Diploma in Business

Take charge and succeed!
Build the skills and knowledge you need to grow in today’s fast-moving business world.

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Entry requirements

Key information

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Guaranteed Entry ATAR

60.00

No ATAR?

Speak to us about alternative entry options

STAT

150.0

GPA

4.0

Pathway options

Speak to us about your options

This course is not available to international students.

Direct Entry

Yes

Duration

1 years full-time (or part-time equivalent)

Start Dates

March

July

Annual Fees

2025 : $16,992 (CSP)

2025 : (FFP)

Delivery mode

Online

Practical experience

Not available

Study abroad

Not available

Prerequisites

None

Assumed knowledge

None

Why study the Diploma in Business at Flinders?

The Diploma in Business offers a fast-track, flexible pathway into second-year entry of a wide range of Business bachelor degrees with no prior prerequisites, helping you kickstart your business career with confidence.

Build future-focused business skills across every management function

Develop capabilities in analytics, innovation, strategy and practical management skills that apply across all business areas, giving you the confidence to lead in diverse industries and roles.

Learn to lead with proven business tools

You’ll gain practical skills to set up a business, meet organisational objectives and confidently lead people, ensuring you’re ready to make an impact from day one.

Start here and fast-track into a Bachelor of Business

This program provides a clear pathway with credit into the Bachelor of Business, where you can specialise in areas such as human resource management, marketing, management, sports management and more.

Gain skills to launch your career or continue your business studies

Graduate with the practical capabilities to enter the workforce and build a successful career in business, or continue your studies in a specialised area to take your expertise further.

Scholarships are a great way to ease the financial challenges of university study

Flinders has scholarships for high achievers, those in need of financial aid, indigenous, rural, and STEM students.

Find out if you're eligible.

What you will study

You’ll study 6 core topics covering essential business functions including accounting, management, finance, economics, marketing and law, and 2 additional optional topics from human resource management, sports, tourism, design thinking and more.

Course handbook

Year 1

Core Topics

Interpreting and Visualising Business Data
Finance and Accounting for Leaders
Managing in Modern Organisations
Assessing Economic Environments
Marketing Principles in the Digital Era
Applying Business Law

Option topics

Organisational Behaviour
Coding for Business
Academic and Professional Communication
Sport and Active Recreation
Innovative and Creative Thinking: Recognising Opportunities
Tourism Studies

Your career

The Diploma in Business prepares you for roles in administration, customer service, sales and support across various industries. It also lays the foundation for further study, giving you the skills to pursue advanced qualifications and unlock broader career opportunities in business and management.

Potential occupations

You could be a

Expected salary
$110,000^*

Expected salary
$85,000^*

Expected salary
$75,000^*

Expected salary
$71,000^*

Potential occupations

You could be a

Expected salary
$110,000^*

Expected salary
$85,000^*

Expected salary
$75,000^*

Expected salary
$71,000^*

Potential employers

Corporate businesses
Government agencies
Non-profit organisations
Consulting firms
Retail and hospitality companies

Professional accreditations

Participants gain a University Diploma on completion, which is AQF accredited. 

The program also provides a pathway or credit into the Bachelor of Business and a range of other Flinders University degrees.

Practical experience

You’ll gain practical experience sought by employers through a curriculum that emphasises:

Real-world business concepts

Industry insights and case studies

Hands-on assessments and problem-solving

Connect with industry

You will have the chance to dive into hands-on placement opportunities with a diverse range of industry partners. Whether it's the Big Four accounting firms, globally recognised FMCG brands, banking and financial institutions, SMEs focused on social accountability and community engagement, sporting organisations, or South Australian government departments, there's something for everyone. These partnerships offer you valuable opportunities to gain real-world experience and insights across various.

Flinders University is a future you can count on

Flinders University is ranked top 2% globally*.

Fast track your career in just 12 months.

Gain practical skills in analytics, strategy, management and business operations.

Use proven business tools to set up a business, meet organisational objectives and lead people.

Flexible online study - study anywhere, anytime and start, stop and restart your studies when life allows.

Pathway to further study. Gain 1-year credit into a range of Flinders Business degrees.

^{*THE World University Rankings 2023 & QILT 2021 Graduate Outcomes Survey-longitudinal}

Meet your academics

Our incredible teaching and professional staff are experts in their fields and well-connected to industry.

Dr Mahmoud Moussa

Lecturer (Teaching Specialist - Acad), College of Business, Government and Law

See full profile

A passionate lecturer in Human Resource Management, Mahmoud brings 15 years of global teaching experience from Thailand, Melbourne and Adelaide. He’s the author of two influential books on cross-cultural management and innovation and has published over 40 papers on leadership and workplace innovation.

Dr Rajesh Johnsam

Senior Lecturer, College of Business, Government and Law

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With years of experience in HR, leadership and real-world consulting, Rajesh is all about turning business theory into action. His teaching connects you to modern business trends like AI and helps you become a confident leader in any organisation.

Associate Professor Angie Shafei

Dean of Business MD DBA

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Angie Shafei is an interdisciplinary clinical pathologist, health management consultant and researcher. With 20+ years of experience, she focuses on innovation, health transformation and digital health. Co-founder of Innovate Inn, she excels in research commercialisation and has published extensively in digital health and patient-centred service models.

Entry requirements

To be accepted into this course, applicants must meet at least one of the following entry requirements:

ATAR

60.00

GPA

4.00

STAT

150/200

Find out more

TAFE/VET

Certificate IV

Bridging course

Completion of Flinders Foundation Studies

Have a question?

Find the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

Is a Diploma in Business the same as an MBA?

No, a Diploma in Business is not the same as an MBA. The Diploma in Business is a foundational qualification designed to provide students with essential business knowledge and skills, suitable for entry-level positions or further study. It focuses on practical business concepts and prepares graduates for a range of roles in the business world.

An MBA (Master of Business Administration) is an advanced postgraduate degree aimed at professionals with work experience who are looking to develop their leadership, strategic thinking and management skills. The MBA offers a deeper, more comprehensive understanding of business practices and is designed to prepare graduates for senior management or executive roles.

Do I need to finish Year 12 to do a Diploma in Business?

No, you do not need to have completed Year 12 to enrol in the Diploma in Business at Flinders University. We offer flexible entry pathways for students, including those with prior work experience or other qualifications. Our admissions process considers a range of factors, so even if you haven’t completed Year 12 you may still be eligible to apply. We encourage you to reach out to our admissions team to discuss your specific situation and find the best path forward for your studies.

How long does it take to complete?

A Diploma in Business can be completed in one year of full-time study, or about two years of part-time study. Some courses offer accelerated study options.

How to apply in 4 easy steps

Step 1

Choose your course

Select your preferred course.

Step 2

Entry requirements

Check the entry requirements and your eligibility.

Step 3

Key dates

Confirm the key application and enrolment dates.

Step 4

Submit application

Apply and submit your application via Direct Entry.

Apply now via Direct Entry

Who is eligible to apply?

Flinders Online courses are available for Australian or New Zealand citizens, Australian permanent residents, holders of Australian permanent humanitarian visas and Pacific Engagement visa holders.

International students in Australia who hold a student visa are not eligible to apply.

For further information regarding course eligibility, refer to the individual entry requirements for each course.

When do I apply?

You are encouraged to apply as soon as possible and by no later than teaching commencement dates. If places fill, applications for your preferred start date may close without notice and you will be considered for the next available intake.

Semester 1: teaching commences 3 March 2025 – Applications close 28 February 2025
Semester 2: teaching commences 28 July 2025 – Applications close 25 July 2025

Some courses have non-standard semester commencement dates as follows:

February Study Period: teaching commences 24 February 2025 – Applications close 21 February 2025
June Study Period: teaching commences 30 June 2025 – Applications close 27 June 2025
September Study Period: teaching commences 29 September 2025 – Applications close 26 September 2025

Please refer to the individual Flinders Online course for more information.

Other critical and key dates

How do I apply?

Applications are submitted directly with Flinders.

You can apply for up to three courses in order of preference in your application. More information is available in the Application Guide.

Flinders Online Application guide

I've applied - what happens next?

Normally, we will inform you of the outcome of your application within 3-5 working days after submission.

If further information is required, we will contact you via email with details on what is needed and how to provide it.

Are HELP Loans available?

Yes, government-supported HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP loan area available to help eligible students pay for their higher education tuition fees.

HECS-HELP is for students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) to cover their student contribution amount.
FEE-HELP is for eligible domestic fee-paying students to cover their full tuition fees.

Both loans are indexed to reflect changes in the cost of living but are otherwise interest free. HELP Loans must be repaid through the tax system once your income reaches a certain threshold, with payments increasing as your earnings rise.