Graduate Certificate in Economic Studies
Overview
Invest in your career success with future-focused study that provides you with the analytical and decision-making skills sought after by employers in today’s job market.
Higher level study in economics at UQ will develop your analytical ability, critical thinking and logic – all key decision-making skills that can contribute to greater career outcomes. If you don't have economics training and want to explore the possibilities in this field, this certificate is your pathway.
UQ's programs are informed by the latest economic research and taught by world-class academic staff, so you can be sure you'll receive the highest quality education. Your studies will include courses covering core economic principles and applications, and you'll learn about the ‘hows’ and ‘whys’ of decision-making that economists deal with every day.
During your Graduate Certificate in Economic Studies program over half a year (or part-time equivalent), you'll gain an understanding of basic economic concepts in microeconomics, macroeconomics, statistics and mathematical techniques, opening the possibility to undertake further study. It's also an ideal qualification for graduates seeking a career change or advancement.
Program highlights
- Gain a competitive edge in your chosen field by developing in-demand analytical and decision-making skills, or take the first step towards a master’s or graduate diploma.
- Gain a postgraduate qualification in 6 months with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive world.
- Upskill in economics to improve your success in your current field or change career direction.
How you'll learn
Your learning experiences are designed to best suit the learning outcomes of the courses you choose.
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Seminars
- Workshops
What you'll study
At UQ, degrees are called 'programs' and subjects are called 'courses'. Here's a sample of the courses you could study in this program:
- Foundations in Microeconomics
- Foundations in Macroeconomics
- Mathematical Techniques for Economics
- Statistics for Business & Economics
Next steps after graduation
When you graduate, you'll be equipped with the analytical and decision-making skills needed in an increasingly complex world. You'll also have the pick of a broad range of higher study options in economics.
Professional memberships
When you graduate, you may be eligible for memberships with the following professional organisations. Contact the organisation to find out how to become a member.
- Economic Society of Australia
The Graduate Certificate in Economic Studies has not only helped me upskill to pursue a new career path, it has also given me a deeper understanding of how the world works and the ability to speak about world issues and politics outside of work.
The Graduate Certificate in Economic Studies has not only helped me upskill to pursue a new career path, it has also given me a deeper understanding of how the world works and the ability to speak about world issues and politics outside of work.
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13 January - 13 January
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Entry requirements
Entry requirements
To be eligible for entry, you'll need:
- a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline, or
- to have completed post-secondary studies, plus 5 years of full-time equivalent work experience in business or economics, or
- 7 years of full-time equivalent work experience in business or economics.
You must have a grade point average (GPA) of 4.0 on a 7-point scale in your previous qualification.
Applications on the basis of post-secondary study and/or work experience will be individually assessed.
- a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline, or
- to have completed post-secondary studies, plus 5 years of full-time equivalent work experience in business or economics, or
- 7 years of full-time equivalent work experience in business or economics.
You must have a grade point average (GPA) of 4.0 on a 7-point scale in your previous qualification.
Applications on the basis of post-secondary study and/or work experience will be individually assessed.
Related programs
Depending on your previous qualifications and current goals, you might want to consider
one of these related programs:
English language requirements
IELTS overall 6.5; reading 6; writing 6; speaking 6; listening 6. For other English Language Proficiency Tests and Scores approved for UQ
TOEFL iBT (including Paper Edition) - Overall 87, listening 19, reading 19, writing 21 and speaking 19.
PTE Academic - Overall Score of 64 and 60 in all sub bands.
BE - A minimum overall grade of 4 plus a minimum grade of C in all macro skills.
CES - Overall 176 and 169 in all sub bands.
OET is not accepted.
There are other ways to meet the English language requirements. For some programs, additional conditions apply.
Student visas
International students who are accepted into full-time study in the Graduate Certificate in Economic Studies are eligible to apply for an Australian student visa (subclass 500).
There are a number of requirements you must satisfy before a visa is granted, including the Genuine Student (GS) requirement.
Additional application information
The following supporting documentation is required for all applications made on the basis of work experience. Please ensure that you have included ALL required documentation when you submit your application.
- Evidence of work experience in the form of a CV. Please ensure that your CV includes your full work history, and outlines the major activities you undertake on a daily basis.
Additional application information
The following supporting documentation is required for all applications made on the basis of work experience. Please ensure that you have included ALL required documentation when you submit your application.
<10>- Evidence of work experience in the form of a CV. Please ensure that your CV includes your full work history, and outlines the major activities you undertake on a daily basis.
Fees and Scholarships
Indicative annual fee
Approximate yearly cost of tuition (8 units). Your fees will vary according to your study load. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.
$19,920
2024
Fee information for 2025 is not yet available. Fee information displayed is for 2024.
$19,920
2025
Approximate yearly cost of tuition (8 units). Your fees will vary according to your study load. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.
AUD $25,280
2024
Fee information for 2025 is not yet available. Fee information displayed is for 2024.
AUD $25,280
2025
Government assistance
Financial aid
As an international student, you might be eligible for financial aid – either from your home country, or from the Australian Government.
FEE-HELP
Domestic students who are accepted into the Graduate Certificate in Economic Studies pay tuition fees.
FEE-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme to assist eligible students with the cost of their tuition fees.
Centrelink support
The Australian Government offers a number of income-support payments to eligible Australian university students.
Scholarships
You may be eligible for more than 100 scholarships, including:
How to apply
Applying online
All international applications should be submitted to UQ. If you prefer, you can use an approved UQ agent in your country.
The program code for the Graduate Certificate in Economic Studies is 5602.
Find out more about applying for postgraduate coursework study
Applying online
All domestic applications should be submitted to UQ.
The program code for the Graduate Certificate in Economic Studies is 5602.
Find out more about applying for postgraduate coursework study
Important dates
The closing date for this program is:
- To commence study in semester 2 - May 31 of the year of commencement.
- To commence study in semester 1 - November 30 of the previous year.
To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.
Important dates
The closing date for this program is:
- To commence study in Semester 1 - January 31 of the year of commencement.
- To commence study in Semester 2 - June 30 of the year of commencement.
To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants
For support with applying – or if you have any questions about university life – get in touch with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit.
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