Graduate Certificate in Business Administration (Executive)

Graduate Certificate in Business Administration (Executive)

POSTGRADUATE

Strategic thinking and leadership skills are at the heart of this course.

Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable*

Duration:
Full-time 6 months
Other
Next intake:
February
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 6 months
Next intake:
February
Location:
Melbourne City
Online

Overview

Gain essential business leadership and strategic thinking skills to take your career to the next level.

The Graduate Certificate in Business Administration (Executive) leverages RMIT's international strengths in technology, design, and enterprise:

  • Designed for tomorrow’s leaders seeking to network, take control of their career, and lead sustainable organisations.
  • Infused with the best of RMIT — study leadership, ethics, cross-functional management, and strategy while developing design thinking, creativity, and analytical skills.
  • Graduates achieve both business and social impact, ready to make a difference across industries that matter.
  • The Executive Master of Business Administration (Executive MBA) degree pathway – the Executive MBA degree is accredited by the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) and meets the quality and content standards for their program accreditation framework, recognising quality programs.

Why study the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration (Executive) at RMIT?

Industry links

Connect with industry partners and strengthen your networks.

Graduate job-ready

Build a foundation for your career, or be prepared for further study.

Professional association

Gain eligibility to join the Institute of Managers and Leaders.

AACSB Accredited

RMIT's College of Business and Law is an accredited member of AACSB
International (AACSB) – the world’s largest business education alliance.

AACSB accreditation is a globally recognised standard of excellence for business
schools, with members in over 100 countries and territories. It signifies a
commitment to quality, continuous improvement and high-quality business
education.

RMIT Bursary

If you're an RMIT University alumnus commencing this degree from Semester 1, 2026, you may be eligible to receive a 10% reduction on your tuition fees. See fees for more details.

Details

Learning and teaching

In this graduate certificate, you will experience a variety of teaching and learning approaches.

Classes are held predominantly in intensive mode over weekends, and you will work collaboratively in small groups of like-minded students, in addition to independent study.  

Typical Graduate Certificate in Business Administration (Executive) students have between 9 and 15 years of professional experience, the majority of which have been in a senior management capacity.

Assessment methods

Assessment is ongoing throughout the semester and includes examinations, essays, reports, presentations, group projects, research projects, and practical assignments. While group assignments are an important component of every subject, the focus of the assessment is weighted towards individual performance.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

RMIT Capabilities

The world is constantly changing, and there are universal skills that can help you adapt to the evolving nature of work and global engagement.

As part of your study experience at RMIT, we provide 6 future-focused RMIT Capabilities:

  • Ethical Global Citizens
  • Connected
  • Adaptive
  • Digitally Adept
  • Expert
  • Critically Engaged.

RMIT Capabilities are built into your course as well as some of our extracurricular experiences. They inform the design and delivery of your learning activities and assessments, so by the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to apply these capabilities in your life and work.

As a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration (Executive) student, you can take advantage of RMIT's extensive links to industry.

You can benefit from our successful professional development series, which connects industry with alumni and current students. These forums are an opportunity to strengthen your networks and engage with prominent industry leaders on issues that matter.

Past students have engaged with the CEOs from leading law firms, the Chairman of Australia's Prudential Regulation Authority, the Chief Risk Officer of ANZ, and with Australia's leading business recruitment firms.

Join the ranks

The following are just some of the organisations that engage with our Executive MBA students:

  • Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
  • Toll Group
  • REA Group
  • Deloitte Digital
  • Bupa
  • KPMG
  • PwC
  • CapGemini
  • Spotless/Downer
  • National Australia Bank (NAB)
  • Australia Post
  • Medibank
  • Compumedics
  • Spotless
  • CARE
  • Aspect Studios

 

School of Management Advisory Board

This graduate certificate is supported by an advisory board that helps steer curriculum development to ensure that executive graduates are prepared to take up leadership positions within the rapidly changing landscape of business management.

The School of Management Advisory Board is made up of members from KPMG, ANZ, Ericsson, Oricia, Shifted, Pro Governance, and Green Lab Futures.

As a graduate of this course, you will have the contemporary business skills and knowledge required to not only analyse complex global industry problems, but also identify and develop creative, client-focused and forward-thinking solutions to them.

You will develop core competencies in leadership, enabling you to sustainably and ethically lead projects, teams and organisations, adding value to organisations and communities. You will utilise your broad contemporary business knowledge in all areas of professional practice, use research methodologies to make reasoned judgments and find innovative answers to complex questions, and be guided by continuous learning and career development.

The Graduate Certificate in Business Administration (Executive) comprises 4 core subjects.

