cyber Security Cyber threats are evolving - so should your skills. The ICT40120 Certificate IV in Information Technology Cyber Security Focus provides the practical knowledge and hands-on experience...
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Diploma of Community Services (Perth Only) CHC52021
The Diploma of Community Services qualification reflects the roles of community services, case management and social housing workers involved in the managing, co-ordinating and/or delivering of person-centred services to individuals, groups and communi...
Certificate IV in Business (Perth Only) BSB40120
This qualification is suited to those working as administrators and project officers. In this role, individuals use well-developed skills and a broad knowledge base to apply solutions to a defined range of unpredictable problems and analyse information...
Certificate III in Process Manufacturing (Perth Only) MSM30116
The Certificate III in Process Manufacturing is designed for those working or looking to work in production, warehousing, or factory roles. This hands-on course equips you with the practical skills needed to operate machinery, follow safety procedures,...
Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance (Perth Only) HLT33021
Are you interested in entering the health services industry? This nationally recognised qualification will allow you to enter into one of the most rewarding and enjoyable careers! When studying this course, you will gain knowledge in a range of fields...
Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability) (VIC Only) CHC33021
Our nationally recognised CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability) is the perfect qualification for people who have a passion for supporting the elderly, or those with a disability, to reach their full potential. Start a c...
Certificate IV in Ageing Support (VIC Only) CHC43015
This qualification reflects the role of support workers who complete specialised tasks and functions in aged services; either in residential, home or community based environments. Workers will take responsibility for their own outputs within defined or...
Mental Health Certificate BPS216
Understand more about common mental health conditions and how to manage these conditions. This course helps you to understand the signs, symptoms and possible treatments of adult mental health problems. For the sufferer, managing mental health is far e...
Certificate IV in Interior Decoration MSF40122
The Certificate IV in Interior Decoration provides a comprehensive foundation for those looking to begin their journey in interior design. This course covers essential aspects of interior decoration, including space planning, colour theory, design prin...
Medical Reception Certificate
Become a Certified Medical Receptionist in just ten weeks and Learn how Medicare works! Developed by health experts, this online course will teach you to use Microsoft Office to schedule appointments, keep records and manage the day-to-day running of m...
MYOB Advanced Certificate
Gain an advanced workforce-ready skillset in MYOB. It’s one of the most highly awarded MYOB courses that you could take. The Advanced Certificate in MYOB for accountancy, bookkeeping and administration roles is loaded with specially rated achievements....
Event Management Certificate
Become a certified event manager and launch your career. This course is perfect for those wanting to start their own events business or work in the industry. Special event planning can include many types of events, from conferences and sales meetings t...
Event Management & Wedding Planning Business Pathway
Event management is the perfect career choice for those capable at juggling multiple tasks, who can move at the speed of light and thrive under pressure! Special event planning can include many types of events, not just weddings, from conferences and s...
Dog Psychology, Behaviour & Training Certificate
Teaching all dogs new tricks. Here’s your chance to teach your dog good behaviour habits in the human and canine world. Our highly instructive online course will teach you all about canine psychology, their senses and behaviour, and you’ll learn how to...
Dog Grooming Business Pathway
Get your dog grooming business off to a flying start. If you’re looking to work for yourself, what could be better than a pathway that shows you the right way to go about it. With this course you’ll learn about the care requirements of dogs, and all ab...
Certificate in Business Administration
How to maximise your full potential. It’s just the tonic that your career needs. Our industry accredited online course will help you become a certified business administrator, increase your job prospects in Business Administration, enable you to upskil...
Certificate in Management Fundamentals MGTA1006
Fast track your career with a solid base of Management Fundamentals behind you. This online course is ideal for those who just started or looking to begin a career in management or any existing managers who wish to brush up on their foundation skills....
Certificate in Accounting
This is a course that ticks all the boxes. The Career Academy Certificate in Accounting will provide you with all the necessary skills to work in an accounting environment. There’s no prior experience needed to do the course. And once you finish, you’l...
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