Course overview
Curtin's Graduate Diploma in Business will give you the breadth of skills and knowledge critical to business operations and leadership. You’ll enhance your business capability and learn more about how to lead, manage and strategise.
This qualification is relevant for managers at all levels (emerging through to middle/senior levels) who want to extend their business knowledge and may have an undergraduate degree in a non-business area.
Note: If you don't yet meet the admission criteria for the Graduate Diploma in Business, complete our Graduate Certificate in Business or Graduate Certificate in Business Futures as a stepping stone. This pathway won’t take you any longer, as completing the units in those graduate certificates will provide course credits towards your Graduate Diploma.
Career outcomes
Careers
- Analyst
- Business administration manager
- Management consultant
- Managing director
- Project manager
Industries
- Banking and finance
- Consultancy
- Education
- Government
- Health care
- Not-for-profit
- Private business
- Public relations
- Resources and renewables
- Retail
- Service industries
Why study at Curtin?
Accelerated learning
Complete this course in only three trimesters.
Study in Perth's CBD
Face-to-face study is at Curtin’s Graduate School of Business, in the heart of the Perth CBD.
Pathway to MBA
After your Grad Cert, you need only complete four units to gain a Curtin MBA.
Hear from our students
"Studying the MBA has increased my confidence when leading and managing people. I have a stronger grasp on organisations now, compared with when all my knowledge was only based on experience."
Nicole Baron
Your student experience
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Develop real-world experience before you graduate. Learn how work-integrated learning helps you build career skills and connect with industry early.
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Not sure if uni is for you? Explore five clear reasons students choose Curtin – from flexible pathways and support to real-world skills and outcomes.
Find your entry pathway to Curtin
You may be finishing high school, coming from TAFE, or just thinking of a career change; but whatever your background, there’s an entry pathway to Curtin for you.
Course structure
What you’ll learn
In this course, you’ll learn the relevance of economic theory, factors to consider in financial decision-making, the theory and practice of strategic decision-making, and about leading people.
After completing the four units of the graduate diploma, you may choose to exit or pause your business studies or complete the additional four units required to gain your Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Benefits of studying Curtin's Graduate Diploma in Business
- Curtin Business School is recognised as an elite global business school through accreditation by EQUIS, AACSB International and an EFMD Accredited MBA.
- You can complete your Graduate Diploma in just three trimesters (about 12 months), studying full-time or part-time.
- After gaining your Graduate Diploma, you need only complete a further four units to achieve a Curtin MBA.
- Your face-to-face study is at Curtin’s Graduate School of Business, in the heart of the Perth CBD.
- You can choose to study on-campus (evenings or block teaching), online or a mix of both.
- You can start your course at a time of the year that’s best for you, either January, May or August.
Detailed course structure and unit information
For detailed information and course structure, visit our Handbook.
Entry requirements
There are two pathways into the Graduate Diploma in Business – one for applicants with an undergraduate degree and one for those without an undergraduate degree. Applicants with an undergraduate degree will be required to demonstrate two (2) years of relevant work experience. Applicants without an undergraduate degree will have three (3) to five (5) years of relevant work experience and will be asked to meet the English language proficiency requirements for this course.
Course-specific requirements
You’ll also need to meet any specific requirements to be eligible to apply for this course.
Study credit and support
You may be able to receive credit for recognised learning (CRL) from past study or professional experience, which could reduce the time it takes to finish your course.
Find specific details about CRL for this course on the Handbook.
Additional information
Application Requirements
Please refer to our application requirements before applying for this Curtin course.
Notes about this course
Make sure you check the course notes for any other important information.
Fees
2026 Domestic indicative fees
Domestic fee-paying first-year fee
$37,484*
Important information about fees
- *Fees are indicative only
- First year fees are based on a first-year full-time study load of 200 credit points. Your fees will vary depending on the units you choose.
- This indicative fee does not include other fees like administrative and incidental fees (such as lab coats or art supplies) or the cost of your textbooks. Visit other fees and charges for more information.
Scholarships
Get the support you need to succeed with our diverse range of scholarships. Whether it’s financial support, assistance with relocation, or recognition for your academic achievements, we have scholarships tailored to your unique needs.
How to apply
Follow these steps to make sure you’re eligible, prepared and ready to apply for your course.
Check entry requirements
Entry requirements differ by course and your previous work and study experience.
Prepare your documents
The documents you need may vary depending on your course and application pathway.
Check application deadlines
Deadlines vary by course and whether you’re applying as a domestic or international student.
Your application pathway
To apply for this course, you’ll apply directly to Curtin via our online applications portal.
Choose your preferred campus to find the application opening and closing dates for this course before you apply.
Select your preferred campus
| Intake | Applications open | Applications close |
|---|---|---|
| Trimester 1, 2026 | 1 Sep 2025 | Applications now closed |
| Trimester 2, 2026 | 12 Jan 2026 | Applications now closed |
| Trimester 3, 2026 | Applications now open | 17 Aug 2026 |
Location and delivery
Thinking about starting soon? Course availability can vary by location and study period. Check the course handbook for details on when and where you can start your studies.
For full entry requirements, fees and information for international students, visit the course page.
Explore more
Find more resources to help you take the next step in your Curtin journey.