- 1 year part-time
- Online
- Feb, May, Sep
- View dates
- AUD 8,696
- (Indicative annual fee)
Overview
Develop the expertise to lead organisational performance, drive operational excellence, and make informed financial decisions in complex business environments.
UniSQ's Graduate Certificate of Operational Excellence and Financial Performance strengthens your knowledge of corporate finance, strategic budgeting, organisational systems, and performance management. You'll learn how to evaluate financial and non-financial performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and lead sustainable organisational success.
Build the leadership capabilities needed to create high-performing teams, foster resilient workplace cultures, and confidently navigate change and complexity.
You'll explore sustainability, ethical leadership, and responsible business practices, including the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Through real-world case studies and practical learning experiences, you'll develop the creativity, adaptability, and strategic thinking needed in today's business environment.
Study 100% online and part-time, giving you the flexibility to balance study with your professional and personal commitments while applying your learning directly to the workplace.
This degree can be completed as a standalone qualification or used as a stepping stone into UniSQ's Master of Business Administration (MBA). It is one of three graduate certificates within a stackable pathway to the MBA, allowing you to build your postgraduate qualification progressively.
Practical approach
The best part of my studies at UniSQ has been the practical approach to learning. The University supplies first-hand experiences, allowing me to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations.
Brian - Business
Career outcomes
The Graduate Certificate of Operational Excellence and Financial Performance can help you advance into leadership and management roles focused on organisational performance, business improvement, operational strategy, and financial decision-making.
You'll be prepared to contribute in organisations of all sizes, from growing businesses through to large, complex enterprises, where operational excellence, strong financial management, and effective leadership are critical to long-term success.
What you'll study
To graduate from the Graduate Certificate of Operational Excellence and Financial Performance , you must successfully complete 4 units of study.
Degree structure
A postgraduate university degree typically comprises of advanced coursework and research opportunities, allowing you to deepen your expertise in a specific field while building upon foundational knowledge.
You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning if you have previous studies or relevant work experience. This could reduce the number of courses you need to study to complete your degree.
Other study options
This degree is a part of an innovative, stackable MBA.
In addition to successfully completing the Graduate Certificate of Operational Excellence and Financial Performance, you’ll need to study the Graduate Certificate of Business Growth and Transformation and Graduate Certificate of Strategic Leadership and Governance, to gain the Master of Business Administration (MBA).
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. You need to satisfy the following requirements to be considered for entry into this postgraduate degree.
Completion of a bachelor degree (AQF Level 7), or recognised equivalent, with a GPA of at least 4.0 out of 7.0
A minimum of 3 years' full-time relevant professional work experience in business at management or supervisory level.
Applicants who have not completed a bachelor degree, but have a minimum of 5 years' professional work experience in business with at least 1 year's management or supervisory level experience, or equivalent, may apply for entry and be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
You'll need to meet the applicable English language requirements and this degree requires:
- IELTS (Academic) - Minimum overall score of 6.5 and a minimum score of 6.0 in each of the four components - listening, reading, writing, and speaking
Alternative English language proficiency tests may also be accepted.
Entry pathways
There is more than one way to get into university, and if you're not sure about your entry options get in touch to discuss.
Fees and scholarships
- This estimated 2026 annual fee is based on the current average rate for your first year of study (8 units per year) and 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 moreHow to apply
Complete your online application directly to UniSQ.
ApplyYou can select to start your study in Trimester 1, 2 or 3.
| Study period | Application closing date | Orientation | Start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trimester 1, 2027 | Monday 15 February | Monday 8 February | Monday 15 February |
| Trimester 2, 2027 | Monday 31 May | Monday 24 May | Monday 31 May |
| Trimester 3, 2027 | Monday 13 September | Monday 6 September | Monday 13 September |
More information on application key dates is available.
Preparing to apply
You've made the decision to study at UniSQ - congratulations! Take the next steps:
The entry requirements for your degree will provide you with details regarding the documentation to provide. These may include:
- interviews and selection criteria
- CV/resume or LinkedIn profile
- referee reports.
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.
Frequently asked questions
The Graduate Certificate of Operational Excellence and Financial Performance develops your knowledge of corporate finance, strategic budgeting, organisational performance and business improvement. You'll learn how to evaluate financial and non-financial performance measures, make informed business decisions, and identify opportunities to improve organisational outcomes.
With this postgraduate degree you'll also explore leadership, sustainability, ethical business practices and responsible decision-making, building the capabilities needed to lead high-performing teams and contribute to organisational success in a rapidly changing environment.
Available to study online and part-time, this qualification can be completed as a standalone credential or used as a pathway into further postgraduate study.
This business qualification is designed for professionals looking to strengthen their leadership capabilities and expand their expertise in operational and financial performance. The skills developed throughout the degree can support career progression into management and leadership roles focused on business improvement, operational strategy, organisational performance and financial decision-making.
Whether you're working in a growing business, large enterprise, government agency or not-for-profit organisation, you'll graduate with practical skills that can help you drive performance, improve business outcomes and lead sustainable organisational success.
Yes. The Graduate Certificate of Operational Excellence and Financial Performance is one of three graduate certificates within UniSQ's flexible stackable MBA pathway. You can complete this qualification as a standalone postgraduate credential or apply your completed courses towards the Master of Business Administration (MBA).
This degree allows you to build your postgraduate qualifications progressively while developing expertise in operational excellence, financial performance, strategic decision-making and leadership. It's an ideal option for professionals who want to advance their skills now while keeping the opportunity to progress into an MBA in the future.
