
An online Graduate Certificate in Business Administration is a versatile course. By studying for a GradCertBusAdmin, you can:
- Learn valuable business concepts
- Demonstrate you're capable of doing postgraduate business studies
- Get into an MBA program without a business degree and gain credits towards an MBA
- Test whether you want to do a full MBA online.
A grad cert course is just 4 units (a third of a typical MBA program). It can take less than 6 months of part-time study.
The graduate certificate in business administration provides an opportunity for students to gain business knowledge without having to participate in a full MBA program. For some students, it can serve as a pathway to the MBA.
~ academiccourses.com
Online Course Content
A Graduate Certificate in Business Administration online course will normally cover essential knowledge areas for managers. Program content may consist of:
- accounting, economics and finance for managers
- design of business processes and organisational structures
- leadership principles and practices.
The course will accelerate your development as a manager broadly. As well as acquiring practical skills, you'll discover what sort of capabilities are required to be a successful manager. The course offers a blueprint for a longer learning journey.
This course is part of an articulated program comprising the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration, the Graduate Diploma in Business Administration, and the MBA. Students who complete the graduate certificate at credit level or above may apply directly for admission into the MBA program.
~ UTS
Business Administration Career Benefits
Studying business administration offers benefits for almost any career. Business administration is a common role that's found across all industries and job sectors.
- If you're employed, take a look at your supervisor. He or she does business administration.
- You're a business administrator if you have responsibilities over people or the organisation of work.
Business administration can be studied at any career stage. Ideally, you should have work experience so you can better relate theory to practice.
- Professional and supervisory experience are factors in being admitted to grad cert courses.
- If you have significant professional experience, you don't necessarily need a business degree – or any degree for that matter – to be accepted.
Completing a graduate certificate demonstrates management knowledge and interest. It helps when you apply for senior positions.

Types of Online Graduate Certificate Programs
For all graduate certificate courses, you can expect to do the equivalent of 1 semester of full-time study (4 units). You can also expect the course to be embedded in a masters program. That gives you the option to keep studying and complete an MBA (usually 12 units total).
Online programs can be structured in the traditional way, with 2-3 semesters per year that each finish with an intense exam period. Alternatively, you may be able to complete units individually over shorter study intervals (say, 6-8 weeks). Online programs with short study periods often use continuous assessment, where grading relies on on assignments, projects and short quizzes.
Best Graduate Certificate Courses in Australia
University of Adelaide Graduate Certificate in Business Administration
Studying with the University of Adelaide is an opportunity to develop leadership skills and boost your credentials. The Graduate Certificate in Business Administration has a student-first approach. You don’t need a business degree, or any degree for that matter, to get started. And you are able to make continuous progress by finishing each subject after a 6-week teaching block.
A well-rounded management education is provided by the four courses. Students build skills in the essential fields of leadership, accounting and finance, and marketing management. Additionally, you learn how to bring an entrepreneurial, growth mindset to any business setting. After successfully completing the Graduate Certificate, you can progress to the University’s full MBA program.
Griffith Graduate Certificate in Business Administration
You can access Griffith University's highly rated MBA program by enrolling in the 4-unit Graduate Certificate in Business Administration. The 100% online course has everything you could want, including 6 start dates per year, only 8 weeks of study for each subject, the option to study year round (and finish sooner), and dedicated student support. It's also exam-free and you don't need a university degree to enrol (admission depends on work experience). Students learn marketing, management and leadership, sustainable business practices, and financial reporting.
JCU Graduate Certificate in Business Administration (Global)
The Graduate Certificate of Business Administration (Global) from JCU Online ticks all the boxes as far as we're concerned. With 6 intakes per year, you can start the well-priced course at any time of year. Each of the 4 units are completed in sequence – one at a time – allowing you to easily fit study within your weekly schedule. The course is 100% online and you never have to sit a traditional exam. You'll also study high-return subjects: data analysis and decision modelling, corporate finance, management and leadership skills, and corporate strategy.
SCU Graduate Certificate in Business (MBA starter)
SCU Online offers a highly modern Graduate Certificate in Business. The 4-unit course consists of the foundation units for an MBA: Accounting for Managers, Management Communication, Organisational Behaviour, and Economics and Quantitative Analysis. The online division of the university has 6 study periods per year. You can skip a study period any time you want a 2-month break. This 100% online course is interactive and uses continuous assessment.