University of Sydney
Graduate Certificate in Health Policy and Planning
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
Gain practical expertise in health systems and policy making to advance or transition into strategic roles in health policy and planning.
Course overview
Our Graduate Certificate in Health Policy and Planning provides you with a detailed and practical understanding of health systems and the policy-making process.
It offers a strong and explicit focus on health policy, moving beyond administration and management to progress early-mid public service careers.
Our course is designed for those who are engaged or planning a career in health policy, wishing to extend their knowledge in health services, policymaking, leadership or conceptual modelling, as well as health practitioners who are interested in strategic decision making and systems thinking.
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
3rd August, 2026
What you will study
Students must successfully complete 24 credit points, including:
- 18 credit points of core units of study.
- 6 credit points of elective units of study or other postgraduate units of study, as approved by the course coordinator.
Core units
- Health Policy and Health Economics
- Health Systems and Financing
- Analysing Health Policy
Elective units
- Bioethics, Law and Policy
- Public Health Ethics
- Medicines Policy, Economics and Ethics
- Safety and Quality in Healthcare
- Health and Security
- Infection Prevention and Disease Control
- Foundations of Health Research
- Introductory Biostatistics
- Introduction to Qualitative Research in Health
- Qualitative Analysis and Writing in Health
- Foundations of Global Health
- Skills for Working in Global Health
Visit the university's website for the complete list of elective units.
Entry requirements
Admission to the course requires:
- A bachelor's degree from the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification and a minimum of 1 year of work experience in a health or policy-related field.
- A minimum of 5 years of professional work experience in a health or policy-related field or pass a preliminary examination(s) as prescribed by the Faculty.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is when your previous studies and/or work experience are recognised and counted towards your degree as credit.
The University may recognise prior learning by granting specific credit, non-specific credit, reduced volume of learning (RVL) or an enrolment exception request.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
There are many employment opportunities for health policy graduates to work in a range of organisations across different spheres. These include:
- Commonwealth and state departments of health.
- Area health services.
- Local health service providers.
- Non-government service providers.
- Community and consumer-based advocacy groups.
Fees and CSP
Total indicative amount in 2026: Fee information is not yet available (Commonwealth Supported Place)
Total indicative amount in 2026: $17,500 (domestic full-fee paying place)
The indicative amounts to complete this course in 2026 are calculated based on the total credit points (24 credit points).
A student’s fee may vary depending on:
- The number of units studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of units.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.
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 the 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.
