Graduate Certificate in International Relations
Overview
Develop a deeper understanding of how states and other political entities shape the international system, and how you can play a part in it.
The Graduate Certificate in International Relations (GCIR) is a coursework program aimed at developing conceptual and empirical understanding and skill-sets in research and knowledge development in the International Relations (IR) field.
You'll work with world-class teachers and researchers who are in touch with industry partners and participate in regular public commentary and debate in their fields, and you'll study alongside students from many different countries and backgrounds.
Your GCIR will cover the four key areas of international relations: international theory, the development of the international system, international security, and international political economy. The half year full-time (or part-time equivalent) program includes over 20 courses and projects covering specific fields such as Writing Politics, Principles of International Law, Ethics and Human Rights, Global Governance and Foreign Policy and Diplomacy.
You may also participate in the Graduate Centre Mentorship Program.
UQ’s Graduate Certificate in International Relations will equip you with the analytical and practical skills for a career in diplomacy, government, think-tanks, non-governmental organisations, the UN, international journalism, or development.
Program highlights
- Select from a diverse spectrum of courses.
- Study with undergraduates from a range of countries and backgrounds.
- Choose to participate in the Graduate Centre Mentorship Program.
- Develop the necessary skills for a rewarding career in government or non-government sectors.
How you'll learn
Your learning experiences are designed to best suit the learning outcomes of the courses you choose.
- Overseas study
- Research experience
- Seminars
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:
- Writing Politics
- Foundations in Political Ideas
- Globalisation, International Political Economy and Development
- International Security
Career possibilities
Postgraduate study can take you anywhere. Here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:
- International aid coordinator
- Asia-Pacific international relations adviser
- Policy and advocacy adviser
- Policy officer
- Ministerial officer
- External affairs officer
- Senior compliance officer
- International aid coordinator
- Overseas development manager
- Human rights advocate
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6 June
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7 July - 9 July
Shakespeare's Macbeth: UQ Centre for Western Civilisation 2025 Winter School
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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 and have 2 years full-time equivalent relevant work experience with documented evidence (such as references). 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 and have 2 years full-time equivalent relevant work experience with documented evidence (such as references). Applications on the basis of post-secondary study and/or work experience will be individually assessed.
Relevant work experience
Relevant work experience may be paid or voluntary and includes work:
- in planning, management and/or implementation of international policy and/or governance initiatives, including work for international organisations, non-governmental organisations, government agencies, social movements, and the international business community, and
- a demonstration of basic computer literacy, research and writing skills, and the ability to work collaboratively.
Evidence of relevant work experience should include a letter from your employer (and/or previous employers) stating the following:
- That you work (or worked) within the specified organisation
- The nature of your work, including any relevant duties and responsibilities
- The length of time that you worked there (i.e. 3 years)
- Whether your employment was full-time, part-time* or casual*.
*if you worked part-time or casual, please list the average number of hours worked per week.
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 International Relations 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.
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.
$16,280
2025
$16,280
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 $21,600
2025
AUD $21,600
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 International Relations 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 International Relations is 5643.
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 International Relations is 5643.
Find out more about applying for postgraduate coursework study
Important dates
The closing date for this program is:
- To commence study in semester 2 2025 - 5 May 2025 (with offer acceptance due 18 May 2025).
- To commence study in semester 1 - November 30 of the previous year.
Visa processing times vary. Apply and accept your offer as early as you can.
If you're applying from Australia for Semester 2, 2025: You have until 25 July 2025 to submit your application and accept your offer for Semester 2. This excludes programs where late enrolments are not permitted and programs that are only available to commence in Semester 1.
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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