Fast Facts
Commencing
- Online: February, September
- Cairns: February, September
Fees
$18,450+
+
total estimated tuition fee
Plus Student Services and Amenities fee
Scholarships and financial aid available if eligible
Currently displaying fees for 2026, which are subject to change in following years.
Duration
1 year part-time
Entry Requirements
AQF level 7 bachelor degree; or equivalent
English language requirements
Band 1
If your native language is not English, you must meet the minimum English language requirements for this course.
CRICOS Code
098476J
Course detail
Cultivate the interdisciplinary skills and expertise required to address pressing development issues relevant to tropical Australia and the Asia-Pacific. JCU’s Graduate Certificate of Global Development is highly attuned to both current and future decades and its subjects align with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly conservation and restoration, and economic and sustainable resource management. Gain an in-depth understanding of the urgent issues facing vulnerable communities through JCU’s unique position as a university for the Tropics that has worldwide impact.
As you study this Graduate Certificate of Global Development degree, you will gain conceptual and practical skills to understand and respond to the shifting landscapes of human development. Learn how to critically analyse, evaluate and generate solutions to complex development problems — from infrastructure to systemic issues — for tropical, remote and inter-cultural settings through informed and evidence-based methodologies. Throughout this degree, you will learn to integrate and apply advanced theoretical and technical knowledge in global development policy and practice, ensuring your ability to make a difference at both a community and policy level.
Develop the knowledge and skills that will allow you to work in the priority areas of poverty alleviation, sustainable planning, social justice, climate responsive systems, sustainable resource management and global health — areas identified by the UN as key global challenges for future sustainability.
In the Graduate Certificate of Global Development, you will study two core subjects — Development in Practice and Critical Issues in Global Development — and two elective subjects that align with your interests and passion. Elective subjects cover a broad range of topics including development and conservation, disaster resilience and natural resource management, public health, sustainable development planning and policy, Indigenous futures, governance and social change, leadership and management, and research techniques specific to development.
Help build a brighter tomorrow and improve global, social and cultural wellbeing. Global Development graduates are innovative world-changers who make a difference in many contexts and settings.
View the Handbook for a detailed overview of available subjects.
Inherent requirements
Inherent requirements are the identified abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours that must be demonstrated, during the learning experience, to successfully complete a course. These abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours preserve the academic integrity of the University’s learning, assessment,and accreditation processes, and where applicable, meet the standards of a profession. For more information please review the inherent requirements for the Graduate Certificate of Global Development.
JCU Global Development graduates are multi-skilled and are employed in various local and global settings.
Graduates pursue careers in a range of industries, including national and international nongovernment organisations, local councils, multilateral organisations, and global governance institutions.
You could find employment as an advocate, business planner and developer, fundraiser, disaster recovery specialist, research assistant, teacher, engineer, or health professional.
For a more advanced qualification, go on to study the Master of Global Development.
Estimated annual tuition fee: $18,450
Course fees are charged per year of full-time study. International course fees are reviewed annually and subject to change.
A Student Services and Amenities Fee is payable per subject up to a maximum amount per year.
Student Visa holders must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their Student Visa (except Norwegian, Swedish and Belgian citizens). Costs depend on the length of study and the number of dependents accompanying the student. For more information see Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
Scholarships and financial aid are also available for international students.
JCU offers multiple Pathways to University. If you do not meet the entry requirements for this course, consider exploring our available Pathways options.
Contact our friendly team today to discover which pathway is right for you.
Application dates vary between courses, whether they're delivered in semester, trimester or carousel study modes. View our Application due dates page for more information.
Gather the documents you need to apply and submit an application via JCU's online application portal.
Real stories
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Lecturer
Dr Zoe Wang
Master of Global Development
Study on-campus or online, and embark on a transformative journey to become a catalyst for positive change in our interconnected world. Gain the in-depth knowledge and practical skills to tackle pressing global challenges, from sustainable development to social equity, and from public health to climate change.