Diploma of Business (Higher Education)
For guaranteed entry into the second year of the Bachelor of Business and higher education, complete our globally recognised Diploma of Business (Higher Education) and gain real world knowledge to tackle common problems faced by businesses. You’ll benefit from smaller class sizes and more one on one time with teachers.
Course essentials
English requirements
IELTS score of 5.5 with no band less than 5.0. The completion of a Year 12 or equivalent. Provision for entry may exist through other means including mature age, other special provisions, or recognition of prior learning.
Entry requirements
Credit
A full-time study load is 120 credits a year (usually four 15-credit units each semester). 120 credits equal one equivalent full-time student load (EFTSL). Each credit point equals about 10 hours of learning, so a 15-credit unit means roughly 150 hours.
Duration
Start dates
26 July 2027
Locations
Course overview
The Diploma of Business (Higher Education) is a contemporary pathway of study developed in collaboration with industry and designed to meet the needs of businesses now and into the future. As markets change, businesses face the need to adapt to take advantage of new opportunities that stem from new technologies and markets. There has never been a more exciting time to study business!
Within this course students are in smaller classes sizes offering individual learning opportunities through more one-on-one time with teachers.
The Diploma of Business (Higher Education) sees students’ progress through two stages. During stage one, students study management, creativity, innovation, marketing and contemporary business. In stage two students study accounting, economics, statistics and fundamentals of law. These subjects give students a solid grasp of business content in smaller, specialised classes with additional English support services.
At the conclusion of stage two, graduates may continue to study at Federation University jumping straight into the second year of a Bachelor of Business.
IT requirements
To do this course you’ll need a fast and reliable computer and access to high-speed internet. Expect to use about 5GB of data per month for every unit you’re doing. Find out more about the minimum IT requirements for studying with us.
Got questions?
Call us on 1800 333 864, start a live chat or submit an enquiry.
Student support
The support we offer is second to none. Need academic help? No problem. Extra access or financial assistance? Let’s see what we can do. View our student services.
The fine print
The commencement of all courses is subject to available funding and enrolment quotas.
Everything in this course overview is correct at the time of being published. However, the University reserves the right to alter any course, procedure or fee. Please check for changes before you apply or enrol.
Federation University uses Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding (for eligible students) to deliver training.
School department
Business
Course co-ordinator
Samuel Zhang
Career paths
Fees and scholarships
Tuition fee information
The indicative fee above is based on a typical first-year enrolment for this course and should be used as a guide only. Your fee will depend on the time it takes to complete your course and any approved credit you receive.
How it’s calculated
The amount is based on the course annual fee for 1 EFTSL (120 credit points). For 0.5 EFTSL (60 credit point) courses, the certificate fee is displayed.
Scholarships
There’s a range of scholarships and grants available. Find out what you can apply for.
Course details
Start dates
Semester 1, 2027
1 March 2027
Locations
Melbourne city (on campus)
Semester 2, 2027
26 July 2027
Locations
Melbourne city (on campus)
Contact hours
You’d be looking at about 25-30 hours per week (if you’re full time), but this includes on-campus classes and self-directed study (i.e. homework).
Sample course structure
Here’s what the course structure could look like. It’s just an example (so don’t use it for enrolment). Interested in the details? You can find current course structure or select a single unit name below to find out what it’s about and how much it costs.
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation15 credit pointsBUDIP1501
- Management Principles15 credit pointsGPMGT1503
- Principles of Economics15 credit pointsGPECO1509
- Principles of Accounting15 credit pointsGPACC1508
- Introduction to Marketing15 credit pointsGPMKT1501
- Professional Identity (Business)15 credit pointsCOOPB1002
- Business Statistics15 credit pointsGPGEN1502
- Fundamentals of Law15 credit pointsGPLAW1502
Entry requirements
Academic entry requirements
Successful completion of Australian Year 12, or overseas equivalent
English language requirements
IELTS score of 5.5 with no band less than 5.0. The completion of a Year 12 or equivalent. Provision for entry may exist through other means including mature age, other special provisions, or recognition of prior learning.
ATAR
Guaranteed ATAR
This course has a guaranteed ATAR of 45
Applicable to onshore international students applying for undergraduate/bachelor degree programs only.
If you’re an international student currently studying VCE in Australia, apply through VTAC. If not, find out how to apply directly to Federation University.
If you’re applying for a higher degree by research, make sure you follow these instructions.
Ready to fill out your application? You might need these codes:
- Direct application
- Yes
- Federation University code
- GB1
- CRICOS code
- 109401M
Bridging courses
The Foundation Studies program (GFO) provides an alternative entry into tertiary study, with a focus on building the more generic academic skills required for success at university. On successful completion of the Foundation Studies Program, students will achieve guaranteed entry into the Diploma of Business (Higher Education).
As an indication, credit agreements negotiated between issuing organisations for credit towards higher level AQF qualifications in the same or a related discipline, having taken into account 2.1.9, should use the following as the basis of negotiations:
• 50% credit for an Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree linked to a 3-year Bachelor Degree
• 37.5% credit for an Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree linked to a 4-year Bachelor Degree
• 33% credit for a Diploma linked to a 3-year Bachelor Degree
• 25% credit for a Diploma linked to a 4-year Bachelor Degree.
Hear from our staff
Hi, my name is Dr Bryce Magnuson and I'm a marketing lecturer within the Institute of Innovation, Science and Sustainability at Federation University. My favourite part of the Bachelor of Business would be the industry placement component, and this is because of the opportunities that it presents our students. The university has good relationships with a range of businesses, which means our students can build on what they've learned their degree while getting practical experience in a variety of industries. This exposure to industry and the chance network, these are incredibly important for student pathways after university. The most interesting parts of the programme. These come from the experience and knowledge that my colleagues bring to the classroom. They're industry insights and expertise, meaning that classes have a practical relevance, and this bridges the gap between theory and practise. We see students develop those key critical thinking and problem-solving skills that will serve them well out in the industry. A real stand out of the Bachelor of Business is the learning environment, the electives that combine to make our majors. These are designed to have small tutorials, and this gives students better access to their lecturers and this makes a really great learning experience. Fun fact, one of my favourite hobbies is kayaking.