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  • Undergraduate
  • Degree

Diploma of Business and Management Studies

How to apply
Entry requirements
Duration
  • 1 year (or part-time equivalent)
Location
  • Springfield
  • Toowoomba
  • Online
Start
Fees
  • AUD 10,870
  • (Indicative annual fee)

Overview

  • If you are interested in studying business, accounting or aviation at university, the Diploma of Business and Management Studies helps you build the academic, digital and professional skills you need to succeed in your undergraduate study.
  • You’ll develop confidence in university learning while gaining an understanding of how organisations, industries and workplaces operate.
  • The core foundational courses in this diploma are free, helping reduce your overall study costs and supporting your transition to university study.
  • After building essential study skills and introductory knowledge in economics, human resource management and marketing, you can select to study courses in business or aviation to start to tailor your career path.
  • This business management diploma provides a supported pathway into UniSQ undergraduate business, accounting or aviation degrees, with credit towards your qualification.
  • Most of your study can be completed online, with some courses also offered at UniSQ Toowoomba or Springfield campuses. If you select to study aviation courses, you will need to attend on-campus classes in either Toowoomba or Springfield to have access to the flight simulator. 

A great introduction

I think studying a pathway has been a great introduction to the university environment and it has been an advantage to get used to how things work at UniSQ before I start my degree.

Veronica - Pathways

Career outcomes

While the diploma is designed primarily as a pathway to further study, such as the Associate Degree of Business, Bachelor of BusinessBachelor of Accounting or the Bachelor of Aviation, it can also prepare you for a range of entry‑level and support roles, particularly if you are working while continuing your degree. Job roles may include:

  • administration or office assistant
  • project or operations assistant
  • customer service or client support officer
  • accounts or finance assistant (entry‑level)
  • human resources assistant
  • marketing or promotions assistant
  • aviation administration or operations support officer.

Why study a Pathways Diploma at UniSQ?

Save money
The foundational study skills courses in this diploma are free (no tuition fees or HECS-HELP debt).
Sample your future degree
The first‑year courses provide insight into your chosen discipline and count as credit toward your future UniSQ undergraduate degree.
Quality student support
You'll have access to a range of support including academic advising, personal counselling, career guidance, and study skills workshops.

What you'll study

To graduate from the Diploma of Business and Management Studies, you must successfully complete 8 units of study.

Degree structure

A pathways diploma combines free foundational courses with first-year undergraduate courses in specific discipline areas. Once completed, you can use the diploma as a pathway into a select undergraduate degree and you may be able to gain credit towards your qualification, if you decide to keep studying.

OR

OR

Refer to the UniSQ Handbook for detailed recommended enrolment patterns and course availability.

You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning if you have previous studies. This could reduce the number of courses you need to study to complete your degree.

Other study options

If you’re interested in further study, after completion of this pathway diploma and provided you meet all the relevant entry requirements, you can apply to study the Associate Degree of Business, Bachelor of Business, or the Bachelor of Accounting if you have undertaken the business courses, and the Bachelor of Aviation if you successfully completed the two aviation courses.

Entry requirements

There are many ways to be considered for entry into a UniSQ degree based on your education, work experience and relevant personal attributes.

To be eligible

Select the highest level of education you have or will be completing to find the entry requirements that applies to you.

You need to satisfy the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

ATAR 50.00
This is the lowest adjusted score to which UniSQ made an offer in Trimester 1, 2025. Meeting the lowest adjusted score doesn't guarantee admission.

An Australian Year 12 high school qualification, or equivalent.

All applicants

You'll need to meet the applicable English language requirements and this degree requires:

  • IELTS (Academic) - Minimum overall score of 5.5 and a minimum score of 5.5 in each of the four components - listening, reading, writing, and speaking

Alternative English language proficiency tests may also be accepted.

Entry pathways

There are many pathway programs available to fast-track your way to a UniSQ degree and gain the confidence to study along the way.

Need help deciding which pathway is right for you? Contact our friendly team who can assist with any questions you might have.

