Graduate Certificate in Tertiary and Adult Education

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Location
Online
Next start term
Term 3, 2026
Study mode
Online
Course code
CG68
First-year fee
$2,400 (2026 Indicative) (CSP)
$12,850 (2026 Indicative) (FFP)
This course can be studied part-time (1.5 years). Commonwealth Supported Places available, offering significant fee savings. 
Overview
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OverviewStructure & AvailabilityRequirementsFees & ScholarshipsHow to Apply
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A student studying at home using a laptop and workbook. Two paintings are mounted behind the person on the wall.

Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Tertiary and Adult Education (GCTAE) is ideal for educators, teaching or learning professionals who aspire to enhance their expertise in adult education within adult education, tertiary and training organisations.

This postgraduate course integrates practical, authentic learning experiences with cutting-edge theories and principles of adult education, equipping you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in your career. Through a focus on the scholarship of learning and teaching, you will explore innovative approaches to professional development and transformative practices. 

Delivered entirely online, the course embodies modern educational methodologies, offering flexibility and accessibility for busy professionals.

Study Experience

Discover more about your Graduate Certificate in Tertiary and Adult Education, including part-time and online availability and significant fee savings for eligible students. Click 'Explore Study Experience' for more information.

  • Authentic Learning Experiences
  • Commonwealth Supported
  • Flexible Online Study
  • Part-time Study
  • Student Support

Career Opportunities

As a successful graduate of the course, you will build on your understanding of contemporary educational issues and practices in tertiary education and how these may be applied within your particular contexts. The course is work-based and promotes a balance between theory and practice, which enables you to enhance your learning and teaching practices and contribute to your ongoing professional development as a tertiary educator.

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)

Unit Details

The units you'll study are listed below. Click on a unit to learn more.

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 is the approximate cost of enrolling in this course for one academic year depending on the type of place you are offered, for example, a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) or Full Fee Paying (FFP) Place. For a graduate certificate, this is usually four units studied full-time over one term or part-time over two terms. The indicative fee 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.

Commonwealth Supported Places

With Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) available for this course in 2026, you may be eligible for significant fee savings, provided you meet CSP eligibility requirements. CSPs are subsidised by the Australian Government, meaning you are only required to pay the student contribution rather than full tuition fees.

If you are not eligible for a CSP or if CSPs are full, you will be required to pay full fees.

Important

If you are a new student and are offered a CSP, you must submit an eCAF (electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form) with the Australian Government to confirm your place, even if you are ineligible for or don’t intend to use a HECS-HELP Loan.

This is a Government requirement, and if you don’t submit before your commencing census date, your enrolment for the term will be cancelled.

HECS-HELP

You may be eligible for a HECS-HELP government loan if you are offered a CSP. HECS-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme that assists you in paying your student contributions. Provided you meet the HECS-HELP eligibility criteria, you may use HECS-HELP to defer part or all of your student contribution fees. 

Learn more about paying for university.

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.

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