University of Canberra
Graduate Certificate in Public Policy and Finance
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 6 months
- Course Type: Graduate Certificate
Provides professionals with the essential skills to analyse economic policies, manage public finances and drive fiscally responsible decision-making in government and related sectors.
Course overview
The Graduate Certificate in Public Policy and Finance is an interdisciplinary course, designed to meet the professional development needs of government departments and public agencies. This course provides participants with a critical understanding of Australia's main economic and public policy debates, an advanced knowledge of Australia's budgeting and financial governance and insight into the preparation, process and politics involved in getting new policy proposals accepted.
Students in this course will learn how to establish strategic direction, design better and more sustainable policy, create user-centred service design, delivery and evaluation, engage people and expertise, use strategic communication for support in a highly contested policy environment and deliver quality outcomes whilst ensuring value for money.
This course is suited to mid-career and more experienced public servants (e.g. newly-appointed Senior Executive Service officers, executive-level staff and APS6 policy officers). It is only available to staff nominated by their department.
CSP Subsidised Fees Available
This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.
Key facts
1st December, 2025
What you will study
The Graduate Certificate in Public Policy and Finance comprises four units or 12 credit points.
Core Units
- Managing Government Finance
- Public Policy
- Economic Policy Analysis
- Leading and Managing
Entry Requirements
- Admission to this course is restricted to applicants who have been selected and approved by their Government agency.
- Applicants must have a degree or equivalent as approved by the University's Admissions Committee and be currently employed in an Australian Commonwealth, State, or Territory Government Department or hold two or more years of relevant work experience.
Assumed Knowledge
Essential knowledge: A good working knowledge of the public sector; commitment and the ability to contribute to class learning, to learn from others and to share learning in the workplace; strong commitment to career development and capacity to complete a rigorous program of study. Desirable but not essential knowledge would include some familiarity with fundamental theories and concepts underpinning effective public policy development, a good feel for the difficulties of delivering results in government and experience in applying theory and analysing data to solve real-world public policy problems.
English Language Requirements
An IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall, with no band score below 6.0 (or equivalent).
Recognition of Prior Learning
A credit application based on recognition of prior learning (RPL), including informal or non-formal learning, must include appropriate certified documentation. For more information, contact the university or visit their website.
Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- A broad understanding of different policy analysis and advising models and their usefulness for policy and management practice.
- An advanced understanding of the machinery of Australian budgeting and financial governance.
- A critical understanding of the main policy debates within public and economic policy-making in Australia and in comparable and other Westminster-style democracies.
- Understanding of how the international political environment affects organisational objectives.
- A critical understanding of the central concepts relating to financial management, governance and public policy.
- Written and verbal communication skills to engage in informed debates on public sector issues.
- The ability to bring a strategic perspective to all policy program design work.
- The ability to affect sustainable Commonwealth policy.
- Ability to design, model and craft policy options for simple issues.
- Undertake primary research both within a collaborative team-based framework and independently.
Fees and CSP
Estimated annual fee in 2025: $8,496 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
The estimated annual fee is based on a study load of four units or 12 credit points.
Commonwealth Supported Places
The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.
If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you only need to pay some of your tuition fees. The student contribution amount is the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.
Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.
Your student contribution amount is:
- Calculated per the courses you're enrolled in.
- Dependent on the study areas they relate to.
- Reviewed and adjusted each year.
HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.