Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership (CRICOS course code 068874K) is a Graduate Certificate delivered by The University of New South Wales (UNSW) over 34 weeks (~8 months). This program is designed for educators seeking to develop leadership skills in secondary school settings, aligned with the field of Teacher Education: Secondary (070105). At HeadStart Academy, we provide trusted information sourced directly from the CRICOS register (April 2026) to help you make informed decisions. UNSW is a government-funded university and one of Australia's leading institutions, located in Kensington, NSW. All listed providers on HeadStart Academy are CRICOS-registered, ensuring compliance with Australian education standards. Whether you're looking to advance your career in educational leadership or explore study options in Australia, this page provides comprehensive details on fees, entry requirements, and the student visa process.
The Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership (CRICOS course code 068874K) is a Graduate Certificate at AQF Level 8, offered by The University of New South Wales (UNSW) (CRICOS 00098G, Government). This course is classified under Field of Education 070105 - Teacher Education: Secondary, focusing on leadership theories, curriculum development, and school management. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian quality standards and is available to international students under the Student Visa (Subclass 500). The program is delivered face-to-face at UNSW's Kensington campus in Sydney. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers across Australia, UNSW stands out as a Group of Eight university known for research excellence. This course does not include a work component, but students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term. Estimated total cost is A$23,000 (indicative, subject to change).
As a Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership, this program equips educators with advanced skills to lead in secondary schools. Typical learning outcomes include understanding educational policy, leading curriculum change, managing school resources, and fostering inclusive learning environments. The field of Teacher Education: Secondary (070105) prepares professionals to mentor teachers, design professional development programs, and implement evidence-based practices. While specific syllabus details should be confirmed with UNSW, graduates of such programs often pursue roles as head teachers, deputy principals, or education consultants. Australia’s education system values leadership that responds to diverse student needs, and this course aligns with national professional standards for teachers. Students will engage with contemporary research and case studies relevant to Australian and international school contexts.
The Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership is a single qualification (no dual qualification) delivered over 34 weeks (~8 months) according to the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. This is not a VET course, so no VET national code applies. The program is offered on-campus at UNSW’s Kensington campus, requiring full-time study. The 34-week duration allows for intensive learning, typically involving two semesters. Part-time options may be available for domestic students, but international students must maintain full-time enrolment as a condition of their student visa. There are no foundation studies attached to this course.
Indicative fees for the Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership are set by The University of New South Wales (UNSW). According to the CRICOS register (April 2026), the tuition fee is A$22,500, with non-tuition fees of A$500, giving an estimated total of A$23,000. Please note: these are indicative figures only – fees are set by the institution and subject to change. Always confirm current fees directly on UNSW’s website at www.unsw.edu.au. Additional costs not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the visa application charge. For indicative living costs in Sydney, budget around A$500–700 per week for rent, groceries, and transport. HeadStart Academy does not collect fees or commissions – we are a free resource for students.
Entry requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership vary by provider. Typically, graduate certificate programs require a completed bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) in a related field such as education or teaching, along with professional experience. English language requirements also apply – for this level, an IELTS score of 6.5–7.0 overall (or equivalent) is common, but check with UNSW for exact bands. Some institutions may offer pathway programs if you do not meet the academic or English requirements. We recommend reviewing the specific entry criteria on UNSW's website, as requirements can change. As a CRICOS-registered provider, UNSW must ensure all international students meet genuine student requirements. HeadStart Academy advises consulting the provider directly for the most accurate information.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, as an international student on a Subclass 500 visa, you are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during course term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. While the course itself does not incorporate work experience, you may seek part-time employment in Sydney to support your studies. UNSW’s Careers and Employment service can help you find casual work. Remember that work rights are subject to visa conditions, and you must maintain satisfactory course progress.
The Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership is delivered at The University of New South Wales – Kensington, NSW. Kensington is a suburb in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, approximately 6 km from the city centre. The campus is well-served by public transport, including light rail and buses. Sydney is Australia’s largest city, home to over 250,000 international students and more than 20 CRICOS-registered universities. The cost of living in Sydney is higher than the national average – indicative weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment near campus is A$400–600, groceries A$80–150, and public transport A$30–50. Sydney’s diverse culture and strong job market make it a popular study destination. The campus itself features modern facilities, libraries, and student support services.
International students studying the Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership must apply for a Student Visa (Subclass 500). This visa requires you to demonstrate genuine temporary entrant (GTE) intent, enrol in a CRICOS-registered course, maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and show sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. As of April 2026, the cost of OSHC varies by provider (approx. A$500–700 per year). Work rights allow 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during holidays. The visa application charge is subject to change – check the Department of Home Affairs website. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent; we recommend consulting a registered MARA agent for visa advice. All CRICOS-registered courses are protected by the ESOS Act, ensuring tuition assurance and refund protections.
Follow these three steps to study Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership at The University of New South Wales (UNSW):
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by study level (Graduate Certificate), field (Education), and location (NSW). Confirm that UNSW is registered under CRICOS 00098G.
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit UNSW’s website at www.unsw.edu.au to review entry requirements, submit your application, and provide evidence of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS). Check application deadlines for your intended intake.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Upon acceptance, UNSW will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for a Student Visa via the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC and sufficient funds. HeadStart Academy provides guidance but does not process applications.
Choosing a Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership is a significant step for your career. Consider your prior experience in education – most programs expect at least a bachelor degree and some teaching experience. Think about location: Sydney offers excellent networking opportunities but higher living costs. Research the specific focus of UNSW’s program – does it align with your career goals in secondary school leadership? Also, check if the course can lead to further study, such as a Master of Education. Australia has over 26,000 courses across 1,500+ providers, so compare options. HeadStart Academy’s free resource helps you make an informed choice. Remember, all listed courses are CRICOS-registered and ESOS Act protected.
Ready to advance your educational leadership career? Start your journey by researching CRICOS-registered courses on HeadStart Academy. Visit UNSW’s website for application details, or explore more graduate certificates in NSW at /study/graduate-certificate/nsw. For visa questions, see our student visa guide at /visa/student-visa-subclass-500.
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Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership is a CRICOS-registered programme at The University of New South Wales (UNSW). Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.