Graduate Certificate of Public Policy

Upon successful completion of the study, students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of foundational issues in the field of public policy, in Australia and globally
2. Reflect critically on public policy issues and practical challenges in diverse contexts
3. Demonstrate familiarity with research principles relevant to the field of public policy
4. Identify appropriate analysis and research methods for public policy challenges
5. Analyse political, technical or institutional policy problems from multiple perspectives
6. Develop and communicate policy analysis or recommendations in changing policy environments
7. Understand challenges relating to management, implementation and evaluation of public policies

The Graduate Certificate of Public Policy provides knowledge and professional skills for those who wish to broaden and deepen their general or technical skills in public policy. The Graduate Certificate provides students with a wide menu of choice of Crawford School master degree courses. Students who are thinking of later proceeding on to a Master degree should consider the course-selection requirements appropriate to the various Master degrees. Course advising is available to help with these choices.

Recommended study pattern

This 6 month degree requires the completion of 24 units. 

Award requirements

The Graduate Certificate of Public Policy requires the successful completion of 24 units from the specified courses in relevant areas.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $16,760

The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

Australian National University is a world-leading university in Australia’s capital city, Canberra. With ties to the Australian Government, they have special standing as a resource for the Australian people. Their approach to education ensures graduates are in demand the world-over for their abilities to address complex contemporary challenges. Offering innovative online subjects from beginning to advanced levels through Open Universities Australia, they meet varied students’ needs and goals.

Learn more about ANU.

Explore ANU courses.

QS Ranking 2025:

4

Times Higher Education Ranking 2025:

4

At a minimum, all applicants must meet program-specific academic/non-academic requirements, and English language requirements. Admission to most ANU programs is on a competitive basis. Therefore, meeting all admission requirements does not automatically guarantee entry.

• Bachelor or international equivalent with GPA 4/7; or
• Graduate Diploma or international equivalent with a GPA 4/7; or
• Graduate Certificate or international equivalent with a GPA 4/7; or
• 24 units of courses in a postgraduate program a GPA of 4/7

• GRE General test, completed no more than 5 years before the time of application, with a minimum score of 155 for Verbal Reasoning, 155 for Quantitative Reasoning and 4.0 in Analytical Writing and a minimum of 3 years full-time equivalent work experience at ANZSCO Skill Level 1 in a field related to the program; or
• A minimum 5 years full-time equivalent work experience at ANZSCO Skill Level 1 in a field related to the program.

Applications must show English language proficiency by meeting ANU's English Language Requirements for admission to study this course.

Contact Crawford.Enquiries@anu.edu.au for case by case information.