Fees and scholarships

Commonwealth supported AUD 10,870
The Federal Government contributes to the cost of your degree, and you need to pay a student contribution.
  • Eligible domestic students can study the initial foundation courses at no cost. To access the free courses you'll need to complete a FEE-FREE Uni Ready Commonwealth Assistance Form. Visit the Pathway Diplomas website for more details.
  • The estimated 2026 annual fee above is based on the current average rate of the courses aligned to the discipline of your diploma for your first year of study. The fee does not include cost of materials such as textbooks, additional costs or the Student Services and Amenities fee
  • This is an indicative guide only and your fees will vary depending on the courses you select, with the actual rates calculated at enrolment.
  • We review our fees annually and they may increase each year.
  • Further details are available on the Fees website.

Additional costs

You may be required to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee as part of your degree cost.

Payment options

You may not have to pay your course (subject) fees upfront. HECS-HELP is a government loan scheme that allows you to defer payment until your income reaches a certain threshold. Find out if you are eligible for HECS-HELP.

You may also be eligible to receive financial support from Services Australia.

UniSQ Scholarships

We offer scholarships for academic excellence, community leadership, and financial need - you can apply for more than one!

Find out more

How to apply

Complete your online application directly to UniSQ.

Apply
Degree code
DBMS
Location QTAC code
Online 904145
Toowoomba 904141
Springfield 924141

You can also apply to study at UniSQ via the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) website by clicking the location link in the above table.

Select to start your degree in Block 1, 3 or 5:

Study period Application closing date Orientation Start date
Block 1, 2026 Monday 12 January Monday 12 January Monday 19 January
Block 3, 2026 Monday 4 May Tuesday 5 May Monday 11 May
Block 5, 2026 Monday 24 August Monday 24 August Monday 31 August

More information on application key dates is available.

There are several special admission schemes that use adjustment factors to boost your ATAR or selection rank with additional points, to improve your chances of getting into your preferred degree.

You may be eligible for these admission schemes based on:

  • your background and personal circumstances
  • where you live
  • the subjects you studied at school.

You do not have to apply for these adjustments as they will be automatically applied by QTAC when your application is assessed.

Preparing to apply

You've made the decision to study at UniSQ - congratulations! Take the next steps:

Each degree has unique entry requirements so it’s essential to know the specifics for your chosen degree.

Application dates can vary so be sure to check our key dates to get all the details.

Apply online directly to UniSQ for your chosen pathway program.

After you’ve submitted your application, you will be emailed a reference number. You will be notified via email the outcome of your application within 10 business days.

Follow the link in your email from UniSQ or log in to the application portal to accept your offer.

Find out more

Connect with us - start a conversation, whenever suits you.

Live Chat

Available 5 days a week
Chat now

Phone

Freecall
1800 269 500

Email

Email us at study@unisq.edu.au

Appointment

Book an appointment

Frequently asked questions

The cost to study a management diploma program will vary depending on the education provider you choose. At UniSQ, the Diploma of Business and Management Studies offer free business management diploma foundational courses, giving you the opportunity to gain essential study skills and begin your degree with confidence - while reducing your overall study expenses. Discover more about how the free pathway diploma courses work at UniSQ.

A diploma in management studies (also known as a Diploma of Business and Management Studies) is a shorter qualification, ideal for those wanting to upskill quickly or use it as a stepping-stone into a bachelor degree. UniSQ’s Diploma of Business and Management Studies is a pathway program, giving you credit towards an undergraduate business, accounting, or aviation degree.

An undergraduate degree in business, such as a Bachelor of Business, is a longer qualification (typically three years of full-time study) with a focus on long-term career growth, leadership roles, and postgraduate opportunities. This makes the diploma a practical entry point, while the degree provides broader academic depth and career advancement.

Completing a Diploma of Business and Management Studies opens doors to a wide range of entry-level roles across industries. Graduates often begin careers as administrative officers, project coordinators, marketing assistants, or human resources support staff, gaining practical experience while building a foundation for future growth.

This business management diploma also serves as a pathway into further study, giving you credit towards a business, accounting, or aviation degree. With this qualification, you can confidently step into the workforce or continue your studies to pursue leadership and management positions.

You can study our Diploma of Business and Management Studies online, with some courses also offered in person at our Toowoomba or Springfield campuses. Students selecting to study aviation courses in this diploma are required to attend on-campus classes in either Toowoomba or Springfield to ensure access to the flight simulator.

Our flexible programs are designed to fit around you and your lifestyle, allowing you to balance your studies with work, family and other life commitments.