Don’t just level up. Lead the way.
Please use plan code GC215OX in the application system for this degree.
Next intake
May
Applications close for next intake
27 April
Future intakes
Gain skills that can be specifically applied in future-orientated organisations with a strong technology, digital and innovation focus.
Learn from leading research academics who specialise in all areas of the business landscape, including sustainability, technology and innovation.
Develop the ability to apply leadership skills in varied organisational contexts. Equipping you to thrive in any industry impacted by technological advancement and innovation.
In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, effective leadership is more critical than ever. The Graduate Certificate in Leadership is designed to equip you with the skills, strategies, and mindset needed to navigate complex organisational challenges, inspire teams, and drive meaningful change.
Through subjects focused on organisational behaviour, personal branding, digital entrepreneurship, and leadership in the age of disruption, you'll gain insights into what makes great leaders thrive in diverse environments. You'll explore the impact of innovation and technology on leadership, develop strategies to tackle real-world challenges, and build essential skills such as decision-making, communication, and team-building.
Ideal for professionals looking to step into leadership roles or enhance their current expertise, this course connects you with a global network of industry experts, academics, and like-minded peers. By the time you complete the course, you'll be prepared to lead with agility, harness opportunities in the digital era, and make a lasting impact in your organisation and beyond.
By the end of the Graduate Certificate in Leadership, you'll be able to:
As a graduate, you'll have the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a variety of leadership roles, and the opportunities available to you will continue to grow. Some examples of the roles you will be ready to step into include:
Develop skills that have been validated by industry, while getting credentialed by a world-leading university.
You'll gain knowledge and practical skills from renowned industry partners who are at the forefront of their field.
Advance your career while you study. RMIT Online courses let you balance work, study and life commitments.
Be guided by a network of industry experts and peers, and supported by our dedicated success team.
Gain the skills to lead with confidence, drive innovation, and navigate organisational challenges. Explore leadership strategies, digital entrepreneurship, and personal branding, equipping you to inspire teams and create lasting impact.
Select view plan below to find out more about your course structure and the subjects you will study.
To be eligible for the Graduate Certificate in Leadership, you must have:
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 full curriculum vitae (CV).
You must meet the University’s minimum English language requirements for postgraduate coursework programs to be eligible for a place in this program.
Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Leadership, you may pursue further study through a pathway to RMIT's Online Master of Business Administration (MBA) or credit into the Master of Human Resource Management (MHRM).
If you choose to continue studying towards RMIT's Online MBA, you can specialise or select individual courses based on your career goals and aspirations with 6 future-focused and on-trend specialisations.
Completion of an additional 8–12 courses at a master degree level affords you both graduate certificate and master's qualifications.
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 Leadership, you must have:
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 full curriculum vitae (CV).
International students are required to provide current evidence of English language proficiency for admission to RMIT University.
For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.
RMIT's Online Graduate Certificate in Leadership does not meet Australian Student Visa requirements. For an Australian student visa, you must have an on-campus place in a program of study.
Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Leadership, you may pursue further study through a pathway to RMIT's Online Master of Business Administration (MBA) or credit into the Master of Human Resource Management (MHRM).
If you choose to continue studying towards RMIT's Online MBA, you can specialise or select individual courses based on your career goals and aspirations with 6 future-focused and on-trend specialisations.
Completion of an additional 8–12 courses at a master degree level affords you both graduate certificate and master's qualifications.
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.
In 2026, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for the standard year of full-time study in the Graduate Certificate in Leadership is:
^Fees apply to 2026 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.
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 2026 is AU$373.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In 2026, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for the standard year of full-time study in the Graduate Certificate in Leadership is:
^Fees typically increase each year and may change without notice. Total fees are estimates and should only be used as a guide.
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 2026 is AU$373.
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.
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.
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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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