Graduate Diploma in Governance and Public Policy
Overview
Enhance your knowledge of modern governance practices and policy analysis.
As a postgraduate student, you’ll study courses in public policy, economic analysis, dynamics of governance and globalisation.
A mix of theoretical study and practical projects will prepare you for leadership roles in government, NGOs and international organisations. Tailor the program to suit your career goals by choosing electives in the following study areas:
- international policy and governance
- resource management
- governance and development
- designing social and community policy
As a graduate you'll be equipped with a transferable skill-set allowing you to meaningfully address key policy issues and improve policy outcomes in both the public and private sectors. You will gain an in-depth understanding of the way governments operate as well as the major public issues confronting our society.
Graduates have gone on to work in economic policy, diplomacy, international relations, social enterprises, not for profits and state and federal government departments, to name a few.
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:
- Economic Analysis & Public Policy
- Knowledge and Evidence in Public Policy
- Globalisation and Economic Development
- Global Health & Development
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
Events
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7 April - 22 September
Beginner Language Bootcamp at UQ IML
Stories
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UQ people
Opening the floodgates to improve crisis responses
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UQ people
Meet the expert: exploring peace and conflict studies with Dr Melissa Johnston
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Careers
Top 5 reasons to choose UQ for postgraduate study
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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.
GPA equivalent
Select where you studied and your qualification to see the GPA equivalent you need to be considered for this program.
Use the GPA equivalent as a guide. When you apply, we’ll calculate your GPA using the UQ grading scale. Any failing grades will be included. Entry requirements are subject to change.
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.
$29,440
2025
$29,440
2025
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 $43,200
2025
AUD $43,200
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 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:
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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 Diploma in Governance and Public Policy is 5365.
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 Diploma in Governance and Public Policy is 5365.
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.
Visa processing times vary. Apply 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 Unit.
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