Graduate Diploma in Governance and Public Policy
Overview
Build deeper knowledge of public policy through extended coursework and applied analysis.
For professionals seeking a more substantial policy qualification, this program explores governance and public policy in greater depth. The extended structure allows for broader and more applied learning across public-sector issues.
First courses build foundations in governance, institutions and policy analysis. As you continue, you'll investigate complex policy challenges and the factors that shape effective public administration.
You'll develop skills relevant to leadership, strategic planning and policy design as you undertake applied projects, critical evaluation and interactive learning activities.
This program can help prepare you for senior responsibilities in government, public affairs and community organisations.
Program highlights
- Learn from world-class scholars and policy practitioners, and work closely with top-rated researchers in the field.
- Participate in the Graduate Centre Mentorship program and gain practical advice on career and employability opportunities.
- Undertake an optional internship or a research project with industry leaders in a workplace setting.
How you'll learn
Your learning experiences are designed to best suit the learning outcomes of the courses you choose.
- Lectures
- 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:
- Principles of International Law [Elective]
- Indigenous Politics within and beyond the state [Elective]
- Policy Design and Implementation
- Dynamics of Governance
- International Crisis Management [Elective]
Career possibilities
Postgraduate study can take you anywhere. Here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:
- Think tank adviser
- Policy research institute member
- Not-for-profit manager
- Environmental adviser
- Ministerial team member
- Diplomatic corps official
- Public policy adviser
- International law practitioner
- Global health and development adviser
- Social justice advocate
Average annual salary range
Policy Adviser
seek.com.au
Next steps after graduation
After completing the Graduate Diploma in Governance and Public Policy, you’ll be ready to move into roles that involve shaping policy, advising decision-makers and managing complex public issues.
Many graduates use the qualification to advance within government, NGOs, or the private sector, while others pursue further postgraduate study to deepen their expertise.
With strong analytical and practical skills, you’ll be well positioned to take on greater responsibility, expand your professional network and contribute to meaningful policy outcomes at local, national, or global levels.
Events
See all events
12 November
Postgraduate business analytics information webinar
Stories
See all stories
UQ people
Opening the floodgates to improve crisis responses
5-minute read
UQ people
Meet the expert: exploring peace and conflict studies with Dr Melissa Johnston
5-minute read
Careers
Top 5 reasons to choose UQ for postgraduate study
3-minute read
Stories
See all storiesUQ people
Meet the expert: exploring peace and conflict studies with Dr Melissa Johnston
5-minute read
Careers
Top 5 reasons to choose UQ for postgraduate study
3-minute read
UQ people
Meet Terry from the USA, studying Governance and Public Policy in Australia
1-minute read
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
To be eligible for entry, you'll need:
- a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline, or
- a Graduate Certificate in Governance and Public Policy from the university.
You must have a grade point average (GPA) of 4.5 on a 7-point scale in your previous qualification.
- a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline, or
- a Graduate Certificate in Governance and Public Policy from the university.
You must have a grade point average (GPA) of 4.5 on a 7-point scale in your previous qualification.
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 Diploma in Governance and Public Policy 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 (16 units). Your fees will vary according to your study load. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.
$31,200
2026
Fee information for 2027 is not yet available. Fee information displayed is for 2026.
Approximate yearly cost of full-time tuition (16 units). Your fees will vary according to your study load. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.
AUD $48,080
2027
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 Diploma in Governance and Public Policy 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 near you.
The program code for the Graduate Diploma in Governance and Public Policy is 5365.
Applying online
All domestic applications should be submitted to UQ.
The program code for the Graduate Diploma in Governance and Public Policy is 5365.
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.
Visa processing times vary. Apply and accept your offer as early as you can.
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 (ATSIS) Unit.
Explore other programs
Helpful advice, right when you need it
Get useful info to help you navigate the confusing parts of getting into uni. Scholarship reminders, access to events and experiences, and advice from real students.
Sign up for updates. (No spam! We promise.)