Adelaide University
Graduate Certificate in Aboriginal Studies
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 6 months
Explore Aboriginal cultures and history, including laws, health, education and governance of Aboriginal nations.
Course overview
The Graduate Certificate in Aboriginal Studies is a six-month offering for postgraduate students from any field seeking to deepen their understanding of Aboriginal cultures, history and futures.
The curriculum centres First Nations knowledges, perspectives and voices. It combines theory with practical experiences, guiding you through Aboriginal perspectives on law, health, education and Aboriginal nation-building and governance.
Learn from esteemed Aboriginal professionals, academics and lecturers. Understand historical and current-day issues and debates. Explore concepts of representation, power and privilege. Build a deeper understanding of yourself and others.
You'll graduate better equipped to discuss matters important to Aboriginal Peoples and communities, contribute to community and workplace initiatives and qualify for jobs requiring knowledge of Aboriginal cultures and histories.
CSP Subsidised Fees Available
This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.
Key facts
July, 2026
What you will study
To complete the study for the Graduate Certificate in Aboriginal Studies, students must complete 24 units.
Core courses
12 units for the Program core.
- Australian Indigenous Languages, Identity and Belonging
- Cultural Competency: Challenging Racism in Australian and Indigenous Contexts
Electives
12 units from Program electives.
- Indigenous Perspectives on Globalisation
- Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing
- Aboriginal Futures
- Pitjantjatjara Culture and Language
- Rebuilding Aboriginal Nations
Entry requirements
To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and fulfil any essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.
- A completed bachelor's (AQF level 7) or bachelor's honours (AQF level 8) degree or equivalent from a recognised higher education institution.
- A minimum of five years of relevant work experience.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
You could use your new knowledge to make your workplace more culturally inclusive. You might co-create content that highlights Aboriginal voices, issues and achievements. Perhaps you’ll deliver health screenings and wellness programs with increased collaboration and sensitivity or curate better, more tailored events.
You could also be a:
- Project Officer
- Community Development Officer
- Health Services Coordinator
- Volunteer Coordinator
- Public Affairs Assistant
- Fundraising Coordinator
Fees and CSP
Indicative first-year fee in 2026: $13,558 (Commonwealth Supported Place).
This is based on the total number of units studied for this program on an annual full-time basis.
A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:
- The number of units studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of units.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
Commonwealth Supported Places
The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.
If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you'll only need to pay a portion of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.
Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.
Your student contribution amount is:
- Calculated per unit you're enrolled in.
- Depending on the study areas they relate to.
- Reviewed and adjusted each year.
HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
