8 courses to help you change careers—without breaking the bank
Ready for a career shake up but have money on your mind? These postgraduate courses are ideal for career changers because they offer Commonwealth supported places (CSPs).
If you feel yourself wanting a little more out of your working life, embarking on a postgraduate course can be the perfect way to change direction.
Of course, it’s natural to think about the financial side of things, and to be reluctant about taking on too much HELP debt. Fortunately, there is a way to enrol in postgraduate study without paying the full tuition fees. You need to find a postgraduate course that offers Commonwealth supported places (CSPs).
CSPs explained
CSPs are typically more common in undergraduate courses, but are now being offered in certain postgraduate courses, especially in ‘in-demand’ study areas.
When you enrol in one, the government subsidises part of your course fees, and you’re only required to pay the remainder, or what’s called the ‘student contribution amount’, through a HELP loan.
A CSP will save you a lot of money in the long-term vs enrolling in a traditional full fee-paying place, as you’ll see in the courses we’ve recommended below.
If you have questions about exactly how they work, be sure to check out our guide to postgraduate CSPs. Or if you’d like tips on how to choose a new direction, see our ultimate guide to making a career change.
Postgraduate CSP courses that are open for enrolments now
These postgraduate courses all put you on the path to a career change at a reduced cost. Some have an enrolment intake closing next week, so be sure to apply quickly!
Graduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
If you’ve always dreamed of travelling the world and immersing yourself in other cultures, learning how to teach English could be your ticket to do so. Gaining a TESOL qualification will give you opportunities to teach domestically or abroad. You’ll become confident in the classroom and work with people from all over the globe.
Most ideal for: Registered teachers who are looking for a new adventure.
Who offers it: Curtin University
Duration: 6 months (at a full-time pace)
Enrolment deadline: 19 February 2025
Your estimated fees if you get a CSP: $2,312
Estimated full-fee cost: $10,883
Graduate Certificate in Applied Artificial Intelligence
As AI continues to disrupt and influence all kinds of industries, there’s never been a better time to gain fundamental AI skills. In this graduate certificate, you’ll use real-world case studies to understand the programming and maths underpinning machine learning—and learn to design your own AI-driven business solutions.
Most ideal for: Software engineers or data experts who want to move into an AI role.
Who offers it: Charles Sturt University
Duration: 6 months (at a full-time pace)
Enrolment deadline: See course page
Your estimated fees if you get a CSP: $4,472
Estimated full-fee cost: $16,200
Graduate Certificate in Digital Marketing
Skilled marketers are always in high demand. This graduate certificate will equip you with all the digital know-how you need to land your dream marketing gig. You’ll become an SEO pro, use data analytics to drive killer campaigns, and whip up social media strategies like it’s nobody’s business.
Most ideal for: Anyone who wants to switch industries into marketing.
Who offers it: University of Canberra
Duration: 1 year (at a full-time pace)
Enrolment deadline: See course page
Your estimated fees if you get a CSP: $8,496
Ask the university about full fee pricing.
Read more about how tertiary education fees work in Australia.
Graduate Diploma in Psychology
If you’ve always been interested in the human mind but haven’t had the chance to study it, a Graduate Diploma in Psychology could offer the perfect career pivot. Designed for people from other disciplines who want a bridging course into psychology, it will give you a fascinating insight into human behaviour and open up several career pathways.
Most ideal for: Those who want to switch into psychology, or another people-centric field like social services, human resources, counselling, or marketing.
Who offers it: University of New England
Duration: 1.5 years (at a full-time pace)
Enrolment deadline: See course page
Your estimated fees if you get a CSP: $12,571
Estimated full-fee cost: $29,464
Graduate Certificate in Sports Analytics
Love sport? Keen to gain data skills? This course will give you specialist data science knowledge that could help land you a role in elite sport. You’ll gain insights into Python, as well as data analysis, visualisation and reporting, and be ready to work with the very best.
Most ideal for: Those who already work in a sports-related role and want to become a technical specialist.
Who offers it: Australian Catholic University
Duration: 6 months (at a full-time pace)
Enrolment deadline: See course page
Your estimated fees if you get a CSP: $6,576
Estimated full-fee cost: $11,939
Graduate Diploma in Education (Primary or Secondary)
These intensive courses are perfect for those wanting to make a speedy career transition into teaching. You’ll gain hands-on classroom experience—either in primary or secondary education—and leverage your previous life and professional experiences to embark on a new and deeply rewarding career journey.
Most ideal for: Anyone with a degree in an unrelated discipline who wants to become a teacher.
Who offers it: Curtin University
Duration: 1 year (at a full-time pace)
Enrolment deadline: 19 February 2025
Your estimated fees if you get a CSP: $4,624
Ask the university about full fee pricing.
Graduate Certificate in Mental Health
If you have a background in health but are keen to explore a new specialisation, consider this course in mental health care. As it’s such an important and in-demand area, the government is currently chipping in to cover a particularly high number of CSPs, so it’s a great time to enrol.
Most ideal for: Those who work in health, counselling, social work, occupational therapy, nursing, midwifery or a psychology related field.
Who offers it: Edith Cowan University
Duration: 6 months (at a full-time pace)
Enrolment deadline: See course page
Your estimated fees if you get a CSP: $2,350
Ask the university about full fee pricing.
Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security
Gain hands-on cyber security skills that maximise your chance of landing a role after graduating. This graduate certificate has been co-designed with Cisco Networking Academy and includes free Microsoft certifications. You’ll take part in industry and research-based projects and gain real-world cyber skills.
Most ideal for: Anyone who wants to move into a cyber security or IT role.
Who offers it: Australian Catholic University
Duration: 6 months (at a full-time pace)
Enrolment deadline: See course page
Your estimated fees if you get a CSP: $4,656
Estimated full-fee cost: $11,480
Want more course advice?
If you feel like you need a bit more advice on what course may be right for you and how to secure a Commonwealth supported place (CSP), book a consultation with a friendly student advisor. They’ll be able to run you through all the info you need to know before enrolling.
