A graduate certificate is a short university qualification one level above a bachelor’s degree. With the convenience of its short study duration, a graduate certificate (a.k.a. grad cert) is an ideal way to upskill or boost your qualifications quickly.
Postgraduate study shows employers that you have the drive and ambition to learn and achieve more. And you’re interested in growing your skills and abilities for the future workforce. So if you’re looking to fast-track your career, specialise in a new area, and show employers that you have the skills and knowledge they desire, a grad cert is a fantastic choice.
How a graduate certificate works
Wondering how studying a graduate certificate works and if you’d qualify for entry to one? It’s pretty simple!
A graduate certificate usually takes six to 12 months of study. This depends on how quickly or gradually you want to get qualified. If you want to upgrade your qualification while you work, studying your graduate certificate part-time is ideal. Fitting study into your life and around your family, work and life commitments is easy.
When you study a graduate certificate, you can expect to study the equivalent of four 8-point subjects. Your grad cert can include a combination of core (compulsory) and elective (chosen by you) subjects, depending on your course. So not only will you update and enhance your skills, you can become a subject matter expert in an area you’re passionate about.
If you think studying a graduate certificate is only for high academic achievers – think again! If you’ve studied at uni before or have worked in your industry for a while, you’re already on track to meeting grad cert entry requirements. Generally, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree or relevant industry experience to enter a graduate certificate. However, admission requirements vary from course to course. So, it’s best to check the online course information to find out the specific admission requirements for the graduate certificate you’re interested in.
Graduate certificate vs. bachelor’s degree
If this isn’t your first university experience, and you’re well-acquainted with tertiary education, here are the main differences between bachelor’s and graduate certificate study.
Level of study
Going back to basics, a graduate certificate is a postgraduate qualification, while a bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate qualification. Typically, undergraduate study (a.k.a. bachelor’s degree) will be the first study encounter you have with uni. This means that most people will have studied a bachelor’s degree before embarking on graduate certificate study. A graduate diploma follows grad cert study, followed by a master’s, then a PhD. If you choose to go that far!
Duration
While most bachelor’s degrees take between three to five years of full-time study, studying a graduate certificate can be completed in a fraction of the time. A grad cert can be completed in as little as six months of full-time study or one year of part-time study. The shorter duration of a grad cert means you can get qualified sooner. However, it’s important to note that specific grad certs can only be studied part-time due to subject offerings, so check the online course information.
Focus
Want to become a subject matter expert? Or get qualified in an area that’s a personal passion of yours? You can with a grad cert! Graduate certificates typically focus on a specific area of expertise within a broader field, whereas bachelor’s degrees offer a broader foundation in a subject. So a grad cert is the perfect qualification to extend your skills and knowledge or head into a new career direction.
Prerequisites
Wondering if you have what it takes to study a grad cert? Graduate certificates usually require a bachelor’s degree or equivalent as a prerequisite. In comparison, bachelor’s degrees are typically accessible to high school graduates. Some grad certs consider industry experience. So you’ll either have a previous undergraduate qualification, relevant work experience, or a combination of both. Again, refer to the specific prerequisites via the admission information online.
Career implications
A graduate certificate is the perfect way to specialise in a particular field or advance your career, while bachelor’s degrees provide a solid foundation for various career paths. A grad cert could pave the way to promotion in your current role or help you side-step into an alternative career. There really is something for all goals and ambitions with graduate certificate study!
What are the benefits of a graduate certificate?
Here are our top three reasons why you should study a grad cert.
- Career advancement: A graduate certificate can enhance job prospects and lead to higher-paying positions. Get ready to take your next step and enjoy the benefits of that promotion you’ve been dreaming of.
- Skill specialisation: Grad certs allow you to gain in-depth knowledge in a specific field or area of interest. Become an expert in a topic or field where you can make a real difference.
- Path to further study: If you’re interested in further study, a grad cert can be used as a stepping stone to a graduate diploma or master’s degree. Some courses even allow you to enter at the master’s level and exit with a grad cert or grad dip qualification if you choose to.
How to choose the right graduate certificate
With diverse graduate certificates offered, choosing one that aligns with your goals can be tricky. Here are some tips to help you find your perfect grad cert:
- Consider your goals: Both your professional and personal goals should be at the front of your mind when choosing the right grad cert for you. Ask yourself these questions: What is your end goal? What do you want to achieve in your career? How do you want to make an impact?
- Start broad and narrow your focus: Interested in education, business, healthcare or technology? Explore courses more broadly before focusing on individual grad certs that meet your professional and personal study needs. For example, if you have a background and undergraduate degree in education, you might be interested in building on your skills with a grad cert in inclusive education, adult and vocational education, or mathematics.
- Do your research: Assess the quality and reputation of graduate certificates. Ensure the course you’re interested in has the relevant accreditation or industry recognition before you get started. And that you’ll be able to study the course in the timeframe and mode that suits your circumstances. At Charles Sturt, our grad certs are offered conveniently online and delivered by our pro academics. So, not only are you learning from the best in the biz, you can study where and when suits you!
How much does a graduate certificate cost?
The cost of studying a graduate certificate varies from course to course. So it’s best to check specifics around fees or refer to the online course info. The good news – and by good we mean great – is that there is currently a range of grad certs with Commonwealth supported places. And this means massive savings for the cost of grad cert study!
If you’re a Commonwealth-supported student (meaning your course is subsidised), you can access a government loan called HECS-HELP, which covers your tuition fees while you study. Learn more about HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP (for full fee-paying students) via Study Assist.
Additionally, you can explore our range of scholarships and grants to support the cost of your study. Each year, we offer more than $10 million in scholarships and grants! And there really is something for everyone. So, don’t hesitate to apply for as many scholarships as you’re eligible for.
Learn more about help with costs at Charles Sturt.
Career outlook and salary expectations
Is studying a grad cert worth it? The answer is yes! It certainly pays to study a graduate certificate. Check out the difference having a grad cert or higher can have on your paycheck via the Australian Bureau of Statistics Employee earnings.
Reach your potential with Charles Sturt
Additional career opportunities, increased earning potential and diversifying your skills are not the only reasons studying a grad cert is a great idea. You could also form deep connections and broaden your perspective, just like Charles Sturt graduate certificate alumni Harriet Madams.
“After teaching in an Indigenous community I identified a gap in my understanding of First Nations histories in Australia. The Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Cultural Competency allowed me to gain confidence in teaching Australia’s shared history and connect with local First Nations communities. I studied online, part-time and found it fit well into my schedule, even when travelling and working. The highlight has been the connections made with students and staff.”
Or, you could discover a love for learning while you advance your career with a grad cert, just like information studies student Holly Shortridge. Holly followed her passion for children’s librarianship and was offered a full-time job in her industry before she graduated from postgrad studies.
“I began my Charles Sturt study experience with a six-month Graduate Certificate in Information Studies but enjoyed the course so much I decided to pursue a master’s! The degree has already opened so many doors for me. I would absolutely recommend this degree. It’s a fantastic course that allows you true flexibility and quality academic support. It has been an overwhelmingly positive experience.”
Follow in the footsteps of our grad cert students, and you too can create change and improve communities.
Study a grad cert in 2025 and save!
Upskill in 2025 and you could save up to 86 per cent in course fees with our range of grad certs with Commonwealth supported places. Whether you’re looking to enhance your knowledge in a high-demand field, expand your skills in your current career, or explore a new passion for creating positive change, now is the perfect time to go after your dream.
Learn more and check out our range of discounted grad certs.
Frequently asked questions
Can I study a graduate certificate online?
Yes! At Charles Sturt, our graduate certificates are offered online. So you can study where and when it suits you. Best of all, you can apply the skills and knowledge to your career in real time.
Can a graduate certificate help me transition to a new career?
Indeed, it can. Most of our graduate certificates will set you up with the tools, knowledge and skills to extend your skillset in your current career. However, some of our grad certs will enable you to change career path altogether. So whether you want to move up the ladder or pivot with a career change, we have the perfect grad cert for you.
Is it possible to study a graduate certificate part-time?
Yes, the majority of our graduate certificates are studied part-time. You can choose to study one or two subjects per session (refer to the recommended enrolment pattern for your course). Part-time study allows you to fit study around other commitments, like work and family.
Can international students obtain a graduate certificate in Australia?
If you’re an international student, please check the online course information for individual graduate certificates to see if your course is offered on-shore in Australia.