In addition to further developed skills in leadership, you will also have the opportunity to explore design thinking, marketing, and accounting for business decisions.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Graduate Certificate in Business Administration (Executive)
Program code: GC129

Important information for international students

International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

You are encouraged to progress to the Executive Master of Business Administration.

Graduates of the arts, business, engineering, health, IT and many other fields may choose to study the Graduate Certificate or Master's degree to broaden their career options.

Course accreditation or membership offered by professional bodies signals to employers the quality and relevance of RMIT's courses and opens up career pathways and networks.

European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) accredited

The Executive MBA satisfies the quality and content standards defined by the EFMD program accreditation system recognising quality MBA programs. (Accredited for course delivery in Melbourne.)

EFMD is a global network connecting schools and companies committed to cultivating socially responsible leaders and managers. EFMD upholds rigorous standards in management education, with their mission going beyond academia. The organisation actively fosters collaboration between corporate and academic communities, creating meaningful opportunities for exchange, partnership, and shared growth.

Institute of Managers and Leaders (IML)

Membership with the Institute of Managers and Leaders [IML] may be available to students.

Entry requirements and admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following entry requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

Academic entry requirements

  • 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 2.0 (out of 4.0)
    OR
  • An Australian bachelor's degree or equivalent, or higher-level qualification, in any discipline with a minimum GMAT of 600.

Additional requirements

You must have a minimum of 5 years of full-time professional experience (or part-time equivalent), including at least ONE of the following:

  • Experience in a supervisory or management role, or
  • Experience in a senior professional position equivalent to general management with a high level of responsibility and leadership, or
  • Experience as a business owner or founder.

In addition to the academic requirements, you must provide the following:

  • A curriculum vitae (CV) that outlines supervision of staff, performance review, responsibility for budgeting, or other significant responsibility and leadership.
  • A personal statement (maximum 500 words) outlining a concise explanation of your personal motivation for undertaking Executive Business Administration studies, and your attitudes towards personal reflection/reflective learning, collaboration and class participation. An interview may be conducted to understand your personal motivations, learning attitudes and communication skills.
  • 2 (two) referee recommendations from either your supervisor or a professional peer.

Alternate entry 

  • Significant work experience (8-10 years) with at least 5 years of full-time equivalent in a management role with supervisory responsibilities, in a senior professional position equivalent to general management with a high level of responsibility and leadership, or as a business owner or founder. 
  • Applicants must submit a CV which outlines the significance of their work experience.

Commonwealth supported place (CSP)

A limited number of Commonwealth supported places (CSP) are available in this course. The minimum GPA to be considered for a CSP is 2.7 out of 4.0. To be considered for a CSP you must apply for the CSP offering through the RMIT Application System.

Students currently enrolled in this course in a full-fee place may apply to transfer to a CSP upon completing 48 credit points (not including credit transfer), subject to meeting minimum GPA requirement in full-fee course.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

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

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this course.

Academic entry requirements

  • 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 2.0 (out of 4.0)
    OR
  • An Australian bachelor's degree or equivalent, or higher-level qualification, in any discipline with a minimum GMAT of 600.

Additional requirements

You must have a minimum of 5 years of full-time professional experience (or part-time equivalent), including at least ONE of the following:

  • Experience in a supervisory or management role, or
  • Experience in a senior professional position equivalent to general management with a high level of responsibility and leadership, or
  • Experience as a business owner or founder.

In addition to the academic requirements, you must provide the following:

  • A curriculum vitae (CV) that outlines supervision of staff, performance review, responsibility for budgeting, or other significant responsibility and leadership.
  • A personal statement (maximum 500 words) outlining a concise explanation of your personal motivation for undertaking Executive Business Administration studies, and your attitudes towards personal reflection/reflective learning, collaboration and class participation. An interview may be conducted to understand your personal motivations, learning attitudes and communication skills.
  • 2 (two) referee recommendations from either your supervisor or a professional peer.

Alternate entry 

  • Significant work experience (8-10 years) with at least 5 years of full-time equivalent in a management role with supervisory responsibilities, in a senior professional position equivalent to general management with a high level of responsibility and leadership, or as a business owner or founder. 
  • Applicants must submit a CV which outlines the significance of their work experience.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

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.

Note: RMIT does not accept scores from 'at-home' or 'online' testing.

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).

Pathways and further study

You can gain entry to this graduate certificate from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs, if you meet the entry requirements.

Credit and recognition of prior learning

Applicants who have successfully completed postgraduate studies in a business or related discipline at another institution can have these assessed for credit or exemptions from this course consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

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

If you wish to progress to the Executive Master of Business Administration (MBA), upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration you will be admitted to the Master degree with exemptions from the four courses completed in the Graduate Certificate, leaving a further eight courses to complete.

