GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN
BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
CRICOS Course Code: 118498M
Duration: 6 months
Advance your career and build a strong foundation in management with the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration (GCBA). Designed for professionals seeking to upskill, re-enter study, or begin a pathway into postgraduate business qualifications, the program introduces core business disciplines in leadership, marketing, accounting, and innovation. Through a focused sequence of four units, students gain practical knowledge and applied skills that support career progression into supervisory and management roles, while also providing a direct entry route into the MBA or MBA Advanced. The GCBA equips graduates to strengthen their professional capabilities, broaden their business perspective, and create opportunities across industries in both Australian and international contexts.
ABOUT
ADMISSION
REQUIREMENTS
CREDIT FOR
PRIOR LEARNING
COURSE STRUCTURE
AND CONTENT
MODES OF STUDY
ASSESSMENT
ABOUT THIS COURSE
The Graduate Certificate in Business Administration (GCBA) is an AQF Level 8 postgraduate qualification designed to provide foundational knowledge and applied skills in key areas of business and management. It may be undertaken as a standalone award, or as an exit qualification from either the MBA or MBA (Advanced). Conversely, students who complete the GCBA may articulate directly into the MBA or MBA (Advanced) with full credit transfer. This flexible positioning ensures the GCBA serves as both an entry and exit point, supporting diverse study pathways and career objectives.
To fulfil the requirements of this course, students must complete four core units (40 credit points) that introduce leadership, people and organisations, marketing management, accounting for managerial decisions, and entrepreneurship and innovation. These units form the entry stage of the MBA suite, enabling graduates of the GCBA to enhance career prospects immediately or progress seamlessly to advanced study.
Guaranteed entry
Honours degree in a cognate discipline with the result of at least Division 2, Class 1 or equivalent overseas result OR completion of a cognate undergraduate degree plus a postgraduate credential that has a GPA of at least 5.0
Duration
Full time: 6 months
(or equivalent part time)
Study options
Part Time (Domestic students only)
Full Time
Fees
FEE-HELP applicable to Domestic Students only
GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES
Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration (GCBA) at CIHE Australia are recognised for their foundational management knowledge, applied analytical skills, and commitment to ethical practice. Through a targeted program of four core units, they acquire essential insights into leadership, organisational behaviour, marketing management, accounting for decision-making, and entrepreneurial innovation. This balance of academic knowledge and applied learning enables graduates to strengthen their professional capabilities and operate effectively in diverse business environments.
GCBA graduates demonstrate the ability to apply fundamental business concepts, analyse organisational problems, and communicate solutions clearly to professional audiences. They develop practical skills in decision-making, problem-solving, and teamwork, supported by an understanding of ethical and sustainable business practice. These attributes provide a strong platform for both immediate workplace application and progression into advanced postgraduate study.
The program prepares graduates for supervisory or entry-level management roles across industries, or as a pathway into the MBA and MBA Advanced. With recognised credit transfer into higher qualifications, GCBA graduates are well positioned to expand their expertise, pursue leadership opportunities, and contribute to organisational success in both Australian and international contexts.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
To satisfy the general entrance requirements for admission to the GCBA course, applicants must meet at least one of the following entry requirements:
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
ACADEMIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Successful completion of a Bachelor’s degree from an Australian university or higher education institution (HEI), or an equivalent qualification from an overseas institution. Applicants whose qualifications are in a non-business discipline may be required to undertake additional preparatory studies. In exceptional cases, applicants with substantial relevant professional experience and demonstrated academic capability may also be considered for admission.
APPLYING TO CIHE
CIHE welcomes direct applications from domestic students, without the need to apply through intermediaries such as UAC. You can start your application by following this link.
FEE HELP
- Eligible domestic students may access FEE-HELP assistance provided by the Australian Government to support the cost of their studies at CIHE. Learn more about FEE-HELP.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
International students must meet the same academic entry requirements as domestic applicants. In addition, international students, or local applicants with international qualifications completed in a language other than English, must demonstrate English language proficiency.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
International students, or local applicants with international qualifications completed in a language other than English, must demonstrate English language proficiency. This can be satisfied with one of the following:
- IELTS Academic: Overall 6.5, no band less than 6
- Pearson PTE Academic: Overall 56, no communicative skill below 50
- Equivalent recognised qualification
APPLICATION PROCESS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
- Complete the application form
- International Student Application Form (available on the CIHE website)
- Application for Credit for Prior Learning (if applicable)
- Note: CIHE does not accept applications from students under 18 years of age.
- Apply through the correct channel
- Offshore applicants must apply via an authorised CIHE agent.
- A list of approved partners is available at out partner page.
- Offshore applicants may also be required to complete a Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) form. The Registrar will advise agents if this applies.
- Prepare and provide certified documents
- Academic transcripts and certificates (with English translation if applicable)
- Evidence of English language proficiency
- Passport and visa (if applicable)
- Submit your application
- Through an authorised education agent
- By email: admissions@cihe.edu.au
- In person or by post: 116 Pacific Highway, North Sydney NSW 2060
- Assessment and outcome
- CIHE will assess the application and notify you of the outcome.
- Successful applicants will receive a Letter of Offer and Written Agreement.
- Acceptance and enrolment
- Students must sign and return the Letter of Offer and Written Agreement, and pay the tuition deposit as specified.
- CIHE will then issue a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), required to apply for an Australian student visa.
| SEMESTER 1 | Credit Points |
|---|---|
| MGT951 People and Organisations | 10 |
| MGT952 Marketing Management | 10 |
| ACC901 Accounting for Managerial Decisions | 10 |
| MGT953 Entrepreneurship and Innovation | 10 |
CREDIT FOR PRIOR LEARNING
CIHE Australia grants credit towards a course of study on the basis of prior learning, whether from formal studies or professional work experience to ensure that students commence study at a level appropriate to their learning experiences.
MODES OF STUDY ASSESSMENT
At CIHE Australia we provide workshop-based engaged learning. All our units involve participation in 3 hours of on-campus workshop per week for 12 weeks. Each week’s workshop will require preparation – reading, activities and online work.
All our units are supported by an online learning management system – Moodle.
We use a range of assessment tasks at CIHE to help you monitor your learning – quizzes, group work, case-studies and scenario-based activities, reports and exams.
Our assessment tasks are designed to be work-oriented, that is, they are designed to mimic the real world processes involved in business so that you will be ready to start your career as an active independent professional.
INDICATIVE STUDENT NUMBERS
Indicative student numbers for this course are 20 enrolled students at any one time.