Online Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management

Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management

POSTGRADUATE

Extend your knowledge of contemporary HR practice.

RMIT considers you a local student if you are:

• a citizen or permanent resident of Australia, or
• a New Zealand citizen, or
• a person seeking asylum who holds either a Temporary Protection Visa (TPV), or Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (SHEV) or Bridging Visa E or Humanitarian Stay (Temporary) visa or Temporary Humanitarian Concern Visa.

Asylum seekers who reside in Australia and study onshore are required to pay international onshore tuition fees for higher education courses.

If you are unsure or hold a different visa type, please contactStudy@RMIT for more information.

Not a local student?

RMIT considers you an international student if you are:

• intending to study on a student visa, or
• not a citizen or permanent resident of Australia, or
• not a New Zealand citizen, or
• not a person seeking asylum who holds either a Temporary Protection Visa (TPV), or Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (SHEV) or Bridging Visa E or Humanitarian Stay (Temporary) visa or Temporary Humanitarian Concern Visa.

If you are unsure or hold a different visa type, please contactStudy@RMIT for more information.

Enhance and update your knowledge of contemporary HR practice and examine management issues in the context of global changes that impact on people within workplaces.

The Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management focusses on tackling common problems in the management of people across borders, in various legal and cultural contexts. You will develop a critical awareness of these legal, ethical, social, economic and environmental challenges and their implications for effective and successful HR strategy, operations, processes and decision making.

You will understand the application of human resources (HR) practices within small and medium enterprises, including start‑ups and entrepreneurial firms, public and not‑for‑profit sectors as well as multinational corporations.

This course has been developed in consultation with high‑profile industry executives.

Build a foundation for your career, or be prepared for further study.

Professional association

Gain eligibility to join the Australian HR Institute.

AACSB accreditation is a globally recognised standard of excellence for business schools, with members in over 100 countries and territories. It signifies a commitment to quality, continuous improvement and high‑quality business education.

RMIT Bursary

If you’re an RMIT University alumnus commencing this degree from Semester 1, 2026, you may be eligible to receive a 10% reduction on your tuition fees. See fees for more details.

Study entirely online

The Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management is also available via online delivery.

*Please note: RMIT’s online degrees are only available to students based outside Australia as they do not meet Australian student visa requirements. For study on an Australian student visa, you must have an on‑campus place in a degree.

RMIT offers a variety of learning and teaching approaches including lectures, seminars, studios, workshops, presentations, group discussions and syndicate work. In addition, you will have access to online and digital resources such as lecture notes, assessment tools, discussion boards and podcasts through.

Your subjects may be offered during the day and late afternoon/early evening. Some advanced level workshops are offered over several days and/or weekends.

Assessment methods

Your assessment in this graduate certificate will take different forms according to your subject requirements. These may include assignments and projects, group or independent work, in‑class tests, formal exams, and more.

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large‑scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online in the form of readings, videos or other on‑demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on‑campus classes.

RMIT Capabilities

The world is constantly changing, and there are universal skills that can help you adapt to the evolving nature of work and global engagement.

As part of your study experience at RMIT, we provide 6 future‑focused RMIT Capabilities:

• Ethical Global Citizens
• Connected
• Adaptive
• Digitally Adept
• Expert
• Critically Engaged

RMIT Capabilities are built into your course as well as some of our extracurricular experiences. They inform the design and delivery of your learning activities and assessments, so by the time you graduate you’ll be ready to apply these capabilities in your life and work.

Guiding the development of the College of Business and Law, both nationally and internationally, is an Industry Advisory Board of high‑profile executives.

The Board creates a strategic bridge between the latest in technology and design thinking and business.

Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management, you will be equipped with knowledge and skills in contemporary business and HR practice, operational leadership, cross‑cultural competency, analytical and technical competency, problem‑solving, research and communication.

You will be able to identify and analyse problems in the field of HRM, then apply the appropriate concepts, principles, theories, methods and practices to provide innovative solutions to them. You will demonstrate a reflective and critical awareness of the legal, ethical, social, economic and environmental implications of HRM, and utilise essential communication skills to negotiate, consult, and engage with clients, employees and their stakeholders.

The Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management comprises 4 core subjects.

Through your study, you will explore HR's key concepts, professional HR practices, people and organisations, and employment law, to shape you into the consummate professional.

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management

Title

Location

Duration

CRICOS

Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management

Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management

Important information for international students

International student visa holders can only study full‑time.

You will emerge with knowledge and skills in contemporary business and HR practice and operational leadership, enabling you to identify and analyse problems in the field of human resources, and provide innovative solutions.

Course accreditation or membership offered by professional bodies signals to employers the quality and relevance of RMIT’s courses and opens up career pathways and networks.

Professional bodies accredit or recognise courses as meeting professional and academic standards deemed to be essential for a new graduate entering into that profession. An accredited course will either enable the graduate to enter directly into a professional qualifications program or provide the graduate with exemptions or credit towards a post‑university professional qualification.

