Victoria University

Graduate Certificate in Public Health Online

  • Delivery: Online
  • Study Level: Postgraduate
  • Duration: 8 months
  • Course Type: Graduate Certificate

Build the foundations to improve health across communities. Develop skills in epidemiology, data analysis and public health practice, with a pathway into VU’s Master of Public Health.

Ready to take the next step?

Download your course guide and connect with a study advisor to explore:

  • Course structure
  • Learning outcomes
  • Fees
  • Entry requirements

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Course overview

Turn your interest in healthier communities into practical public health knowledge. Victoria University’s online Graduate Certificate in Public Health helps recent graduates and working professionals understand the factors shaping population health and develop informed responses to contemporary challenges.

Explore public health foundations, epidemiology and biostatistics, public health practice, and culture and society. Examine how biological, social, cultural and political influences interact, building your understanding of health inequalities and the approaches used to address them.

Connect theory with practical tasks in analysing health data, assessing community needs and planning health promotion interventions. Develop your ability to evaluate research, communicate evidence and consider cultural safety when working with diverse populations.

Complete four units online in as little as eight months part-time, studying one subject during each seven-week period through VU’s Block Model. Access academic and student support as you balance study with other commitments, then apply your knowledge professionally or continue into VU’s Master of Public Health.

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

Delivery
Online
Course Type
Graduate Certificate
Duration
8 months (Part time)
Commitment
15 - 20 hours/week
Price Per Unit
From $3,200
More Information
The estimated per-unit fee is calculated using the annual average first-year fee. It is based on a part-time study load of four units per year.

$592 (CSP)
More Information
You may be eligible for CSP where the government pays part of your fees. The estimated per unit fees are calculated using the annual CSP rate.
Intake
New start dates announced soon
Units
More Information
You may be required to complete 0 credit point units throughout your course. The university will confirm this as part of your enrolment.

The unit total reflects the number of units required for course completion, not the total credit point weight. Some units may be double- or triple-weighted, so the number of units you complete may be lower.
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Fees
More Information
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
FEE-HELP, CSP

What you will study

To attain the Graduate Certificate in Public Health, students are required to complete the following core units:

Core units

  • Foundations of Public Health
  • Epidemiology and Biostatistics 1
  • Public Health in Practice
  • Culture and Society in Public Health

Entry requirements

To apply for the online Graduate Certificate in Public Health, you are required to have one of the following:

  • Completed an Australian bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline.
  • Five years of approved work experience.

Outcomes

Roles in public health are diverse and in high demand. They cover areas of health promotion, disease prevention and policy. Depending on your career goals and skill set, studying the Graduate Certificate in Public Health course with VU Online will open up numerous roles that may interest you.

Typical job titles:

  • Public health officer
  • Non-government organisation worker
  • Community development officer
  • Health promoter
  • Public health researcher
  • Health educator
  • Program officer
  • Project officer

Fees and FEE-HELP

Total cost for four units in 2026: $12,800 (domestic full-fee paying place)

All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of four units per year.

Student annual fees may vary in accordance with:

  • 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.

FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.