Master of Customs Administration

The Master of Customs Administration from Charles Sturt University will give you advanced theoretical and technical knowledge in an industry with a range of emerging challenges and opportunities. You'll have opportunities to apply knowledge and skills to a diverse range of problems faced by practitioners in, or those who interact with, border administrations. This includes different approaches to managing the import, export and transit of goods from the perspective of private and public sector organisations involved in cross-border trade. Secure knowledge about international customs policy and practice, including key international instruments affecting customs operations and regulatory practices in conformity with the rules of international law. You'll also gain an understanding of key conventions, standards, guidelines and recommended practices of the WCO. And you'll consider strategic and operational management issues in the customs context, including international trends impacting on customs such as social expectations, emerging technologies and the global economy.

Want to build a career in customs and border management that can take you places? The Master of Customs Administration from Charles Sturt University will give you advanced theoretical and technical knowledge in an industry with a range of emerging challenges and opportunities. Accredited by the World Customs Organization (WCO), this unique course teaches from an international perspective and is developed and delivered by the Centre for Customs and Excise Studies (CCES).

Recommended study pattern

The course requires the completion of four core subjects and a further 40 credit points chosen from the restricted elective subjects.

Core Subjects 

• CUS401 Customs Management Theory and Practice (16)
• CUS402 International Customs Law (16) or CUS403 European Customs Law (16),*
• CUS550 Customs Research Project (16)
• CUS551 Customs Research Methods (8)

*CUS402 and CUS403 are incompatible subjects.

Restricted Electives

Students choose 40 points from:

• CUS423 Environment Taxation (8)
• CUS503 International Trade Policy and Practice (16)
• CUS504 Border Revenue (16)
• CUS520 Excise (8)
• CUS521 Customs Reform and Modernisation (8)
• CUS522 International Supply Chain Management (8)
• CUS530 International Air Law (8)
• CUS532 Human Trafficking: A Global Perspective (8)
• CUS531 Maritime Enforcement (8)

Award requirements

As a Charles Sturt University student, throughout your course you have a responsibility to continue to develop skills in English language, literacy and numeracy as appropriate to your discipline. This ongoing development will enable you to effectively participate in your course and graduate prepared to enter the workforce.

Master of Customs Administration

To graduate students must satisfactorily complete 96 points.

Exit points

Graduate Diploma of Customs Administration

Full-time: 1.0 year (or part-time equivalent)

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

Indicative total fee $29,640

The amounts shown here are 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.

Charles Sturt University is Australia’s most experienced online uni, and has the country’s highest graduate employment rate. From agriculture, arts, healthcare and IT, to business, law, social work and teaching—you’ll get the latest skills in your field, and learn from academics who are connected to industry. Add in 24/7 IT support, scholarships and a vibrant student community, and you can take your next, or first, career step with confidence.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

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37

• An undergraduate degree or equivalent from a recognised university or tertiary institution; OR
• A Graduate Certificate in Customs Administration from Charles Sturt University or an equivalent postgraduate award; OR
• A Graduate Diploma of Customs Administration from Charles Sturt University or an equivalent postgraduate award.

Master of Customs Administration

Students may receive credit for the completion of subjects in accordance with the CSU Credit Policy.

Graduates of the existing Graduate Certificate of Customs Administration and the Graduate Diploma of Customs Administration will receive full credit for those programs within the Masters of Customs Administration.

If you have relevant professional experience, you may be eligible for credit towards your degree. Explore ways you can fast-track your course with recognition of prior learning by getting in touch with Charles Sturt to discuss your options.