0.5 years
100+ courses to choose from
In-person or online
Why this program?
Whether you're looking to pivot your career, broaden your policy expertise, or deepen your impact in your current role, the Graduate Certificate in Public Policy equips you for your path.
You’ll learn from world-renowned academics and practitioners who are actively shaping policy, and gain insights into the real-world challenges facing governments, businesses, and communities today.
As a short, yet rigorous qualification, the Graduate Certificate provides both immediate professional value and a path to further study. It’s an ideal option for professionals seeking to build policy capability, strengthen their credentials, or explore a future in public leadership.
Follow a suggested study plan
Choose a predefined suggested study plan curated by us.
Condensed from our Master level degrees, each study plan groups together knowledge on topical subjects:
- Climate policy
- Development policy
- Economic policy
- Environmental and resource economics
- Environmental management policy
- International and development economics
- Policy design and analysis
- Policy leadership
- Public management
Build your own program
From a list of 100+ potential courses, select four to complete your Graduate Certificate.
The combination of courses is completely up to you, allowing you to tailor a program to match your learning goals.
Your available courses are pulled from our Master level programs. Visit the course list for the Masters to see your full list of options:
What will I learn?
Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Public Policy will develop a strong understanding of core public policy issues in Australia and internationally. They will be able to think critically about complex policy challenges, apply research and analytical methods, and evaluate problems from political, technical, and institutional perspectives.
The program also builds skills in communicating policy analysis and navigating the practical realities of managing, implementing, and evaluating public policies in diverse and changing environments.
Career outcomes
- Policy Officer / Advisor
Work in government departments or agencies to develop, analyse, and advise on policy issues. - Program Manager / Coordinator
Design, implement and evaluate public programs in areas such as health, education, climate, or social services. - Analyst (Public Policy, Social Policy, Economic Policy, Climate Policy)
Use data and research to inform evidence-based decision making in government, think tanks, or consultancy roles. - Public Sector Professional
Strengthen your ability to navigate complex policy environments and contribute to strategic decision making. - Advocacy / Government Relations
Represent the interests of organisations (NGOs, industry bodies, universities, etc.) to influence policy and funding decisions. - Consultant (Policy, Strategy, Governance)
Advise clients on public policy, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory strategy. - Pathway to Further Study or Leadership Roles
Many graduates continue to master's degrees or take on more senior leadership roles within their organisations.
Am I qualified to apply?
There are a few ways you can be qualified:
- Bachelor degree or international equivalent with GPA 4/7
- Graduate Diploma or international equivalent with a GPA 4/7
- Graduate Certificate or international equivalent with a GPA 4/7
- 24 units of courses in a postgraduate program with a GPA of 4/7
- A minimum 5 years full-time equivalent work experience at ANZSCO Skill Level 1 in a field related to the program.
For a full list of options visit our Programs and Courses page.
How much does it cost?
The two main costs associated with study are the cost of the degree and the Student Services and Amenities Fee:
- Degree cost
International students – the approximate cost for this program is $28,060.00
Domestic students – most domestic students will opt to apply for FEE-HELP which is an education loan program run by the Australian Government. Alternatively, you can opt to pay upfront, by covering the cost personally or talking with your employer to see if they have staff development programs. - Student Services and Amenities Fee
ANU, like most Australian universities, charges an amenities fee. This fee, paid every semester, contributes to student support services, and the amount that you are charged varies depending on whether you are a full or part-time student.
How long does it take?
The Graduate Certificate of Public Policy can be completed in just six months of full-time study, or over a longer period if undertaken part-time. This flexible structure allows students to balance their studies with work or other commitments while gaining essential skills in policy analysis and development.
How to apply
There are four easy steps to apply
- Click the Apply now link
- Start the free online application
- Upload any supporting documents
- Submit the form
Once the form is submitted our dedicated Admissions team will assess your application and you will receive an outcome via email within 4-6 weeks.
When can I start?
Intake for this program happens every six months, usually around February and July each year.
You will be able to accept your offer and then start in the very next semester.
If you need to defer the start of your study you can defer for upto 12 months.
Further study?
The Graduate Certificate of Public Policy can serve as a path into any master's degree within the Crawford School of Public Policy. Successful completion of the certificate may allow you to receive credit for your studies, reducing the time and cost required to complete a full master's degree. It's an ideal option for those looking to build foundational skills before committing to more advanced study.
To take full advantage of this path, we suggest that you aim to complete the core units of your target master’s degree while doing the Graduate Certificate. This allows you to reduce the time needed to complete a master's degree and explore whether pursuing the full degree is the right path for you.
Take a look at our master’s degrees: