Online Graduate Certificate in Business Administration

Online Graduate Certificate in Business Administration

POSTGRADUATE

Develop the skill set and mindset that businesses demand.

Student type:
Learning mode:
Entry score:

See admissions*

Duration:
8 months intensive part-time
Next intake:
7 July 2025
Location:
Online
Learning mode:
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
8 months intensive part-time
Next intake:
7 July 2025
Location:
Online

Please use the relevant plan code in the application system for this degree:

  • For July intake, use plan code GC047KP19
  • For September intake, use plan code GC047OX
  • For October intake, use plan code GC047OX

Position yourself as a future-ready leader with a program that blends innovation, marketing expertise, and data insights to drive impactful business decisions.

RMIT Online logo on a blue background.

Next intake
7 July

Applications close for next intake
30 June

Future intakes

  • September
  • October

Program overview

Why study the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration online?

Strong employment outcomes for graduates

92.4% of postgraduate Business and Management graduates found employment (GOS 2021-2023).

Accelerated pathway to an MBA

Complete 4 foundational courses to fast-track your MBA journey, saving time and reaching your goals sooner.

Work-integrated learning with industry partners

Engage in real-world marketing and design challenges through research, stakeholder collaboration, and strategic problem-solving.

In today's fast-paced and digitally transforming business landscape, leaders need more than technical skills. They need the ability to think critically, adapt to uncertainty, and drive meaningful change. Our Graduate Certificate in Business Administration is designed to equip you with the strategic mindset and practical expertise needed to navigate complex business challenges with confidence.

Through an industry-relevant curriculum, you’ll explore concepts in design thinking, leadership, marketing, and financial analytics, empowering you to make data-driven decisions and develop innovative solutions.

This course goes beyond theory, offering real-world applications and hands-on learning experiences that will enhance your problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and leadership potential. Whether you're looking to advance your career, transition into a leadership role, or build a strong foundation for further studies, this certificate will give you the skills and insights to thrive in today’s dynamic business environment.

By the end of the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration, you'll be able to:

  • Critically evaluate and reflect on contemporary issues, theories and practice within complex, uncertain and digitally transformative business environments
  • Apply design thinking and analytics tools to develop innovative solutions to business problems for sustainable social, environmental and economic impact
  • Develop authentic and inclusive leadership capabilities and technology proficiency, with an awareness of legal, ethical, social, economic and environmental implications in an age of digital transformation within national and global business contexts
  • Demonstrate high level personal and interpersonal people skills, including, critical thinking, collaboration, self-awareness, argument formation, reflection, inclusion, consulting, and persuasive communication (oral and written), in a range of workforce contexts
  • Apply research principles and methods to complex business problems, and make reasoned judgments to inform transformative and sustainable business practices

Career outlook

Take a closer look at the opportunities available with a career in Business Administration.

Upon finishing the Online Graduate Certificate in Business Administration you’ll be equipped to thrive in a variety of roles including:

  • Digital marketing manager
  • Product management
  • HR Analytics manager
  • Sustainability consultant
  • Data analyst manager
  • Procurement manager
  • Transformation manager
  • Project director
  • Founder/entrepreneur
  • CEO
  • Business consultant
  • General manager

Why choose RMIT Online

Get a world-class education and transform your career.

Real world skills

Develop skills that have been validated by industry, while getting credentialed by a world-leading university.

Industry connected

You'll gain knowledge and practical skills from renowned industry partners who are at the forefront of their field.

Flexible delivery

Advance your career while you study. RMIT Online courses let you balance work, study and life commitments.

Supported community

Be guided by a network of industry experts and peers, and supported by our dedicated success team.

Course structure

The Graduate Certificate in Business Administration includes 2 work-integrated learning (WIL) subjects.

  • BUSM4742 Design Thinking for Business (12 credit points)
  • BUSM1534 Marketing for Managers (12 credit points)

In these WIL subjects, you will engage in activities that integrate theoretical learning with practical application in professional contexts and will engage you in meaningful and consequential learning activities.

These subjects involve you in interacting with organisations (industry, government and community) through discipline relevant projects and work placements. Subjects in the Graduate Certificate of Business Administration use guest lecturers from industry, government or the community and activities relating to industry as part of the learning experience.

Subjects in this degree

  • BUSM4742 Design Thinking for Business
  • BUSM1530 Leadership and Management
  • BUSM1534 Marketing for Managers
  • BUSM4154 Financial Analytics for Managerial Decisions

Individual subject details

Course overview

This is a foundation course within the MBA program. In this course you will be introduced to design thinking and you will be asked to apply design thinking as entry level managers to authentic business scenarios. We operationalise the concept of design thinking and examine how the tools of business design can be employed across the disciplines and functions covered in this program.

