Graduate Diploma in Business Administration

Accelerate your business leadership journey with advanced management skills.

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Entry requirements

Key information

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Bachelor degree, or a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration, or equivalent qualification

See entry requirements Download brochure

Direct Entry

Yes

Duration

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

Start Dates

March

July

October

Annual Fees

2026 : $37,400 (FFP)

2026 : (FFP)

Delivery mode

Online

Practical experience

Not available

Study abroad

Not available

English language requirements

English language requirements by country

Why study the Graduate Diploma in Business Administration at Flinders?

Upskill in 6 months and gain business and leadership skills to step into senior roles with confidence. This course dives deep into the global forces shaping organisations from economic and social trends to environmental and ethical considerations. Ideal for professionals ready to accelerate their career, it equips you to lead with insight, agility and impact.

Tailor your study plan

Choose topics aligned with your interests from marketing, business analytics, sustainability, and AI to customise your pathway.

Articulate to an MBA

Your graduate diploma stacks directly into several MBA programs at Flinders, saving time and giving you advanced standing.

Fast-track into senior roles

Gain the advanced business skills and strategic insights to move into senior roles and complete your qualification in as little as 6 months of full-time study.

Industry-relevant curriculum

The course covers critical areas like driving financial performance, AI, marketing, and leadership strategy.

Scholarships can ease the financial challenges of university study

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

Learn more.

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 will complete 8 topics built in partnership with industry and learn in-demand skills in business, leadership and strategy. Complete the course in 6 months by selecting all 8 topics in 2 study periods, or study part-time by selecting topics across multiple study periods.

Course handbook

Available in Study Period 1

March to May:

Economic Environments: Assessing Current and Future Markets
Driving Financial Performance
Marketing in a Digital Age
Building Teams and Networks

Available in Study Period 2

July to September:

Researching Markets
Ethics, Sustainability and Governance
Business Analytics
Trends in Business Finance

Study Period 3

October to December:

Artificial Intelligence in Business Practice
Creating Resilient Supply Chains and Procurement
Emerging Business Models: Disruptions, Collaborations and Competition
Leading a Future Workforce Ethics, Sustainability and Governance

Your career

A Graduate Diploma in Business Administration strengthens your professional toolkit with strategic management and leadership skills that are valued across industries. Ideal for those seeking to accelerate career growth, this course empowers you to lead with confidence and make informed, high impact decisions.

Potential occupations

You could be a

Expected salary
$120,000^*

Expected salary
$115,000^*

Expected salary
$113,000^*

Expected salary
$100,000^*

Potential occupations

You could be a

Expected salary
$120,000^*

Expected salary
$115,000^*

Expected salary
$113,000^*

Expected salary
$100,000^*

Potential employers

Government departments and public sector agencies
Financial and banking institutions
Consulting and professional services firms
Energy and resources organisations
Manufacturing and logistics companies
Non-profit and community organisations

Industry-relevant experience

Practical experience
Industry placements

This program includes project-based assessments and real-world case studies that give you hands-on experience in planning, implementing, monitoring and closing projects in realistic business contexts.

Real-world business concepts

Industry insights and case studies

Hands-on assessments and problem-solving

Swap any topic for an optional 12-week industry placement to gain exposure to new industries or re-enter the workforce.

Connect with industry

In this course, you’ll gain insights grounded in real-world practice through Flinders’ strong partnerships with business firms, government agencies, and not-for-profit organisations. Your studies will emphasise the practical application of principles, giving you the skills and confidence to apply knowledge directly in your workplace or future career.

Flinders University is a future you can count on

Flinders University is ranked top 2% globally*.

No. 1 in Australia for postgraduate employment**.

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

Gain business skills and a valuable qualification in 6 months.

Career growth - Build confidence with practical, in-demand skills.

No bachelor's degree required - we know not everyone takes the traditional path to university.

*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 Afshin Tanouri

MBA Director

See full profile

Afshin Tanouri specialises in using digital technologies and gamification and his work spans mental health, wellbeing and alcohol reduction, and is published in top journals. Passionate about industry engagement and research-driven teaching, he integrates real-world experiences into his courses, covering digital marketing, sustainability, and business ethics.

Associate Professor Angie Shafei

Dean of Business MD DBA

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Angie Shafei is a business health management consultant, an interdisciplinary clinical pathologist 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 on digital health, new technologies and patient-centred healthcare.

Dr Ashleigh Powell

Lecturer in Marketing

See full profile

Ashleigh Powell combines her expertise in psychology and marketing to explore consumer behaviour. A lecturer at Flinders University and member of the Centre for Social Impact, she focuses on health and wellbeing, having worked with the Foundation for Alcohol Education and Research, and VicHealth.

Entry requirements

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

hold a bachelor degree or equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution; or
have completed the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration at Flinders University

3 qualifications in 1

Flinders University offers staggered qualifications as you complete certain MBA milestones. Finish 4 topics and you’ll receive a Graduate Certificate. Finish another 4 topics, and you’ll receive a Graduate Diploma. Complete a further 4 topics in addition to those, and you will be awarded an MBA.

3-month

Complete 4 topics to earn
Graduate Certificate in Business Administration

6-month

Complete 8 topics to earn
Graduate Diploma Business Administration

12-month

Complete 12 topics to earn
Master of Business Administration

Have a question?

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

Who is the Graduate Diploma in Business Administration best suited for?

It’s ideal for mid-level professionals, aspiring managers, or those seeking to upskill in leadership, business management, and business operations without committing to a full MBA.

Can I progress to a Master of Business Administration (MBA)?

Yes. Successful completion of the Graduate Diploma in Business Administration provides a pathway into the MBA at Flinders University, with credit for completed topics.

Does the course offer any practical or industry-based learning?

Yes. The program incorporates real-world case studies, applied projects, and engagement with industry-relevant challenges to help you develop skills that translate directly to the workplace.

Do I need prior business or management experience to apply?

No prior business degree is required, but professional experience will enhance your learning. The course is structured to support students from diverse professional backgrounds.

What kind of assessment can I expect?

Assessments typically include applied projects, case analyses, presentations, reflective assignments, and immersive or gamified activities, all designed to test your ability to apply concepts to real business situations rather than relying on traditional exams.

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.