University of Sydney
Graduate Certificate in International Relations
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 6 months
- Course Type: Graduate Certificate
Understand and address the world’s most pressing challenges.
Course overview
Investigate relations among states and non-state actors, including the evolution of the international system. Develop sophisticated critical thinking through this intellectually rigorous, research-intensive program.
The Graduate Certificate in International Relations is a postgraduate qualification aimed at those looking to elevate their understanding of international relations in the international and local context and ground their existing profession with a renewed approach through practical exercises and skills-building.
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
3rd August, 2026
What you will study
Candidates for the Graduate Certificate in International Relations are required to complete 24 credit points, including:
- A minimum of 12 credit points for core units of study.
- A maximum of 12 credit points for core elective units of study.
Core units of study
- Forces of Change in Int Relations
- Foundations of International Relations
- International Organisations
- International Security
- Globalisation and Governance
Selective units of study
- Foundations of Comparative Politics
- Political Regimes and Regime Transition
- Chinese Politics
- Global Environmental Politics
- Gender, Family and the State
- Research Design
- Challenges of Democratic Politics
- Strategy and Civil Society
- Comparative Migration Policy
- US-China Relations
- New Security Challenges
- Strategy and Security in the Asia-Pacific
- Intervention and 'Fragile' States
- Special Topic in International Security
- Middle East Conflict and Security
- Chinese Foreign and Security Policy
- Nuclear Arms Control and Non-proliferation
- War and Strategy
- Cybersecurity
- US Foreign and National Security Policy
Entry Requirements
Admission to the course requires a bachelor's degree from the University of Sydney or an equivalent qualification.
English Language Requirements
You may need to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study this course.
If English is your first language, you may be able to meet the requirements if you have:
- Citizenship or permanent long-term residency (minimum ten years).
- Completed secondary or higher education (tertiary) studies recognised by the University in an approved English-speaking country.
If English is not your first language, you may be able to prove English proficiency with an approved English skills test taken within two years of commencing the course.
- IELTS score: a minimum result of 7.0 overall and a minimum result of 6.0 in each band.
- TOEFL - IBT score: a minimum result of 96 overall, including a minimum result of 17 in Reading, Listening and Speaking and 19 in Writing.
- Pearson Test of English: a minimum result of 68 overall and a minimum result of 54 in each band.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Related studies may be credited towards your degree. This may also include relevant work experience for some postgraduate courses. Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Career Outcomes
The Graduate Certificate of International Relations may lead you to a career within international business, consulting, government, journalism and international organisations, including the United Nations or European Union. This course also provides an opportunity for professionals in these sectors to gain advanced training that supports career advancement.
Graduates can be found across a broad range of careers and roles, including:
- Diplomat
- Political Adviser
- Trade Negotiator
- Journalist
- Policy Consultant
- Researcher
- Current Affairs Producer
- Intelligence and Risk Analyst
- Speechwriter
- NGO Development Manager
- Project Manager
- Communications Specialist
- Public Relations Officer
Fees and CSP
Total indicative amount in 2026: Fee information is not yet available (Commonwealth Supported Place)
Total indicative amount in 2026: $16,000 (domestic full-fee paying place)
The indicative amounts to complete this course in 2026 are calculated based on the total credit points (24 credit points).
A student’s fee may vary depending on:
- The number of units studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of units.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
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'll only need to pay a portion of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – 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 unit 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.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee-paying domestic students.