Learning outcomes

  • Examine and discuss design thinking, exploring its manifestations and implications within organisational contexts.
  • Differentiate between contemporary methods, emphasising their role in fostering teamwork to identify opportunities and solve problems collaboratively and creatively.
  • Create and communicate end-user-driven solutions to business problems or opportunities, employing design thinking principles and encouraging diversity and team creativity throughout the process.
  • Demonstrate creative, critical and ethical thinking by collaboratively developing and recommending solutions to business problems and opportunities that benefit relevant stakeholders.
  • Evaluate potential outcomes of design thinking in view of better creative problem solving, decision making, implementation and sustainability of solutions.

Course overview

This course aims to develop understandings and skills adequate to the complexities of being a managerial leader. The course covers leadership and management from early theories to contemporary perspectives. The course provides you with a conceptually rich framework for designing managerial leadership effectiveness within organizational contexts. The course aims to enable you to think creatively about the capabilities required of professional managerial leaders, with an emphasis on self-development related to becoming workplace ready.

Learning outcomes

  • Recognise the appropriateness of different types of leadership styles in a range of organisational settings.
  • Accurately assess your personal strengths and areas of challenge and effectively self-manage these towards improved practice.
  • Explain how effective managerial leaders are able to diagnose and ethically improve the key areas of organisational functioning.
  • Motivate and influence others in ways that contribute to sustainable organisational performance.

Course overview

This course seeks to develop understanding of the marketing function, to observe current marketing practice and to examine key issues currently challenging the profession. The course stresses the relationship between the customer/client and the organisation as a producer or service provider.

Ethical or responsible marketing as a strategy for building trust is also identified. The primary course objective is to enable you to understand and utilise marketing tools, techniques and processes towards better organisational outcomes. This enables you to better manage the marketing issues. Theoretical concepts such as segmentation, targeting, positioning, among others are presented and applied in a series of cases and activities that reflect the use of these concepts in real practice. Marketing strategy is related to the environmental opportunities and constraints that must be addressed. A feature of this course is to consider the relevance of marketing practices in different organisational contexts.

Learning outcomes

  • Apply the key concepts and tools of marketing theory to enable the application of marketing functions in a professional context.
  • Implement the strategic marketing planning process to develop and manage marketing plan.
  • Utilise marketing research tools and methodologies to generate actionable insights and guide data-driven decision-making.
  • Present marketing ideas and concepts to a variety of stakeholders using effective communication skills.
  • Develop and evaluate your readiness and adaptability to engage effectively in global marketing contexts independently and in diverse team environments.

Course overview

In today's environment, business, finance and accounting professionals need to analyse an increasing volume of data in a meaningful way in order to make sustainable strategic decisions. Good decisions depend on accurate and well-presented information drawn from both domestic and international sources and more importantly the ability to synthesise and draw conclusions from that data. Financial Analytics for Managerial Decisions will develop your ability to interpret and analyse both internal and external financial information so that as a business leader you can make effective and sustainable decisions in a global context. To develop not only your technical expertise but also your interpersonal and problem solving skills, you will participate in teamwork and a business simulation.

Learning outcomes

  • Analyse, interpret and critically evaluate global financial information from a variety of sources in order to develop sustainable business proposals.
  • Create effective business reports, advice and tables tailored to specific business needs.
  • Show effective, appropriate and persuasive collaboration and communication skills in a range of contexts.
  • Select, communicate and advocate effective strategies using design thinking to address complex business problems and opportunities.
  • Apply ethical standards to the role and conduct of financial reporting.

Get more information about what you will learn in each of these courses.

Admissions requirements

To be eligible for the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration, you must have:

  • An Australian bachelor's degree (or equivalent), or higher-level qualification, in any discipline from a recognised tertiary institution* with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 1.0 (out of 4.0);
    OR
  • An Australian bachelor's degree or equivalent, or higher-level qualification, in any discipline from a recognised tertiary institution* and a GMAT overall minimum score of 550.

If you do not meet the above entry requirement for the Graduate Certificate you may be considered if you have a minimum of 5 years of full-time equivalent work experience. Applicants will be required to submit a curriculum vitae (CV).

*If your qualification was completed more than 10 years ago you will need to provide evidence of ongoing professional work and/or professional development in the same discipline as the program for which you are seeking entry.