Statutory accreditation

This type of accreditation is where a statutory body must approve a course of study in order for a graduate to practise in that profession.

Membership

Professional bodies or associations are representative organisations of professions that provide membership and other career development support to its members. Many professional bodies offer membership opportunities for students and new graduates with benefits such as career advice, networking within the profession and access to resources not available through the university. The aim of these benefits is to assist with your transition from university into the profession.

Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management

Current course accreditations and information about membership and development opportunities for students and graduates.

Australian HR Institute (AHRI)

Course satisfies the standards defined by the AHRI HR Model of Excellence associated competencies and key practice areas for human resource management professionals. (Accredited for course delivery in Melbourne and via RMIT Online.)

Membership and opportunities

• Students eligible for membership category: Student
• Graduates eligible for membership category: Graduate

You need to satisfy the following entry requirements to be considered for entry into this degree:

• An Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent), or higher‑level qualification, in any discipline from a recognised tertiary institution.
• If you do not meet the above entry requirement, you may be considered if you have a minimum of 5 years full‑time equivalent work experience. Applicants will be required to submit a curriculum vitae (CV).
• If your qualification was completed more than 10 years ago you will need to provide evidence of ongoing professional work and/or professional development in the same discipline as the program for which you are seeking entry to be granted credit.
• There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.
• A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

• IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
• TOEFL (Internet‑Based Test – IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE A): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
• Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

Note: RMIT does not accept scores from ‘at‑home’ or ‘online’ testing.

You can gain entry to this graduate certificate from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs, if you meet the entry requirements.

Applicants who have successfully completed postgraduate studies in a business or related discipline at another institution can have these assessed for credit or exemptions from this course consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management you can continue your studies in the Master of Human Resource Management and receive 48 credit points worth of credit (equivalent to one semester of full‑time study) for courses completed in the Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management.

You can gain entry into this degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs.

Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide a detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.

Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry into other RMIT postgraduate programmes.

• Full‑fee places: AU$17,760* (2026 total)
• Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$373 maximum fee for 2026*.
• Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment*

Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full‑time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full‑time study load.

*Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Defer your payment

This program is offered on a full‑fee paying basis only. If you are offered a place, you will need to pay the full tuition costs of your program. However, eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE‑HELP loan scheme.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

If you are offered a full‑fee place, you will need to pay the full tuition costs of your program. However, eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE‑HELP loan scheme.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2026 is $373.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.

Eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE‑HELP loan scheme.

SA‑HELP Loans

You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA‑HELP loan scheme. If you use SA‑HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.

How does a HELP loan work?

If your FEE‑HELP and/or SA‑HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.

You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

You may be eligible for student income support payments from the Commonwealth Government if you are undertaking a graduate certificate, graduate diploma or an approved professionally oriented masters by coursework program. For more information see Income support for Masters students.

If you are enrolled in an eligible program you will also need to satisfy all other student payment eligibility requirements. You can contact Centrelink or Services Australia for further information about student income support entitlements, your eligibility and how to apply.

You may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to your employment.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

If you’re an RMIT University alumnus commencing this degree from Semester 1, 2026, you may be eligible to receive a 10% reduction on your tuition fees.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible you must be:

• an RMIT alumnus, having completed an award program at RMIT (including RMIT Vietnam and RMIT Online), and
• a domestic student commencing an eligible face‑to‑face/on‑campus (Melbourne campus) RMIT Business or Law postgraduate degree in Semester 1, 2026, and
• enrolled in a full‑fee paying place.

*A student is considered commencing if they are enrolled in the first semester of their degree and have not previously been enrolled.

Note:

• If you become eligible for the discount during 2026 (i.e. an international student who receives Permanent Residency) you must contact Business Connect to have your eligibility assessed and the discount applied. (The College of Business and Law will not monitor eligibility or apply the discount outside the normal admissions process).
• You are eligible for the discount on course enrolments in all degrees that meet the criteria (i.e. both the Graduate Certificate and a Masters degree).

Exclusions

RMIT Bursary:

• Cannot be held concurrently with any other scholarship, bursary or any other monetary discounts offered by RMIT (excluding awards).
• Will not apply to postgraduate studies undertaken in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) or online delivered programmes.

Payment of bursary:

• If eligibility is maintained, the discount will apply to all eligible course enrolments in the eligible degree in the year the discount has been awarded (i.e. 2026).
• The discount will be applied directly to your student account and will be reflected on your invoice.
• The discount is reviewed annually and may be removed in future years.

Application process

If you are an RMIT alumnus there is no application process. Your eligibility to receive the bursary will be assessed at the time of application and enrolment. If eligible, the bursary will be applied directly to your tuition fees.

All College of Business and Law postgraduate coursework programmes delivered face‑to‑face/on‑campus (Melbourne campus).

In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

• Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) in each calendar year.

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2026 is $373.

Find information on how to apply for arefund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.