Graduate Certificate in Student Inclusion

Make every student’s learning experience count.

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Entry requirements

Key information

VIEWING DOMESTICINTERNATIONAL

Bachelor degree in Education or equivalent qualification

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Direct Entry

Yes

Duration

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

Start Dates

March

July

Annual Fees

2026 : $2,368 (CSP)

2026 : $12,250 (FFP)

2026 : (FFP)

Delivery mode

Online

Practical experience

Available

Study abroad

Not available

English language requirements

English language requirements by country

Why study Student Inclusion at Flinders?

Build the skills to create supportive and inclusive learning environments for every student.

This course equips you with the knowledge and strategies to recognise diverse needs, remove barriers, and foster equity in education. With a focus on real-world practice and evidence-based approaches, you’ll be prepared to champion inclusion across classrooms, schools, and educational communities.

Inclusive education matters

Develop the skills to recognise diverse student needs and adapt curriculum, environments and social interactions to support every learner.

Demand for inclusion specialists is growing

Position yourself as a sought-after leader in schools, education departments or policy roles with expertise in inclusive practices.

You'll reflect on, and transform your teaching

Gain critical insights from research, legislation and global perspectives to drive inclusive education in your school.

You'll progress open up more study opportunities

Enhance your professional standing and build credit towards a Master of Education or Master of Inclusive and Specialised Education.

What you will study

Across four core topics studied part-time over 1 year, you will develop practical skills in inclusive education with topics designed to address real-world classroom challenges.

Course handbook

Topics

Your topics might include:

Contemporary issues in inclusive education
Positive behaviour support
Inclusive educational practices
Planning and assessments

Your career

Champion inclusive education and make a real difference. Step into leadership roles that support diverse learners, shape inclusive practices, and influence policy and strategy across schools, departments, and education communities.

Potential occupations

You could be a

Expected salary

$105,000^*

Expected salary

$115,000^*

Expected salary

$101,000^*

Expected salary

$104,000^*

Expected salary

$105,000^*

Potential occupations

You could be a

Expected salary

$105,000^*

Expected salary

$115,000^*

Expected salary

$101,000^*

Expected salary

$104,000^*

Expected salary

$105,000^*

Potential employers

State and territory departments of education
Independent and Catholic school systems
Educational technology companies and startups
Universities and higher education institutions
Government policy and regulatory bodies
Professional learning and teacher training organisations

Practical experience

Apply what you learn in your own context to make real change in student inclusion.

Study cases of inclusive practice and apply theory to your school or workplace

Reflect on existing practices and design improvements to better support diverse learners.

Collaborate with peers to design inclusive strategies and interventions.

Connect with industry

Connect with inclusive practice leaders and educators. Flinders works closely with schools, inclusion specialists, behaviour support units, and community education services. With examples of behaviour-support strategies and inclusive curriculum design, you’ll graduate ready to contribute to diverse education settings and improve outcomes for all students.

Flinders University is a future you can count on

Financial support - eligible students an receive significant financial assistance, such as government subsidies and scholarships, reducing the cost of the degree.

No. 1 in Australia for postgraduate employment*.

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

Flinders University is ranked No. 1 in South Australia in Education & Training for learner engagement, learning resources, overall educational experience, student support and teaching quality***.

^{*QILT 2021 Graduate Outcomes Survey-longitudinal **Source: Jobs and Skills Australia 2023 employment projections to May 2033

***The Good Universities Guide 2024 (undergraduate), public SA-founded universities only)}

Get inspired

Learn about Inclusive Education at Flinders.

Cherie Dawkins

Graduate Certificate in Leadership in Education

Mais Abuserdaneh

Master of Education

James Mingorance

Master of Education

I loved my time at Flinders and the connections I made.

This degree is strongly supporting my current role and aligned perfectly with my career goals.

The teaching staff are approachable and genuinely invested in helping students.

I loved my time at Flinders and the connections I made.

This degree is strongly supporting my current role and aligned perfectly with my career goals.

The teaching staff are approachable and genuinely invested in helping students.

Meet your academics

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

Professor Gretchen Geng

Course Coordinator

See full profile

Professor Gretchen Geng leads as Professor in Innovative Education Futures at Flinders University. She brings over a decade of senior leadership in higher education - at Australian Catholic University, RMIT, Beijing Foreign Studies University and more - and a deep international reputation for work on digital play, XR learning, and early childhood innovation. Her “Playful Reading” framework has already supported tens of thousands of teachers across Southeast Asia and reflects her commitment to transforming learning through technology, creativity and inclusion.

Dr Peter Walker

Lecturer

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Dr Peter Walker is a lecturer in Special Education at Flinders University, with more than 20 years’ experience teaching, leading and advocating in diverse school settings across South Australia and New South Wales. He previously served as principal of a special school and now draws on that experience to inform his research and teaching in inclusive education. Peter is national president of the Australian Association for Special Education and has spoken widely on the importance of inclusive schooling, including a TEDx talk on rethinking difference.

Entry requirements

To apply, you’ll need a bachelor degree (or equivalent) plus at least 1 years of relevant work experience. If you don’t quite meet these requirements but have significant professional experience, you may still be considered.

Take the next step: from Graduate Certificate to Master Degree

When you complete the Graduate Certificate in Student Inclusion, you’ve already taken the first step towards a Master of Education or Master of Inclusive and Specialised Education. Your completed topics count directly toward the Master’s degree, meaning you can continue your studies and graduate with a full Master’s qualification when you’re ready. Use your Graduate Certificate as the foundation for higher qualifications and further career opportunities.

Have a question?

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

What is the focus of the Graduate Certificate in Student Inclusion?

This degree is designed to help educators build skills in inclusive education, adapting teaching practices to meet the diverse learning, cultural, and social needs of students.

Can I study the Graduate Certificate in Student Inclusion online?

Yes, the course is offered fully online with flexible delivery, so you can continue teaching or working while completing your qualification.

What career outcomes can I expect after completing this course?

Graduates are well-prepared for roles such as inclusion coordinator, learning support leader, policy advisor, or specialised educator in schools, government, and community settings.

How does the Graduate Certificate in Student Inclusion support my career development?

You’ll gain in-demand expertise in inclusive education and may also receive credit towards a Master of Education or Master of Inclusive and Specialised Education, opening further career pathways.

What are the entry requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Student Inclusion?

Applicants need a bachelor degree (or equivalent) in Education, Teaching, or a related field. Relevant professional experience may also be considered.

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 2 March 2026 – Applications close 27 February 2026

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.