You must meet the University’s minimum English language requirements for postgraduate coursework programs to be eligible for a place in this program.

The Graduate Certificate in Business Administration is a pathway to the Master of Business Administration (MBA).

Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration you can continue your studies in the MBA and receive 48 credit points worth of credit (equivalent to one semester of full-time study) for courses completed in the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration.

RMIT assesses each student’s prior learning and qualifications to grant credit so you can complete your online postgraduate degree sooner. Your application will be decided on a case-by-case basis. RMIT aims to grant as much credit as possible at the time of offer, so it’s important to provide as much evidence of prior study and work experience as possible with your application.

To be eligible for the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration, you must have:

  • An Australian bachelor's degree (or equivalent), or higher-level qualification, in any discipline from a recognised tertiary institution* with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 1.0 (out of 4.0);
    OR
  • An Australian bachelor's degree or equivalent, or higher-level qualification, in any discipline from a recognised tertiary institution* and a GMAT overall minimum score of 550.

If you do not meet the above entry requirement for the Graduate Certificate you may be considered if you have a minimum of 5 years of full-time equivalent work experience. Applicants will be required to submit a curriculum vitae (CV).

*If your qualification was completed more than 10 years ago you will need to provide evidence of ongoing professional work and/or professional development in the same discipline as the program for which you are seeking entry.

To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).

RMIT’s Online Graduate Certificate in Business Administration does not meet Australian Student Visa requirements. For an Australian student visa, you must have an on-campus place in a program of study.

The Graduate Certificate in Business Administration is a pathway to the Master of Business Administration (MBA).

Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration you can continue your studies in the MBA and receive 48 credit points worth of credit (equivalent to one semester of full-time study) for courses completed in the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration.

RMIT assesses each student’s prior learning and qualifications to grant credit so you can complete your online postgraduate degree sooner. Your application will be decided on a case-by-case basis. RMIT aims to grant as much credit as possible at the time of offer, so it’s important to provide as much evidence of prior study and work experience as possible with your application.

Fee summary

2025 indicative fees

In 2025, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for the standard year of full-time study in the Graduate Certificate in Digital Business Administration is:

  • AU$4,800 per course
  • Total AU$19,200^ for 4 courses

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$365 maximum fee for 2025
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

^Fees apply to 2025 only and are adjusted on an annual basis. Typically increase each year and may change without notice. Total fees are estimates and should only be used as a guide.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

For information on how to apply for a deferral, withdrawal or refund please see deferrals and withdrawals.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is AU$365.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks, and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program. Find out more about calculating your actual SSAF.

FEE-HELP loans

Some students may be eligible to apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme. FEE-HELP is for eligible full-fee paying students and allows you to defer payment of your tuition fees to the Australian Tax Office up to your HELP limit.

SA-HELP loans

You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.

How does a HELP loan work?

If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.

You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying.) 

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice. For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist. 

Visit our HELP loans page for lots of useful information about eligibility, how to apply and payment. You can apply for FEE-HELP once you have enrolled in a degree.

HELP loans are not available to international students.

2025 indicative fees

In 2025, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for the standard year of full-time study in the Graduate Certificate in Digital Business Administration is:

  • AU$4,800 per course
  • Total AU$19,200^ for 4 courses

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$365 maximum fee for 2025
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

^Fees typically increase each year and may change without notice. Total fees are estimates and should only be used as a guide.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

For information on how to apply for a deferral, withdrawal or refund please see deferrals and withdrawals.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is AU$365.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks, and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program. Find out more about calculating your actual SSAF.

Learn with industry experts

Program Manager – Joe Jiang

Professor Zhou (Joe) Jiang is Head of Department (Business Administration) at Graduate School of Business and Law, RMIT University, Australia. Professor Jiang is a researcher ranked in the top 2% of scientists globally by Stanford University (single year impact: 2021, 2022, and 2023). He was a recipient of the ANZAM Early Career Researcher Award (2016), which is to foster and recognise the research and scholarly achievements of emerging researchers who are at an early stage in an academic career. He also received Best Paper Awards from the US Southern Management Association (Careers/Social Issues/Diversity Issues/Ethics Track) (2022) and the ANZAM Gender, Diversity, and Indigeneity Stream (2015) for a paper focused on LGB individuals’ work-related wellbeing.

Student success team, RMIT Online

Our student success team are here to help you with 1:1 coaching, tips on how to successfully study online, and any questions or concerns you may have.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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