Graduate Certificate in Education (Tertiary Education)
The Graduate Certificate in Education (Tertiary Education) (GCETE) is a postgraduate course suited to academic teaching staff, professional staff working directly within a tertiary learning and teaching capacity (for example, librarians, learning designers, learning skills advisers), and those working towards teaching in the higher education sector.
Course essentials
Entry requirements
Study mode
Duration
Start dates
01 March 2027
19 July 2027
Locations
Course overview
The purpose of this course is to provide participants with contemporary learning and teaching practices to complement the industry and/or research expertise they bring to the higher education setting. The intended learning outcomes of the GCETE are framed within the seven criteria of the Australian University Teaching Criteria and Standards Framework. The course content provides a foundation on which to develop quality pedagogies in a range of tertiary teaching environments supported by evidence research and scholarly practice. Learning activities and assessments support the creation of contemporary and relevant learning and teaching practices for use in your current and future courses. Examples include: course design assessment online and blended learning student engagement learning partnerships academic pathways and the scholarship of learning and teaching. Participants will be encouraged and supported to relate their learning directly to their workplace and areas of specialty
Institute of Education, Arts and Community - Delivered by Centre for Academic
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
Education
Course co-ordinator
Anitra Goriss-Hunter
Career paths
This course is recognized as a tertiary/higher education teaching qualification (AQF 8) and highly desirable if currently working or looking to work in the higher education sector. Completion of the GCETE will enhance your career path in teaching and working within the tertiary education sector.
Professional recognition
The tertiary sector of education is increasingly recognising the need for assuring the quality of its teaching. This course is recognised as a tertiary/higher education teaching qualification and highly desirable if working in the higher education sector.
Fees and scholarships
Tuition fee information
Commonwealth Supported Places are subsidised by the Australian Government. The tuition fee is called the student contribution amount. The indicative fee above is based on a typical first-year enrolment for this course and should be used as a guide only. For 0.5 EFTSL (60 credit point) courses the certificate fee is displayed. Your fee will depend on the units you chose, your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved credit you receive.
How it's calculated
The government sets the fee each year. The amount depends on the discipline area and band of each unit. 2026 annual student contribution amounts for 1 EFTSL (equivalent full-time student load) range from $4,738 (Band 1) to $17,399 (Band 4). The sample course structure below link to the EFTSL, Band and fee for each unit or you can use our unit search to find these details.
Other fees
You will also need to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Other study costs
Staff Study Scholarships
A staff study scholarship is available to Federation University employees to cover 100% of course tuition fees. Scholarships are awarded to eligible staff members, for an individual semester of study. Staff must reapply for each semester of study they undertake within the GCETE - to be completed within each unit orientation. For full details on eligibility criteria, application criteria and scholarship terms and conditions, please visit the Graduate Certificate in Education (Tertiary Education) information page.
Fee assistance
If you're eligible for a HECS-HELP loan, you can defer the payment of all or part of your student contribution fee. If you’re also eligible for a SA-HELP loan, you can defer your SSAF payment too. You won’t have to start paying either loan back until your income reaches the compulsory repayment threshold.
Scholarships
There’s a range of scholarships and grants available. Find out what you can apply for.
Course details
Start dates
Semester 2, 2026
20 July 2026
Locations
Online
Semester 1, 2027
1 March 2027
Locations
Online
Semester 2, 2027
19 July 2027
Locations
Online
Information
- Online learning is only an option if you’re not studying on an international student visa. Testing
Contact hours
10 hours per week of online learning per course.
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.
- Tertiary Teaching and Learning15 credit pointsEDGCT5007
- Contemporary Issues in Tertiary Teaching15 credit pointsEDGCT5009
- Professional Practice in Tertiary Teaching15 credit pointsEDGCT5008
- Tertiary Teacher as Researcher and Practitioner15 credit pointsEDGCT5010
Meet us at Open Day
Open Day is your chance to explore all that Federation has to offer. Meet current lecturers and students, ask course questions, learn about our support services and explore campus spaces.
We’ve got heaps of activities, tours and presentations planned. Basically, we want you to get a real feel for Federation. The atmosphere. The opportunities. The community.
Oh – and there’s no need to pack a sandwich. Lunch is on us.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements (non year 12)
To be eligible to enrol in this course, you must have completed a Bachelor's degree or possess equivalent tertiary teaching experience. It is preferable (but not essential) to be working in an academic teaching role, or professional staff working directly within a tertiary learning and teaching capacity (for example, librarians, learning designers, learning skills advisers).
English language requirements
Overall Academic IELTS band score of 6.5
with band no less than 6.5
If you’re only applying for this course, do it via direct application.
Ready to fill out your application?
You'll need this code:
Direct application
Federation University code
- Direct application
- Yes
- Federation University code
- TK4
Pathways into further study such as Graduate Diploma and/or Master’s course may be available. Check with the specific course entry requirements.
Hear from our students
Hi, my name is Maddie and I'm studying a Bachelor of Education. I'm specialising in inclusive Ed and I'm in my third year of studies. I chose to study at Fed Uni because it is close to home and because I had a few friends who were studying here as well. I would recommend federation to those considering studying because of the placement opportunities they have here. This year as part of my diversity placement I was given the opportunity to travel to the NT to a remote indigenous community. This option was available to all students in my degree in the third year and it was made even more accessible as the majority of the accommodation and flights were funded by the Uni Arunga. The community I was placed in was the most beautiful little community with wonderful students and incredible classroom facilities. I'm so glad and proud of myself for taking that leap of faith because now I have so many more skills and experiences under my belt. This opportunity will be something I'll happily share with anyone and we'll think about forever. I really couldn't recommend this programme more.