Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Development

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Duration
0.5 years full-time, 1 year part-time
Location
Online and Melbourne
Next start term
Term 2, 2026
Study mode
On Campus, Online
Course code
CM84
First-year fee
$16,650 (2026 Indicative) (FFP)
OverviewStructure & AvailabilityRequirementsFees & ScholarshipsHow to Apply
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A student sitting on a lounge holding a textbook. A globe of the Earth is in the foreground, out of focus and more students can be seen in the background studying.

Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Development offers a comprehensive introduction to the core principles and practices of sustainability within a global framework. 

Designed to equip professionals with the expertise to address complex environmental challenges, the course delves into the interconnected social, economic, and governance aspects of sustainability. You will explore key areas such as sustainable development, environmental management, and policy strategies through four interdisciplinary units. This sustainable development course provides a strong foundation ideal for expanding your skills and making a meaningful impact in sustainability-focused roles across diverse industries.

The Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Development is part of a suite of postgraduate courses in this field, making it ideal as a standalone postgraduate qualification in sustainable development or as a stepping stone towards advanced studies in sustainability such as CQU's Graduate Diploma of Sustainable Development and Master of Sustainable Development.

Study Experience

Discover more about your postgraduate sustainable development degree and how you'll benefit from flexible study options and seamless pathways to advance your skills and knowledge. Click 'Explore Study Experience' for more information.

  • Online or On-campus
  • Seamless Pathways
  • Student Support
  • Study Full-time or Part-time

Career Opportunities

The Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Development prepares you for entry-level roles in sustainability across government, non-profit, and corporate sectors. You'll have the skills and knowledge to pursue roles that help organisations implement sustainable practices and policies, such as: 

  • sustainability officer, 
  • environmental advisor, or 
  • project coordinator.

Structure & Availability

The course structure and available locations can change depending on when you want to study. 

You can choose the intake that best suits you in the drop-down menu below. Visit the Academic Calendars webpage for key dates relevant to your chosen intake.

Available Locations

Your Course

You must complete four units (24 credits):

  1. 1
    The core structure (4 units)

What You'll Study

You will choose four electives from the units listed below. Click on a unit to learn more.

Showing 8 of 9

Course Planner

To help you plan your studies and see which unit comes first, if one unit should be completed before another and the term you will study each unit, check out our course planners.

Browse course planners

Additional Information

If you have prior experience or have studied previously, you may be eligible for credit or recognition of prior learning (RPL), which can help reduce your study load and the time it takes to complete your degree.

Learn more about credit and RPL, including application timelines and the overall process.

This course does permit you to defer your offer and commence at a later date.

Learn more about the offer process.

Requirements

To Be Eligible

For your application to be considered, you must meet the following entry requirements. 

During Your Study

While not needed to apply, you'll need to meet the following requirements throughout your studies. 

Fees & Scholarships

Indicative First-Year Fee

The Indicative First-Year Fee for a Full Fee Paying (FFP) Place is the approximate cost of enrolling in this course for one full-time academic year (this is usually eight units studied over two terms) and should be used as a guide only. Your actual fees may vary depending on the units you select to study and your study load. Check the Cost per Unit spreadsheet available on our Understanding Course Fees webpage. 

Fees are reviewed each year and are subject to change. Fee estimates for the following year are expected to be available in September each year.

You may be eligible for FEE-HELP, an Australian Government loan scheme that helps eligible students pay their tuition fees. Provided you meet the FEE-HELP eligibility criteria, you can choose to use FEE-HELP to cover all or part of your tuition fees. 

Learn more about paying for university or view the FEE-HELP information booklet on the Australian Government’s Study Assist website.

Part of your course costs will include Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF). SSAF is charged in addition to your student contribution or tuition fees and is used to help enhance your study experience. There may also be other costs as part of your studies, such as textbooks, technology expenses, travel expenses, professional certifications, uniforms, or vaccinations. 

Explore other study costs.

How to Apply

How to Apply

Check what you need to do to apply to study this course. 

Your Application Options

Follow These Steps

  1. 1
    Check you meet the course requirements
  2. 2
    Get a Unique Student Identifier
  3. 4
    Receiving an offer
    Find out more about how your application will be assessed, offer types and timelines for receiving and responding to an offer.

Extra Admission Information

Learn about the assessment of applications and everything you need to know about receiving and accepting an offer to study with CQU.

Start Your Application

Use the Apply button below to access our Apply Online portal and start your application.

Apply

Related Courses

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Graduate Diploma of Sustainable Development

On Campus, Online

1 year full-time, 2 years part-time

Melbourne, Online

Master of Sustainable Development

Online, On Campus

2 years full-time, 4 years part-time

Melbourne, Online