You can gain entry into this degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs.

Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.

When you successfully complete the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration you are guaranteed entry into the Executive Master of Business Administration (MBA) with 1 semester of advanced standing (equivalent to 48 credit points).

Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry into other RMIT postgraduate programs.

Fees

This degree has full-fee places, with a limited number of Commonwealth supported places (CSP). 

Government financial assistance is available to eligible students regardless of the type of place you enrol in.

2026 indicative fees

Full-fee places

  •  Full-fee places: AU$23,520* (2026 total)

Commonwealth supported places

  • 2026 Commonwealth supported places (CSP) range from AU$4,738 to AU$17,399*. 

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$373 maximum fee for 2026*.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment*

Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.

*Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Defer your payment

  • You may be eligible to apply for a HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

If you are offered a full-fee place, you will need to pay the full tuition costs of your program. However, eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government.

Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set on an annual basis by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual enrolled courses, not the overall program.

How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?

The Australian Government has introduced changes to university funding and student contribution fees under its Job-ready Graduates Package

The fees in the table below apply to students who commence their program in 2026. Fees for continuing students are available at fees for Commonwealth supported students.

Each course (subject) falls into a band. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.

Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.

You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at Fees for Commonwealth supported students.

Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2026 for commencing students

Student contribution band by course (subject)

Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2026

Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture $4,738 per standard year
$592 per standard (12 credit point) course
Allied Health, Other Health, Built Environment, Computing, Visual and Performing Arts, Professional Pathway Psychology, Professional Pathway Social Work, Engineering, Surveying, Environmental Studies, Science, Pathology $9,537 per standard year
$1,192 per standard (12 credit point) course
Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science $13,558 per standard year
$1,694 per standard (12 credit point) course
Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture $17,399 per standard year
$2,174 per standard (12 credit point) course

Student Learning Entitlement

On 1 January 2022, the Government implemented the Student Learning Entitlement (SLE).

  • The SLE allows students 7 years of full-time subsidised study in Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP).
  • Your total SLE amount will be reduced in accordance with your overall study load in a CSP. 
  • Once you have utilised all your SLE, you can no longer study in a CSP.

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 $373.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.

FEE-HELP loans

Eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

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.

You may be eligible for student income support payments from the Commonwealth Government if you are undertaking a graduate certificate, graduate diploma or an approved professionally oriented masters by coursework program. For more information see Income support for Masters students.

If you are enrolled in an eligible program you will also need to satisfy all other student payment eligibility requirements. You can contact Centrelink or Services Australia for further information about student income support entitlements, your eligibility and how to apply.

You may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to your employment.

See the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for more information.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

About the bursary

If you're an RMIT University alumnus commencing this degree from Semester 1, 2026, you may be eligible to receive a 10% reduction on your tuition fees.

Eligibility criteria

Eligibility

To be eligible you must be:

  • an RMIT alumnus, having completed an award program at RMIT (including RMIT Vietnam and RMIT Online), and
  • a domestic student commencing* an eligible face-to-face/on-campus (Melbourne campus) RMIT Business or Law postgraduate degree in Semester 1, 2026, and
  • enrolled in a full-fee paying place.

*A student is considered commencing if they are enrolled in the first semester of their degree and have not previously been enrolled. 

Note:

  • If you become eligible for the discount during 2026 (i.e. an international student who receives Permanent Residency) you must contact Business Connect to have your eligibility assessed and the discount applied. (The College of Business and Law will not monitor eligibility or apply the discount outside the normal admissions process).
  • You are eligible for the discount on course enrolments in all degrees that meet the criteria (i.e. both the Graduate Certificate and a Masters degree). 

Exclusions

RMIT Bursary:

  • Cannot be held concurrently with any other scholarship, bursary or any other monetary discounts offered by RMIT (excluding awards).
  • Will not apply to postgraduate studies undertaken in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) or online delivered programs.

Payment of bursary:

  • If eligibility is maintained, the discount will apply to all eligible course enrolments in the eligible degree in the year the discount has been awarded (i.e. 2026).
  • The discount will be applied directly to your student account and will be reflected on your invoice.
  • The discount is reviewed annually and may be removed in future years.

Application process

If you are an RMIT alumnus there is no application process. Your eligibility to receive the bursary will be assessed at the time of application and enrolment. If eligible, the bursary will be applied directly to your tuition fees.

Eligible programs

All College of Business and Law postgraduate coursework programs delivered face-to-face/on-campus (Melbourne campus). 

In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)

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 $373. 

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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.

More information