Victoria University
Graduate Certificate in Public Health
- Delivery: Online
- Commitment: 15 - 20 hours/week
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 8 months
Equips students with the foundational knowledge and skills to pursue a career in public health practice.
Course overview
The Graduate Certificate in Public Health integrates the biological basis of health with population-based intervention and policy and in doing so, covers dimensions of the social, cultural, economic and political aspects of health.
Designed for practitioners who may already be employed in the field of public health, as well as recent graduates, this course provides the building blocks in public health in practice, epidemiology and biostatistics. It also provides a pathway, upon successful completion, to continue on to the Master of Public Health.
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
From $1,164 (CSP)
16th March, 2026
11th May, 2026
6th July, 2026
31st August, 2026
26th October, 2026
What you will study
To attain the Graduate Certificate in Public Health, students are required to complete the following core units:
Core units
- Foundations of Public Health
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics 1
- Public Health in Practice
- Culture and Society in Public Health
Entry requirements
To apply for the online Graduate Certificate in Public Health, you are required to have one of the following:
- Completed an Australian bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline.
- Five years of approved work experience.
Outcomes
Roles in public health are diverse and in high demand. They cover areas of health promotion, disease prevention and policy. Depending on your career goals and skill set, studying the Graduate Certificate in Public Health course with VU Online will open up numerous roles that may interest you.
Typical job titles:
- Public health officer
- Non-government organisation worker
- Community development officer
- Health promoter
- Public health researcher
- Health educator
- Program officer
- Project officer
Fees and CSP
Total cost for four units in 2025: $4,656 (Commonwealth Supported Places)
Total cost for four units in 2025: $12,800 (domestic full-fee paying place)
The total cost of completing your degree at Victoria University (VU) Online depends on the number of units you study and the amount of advanced standing you receive, which is assessed after you apply.
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 (CSP)
A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a place where the government pays for part of your unit fees. This is a subsidy, not a loan, so you do not need to pay it back. Your remaining fees may also be eligible for FEE-HELP.
Your student contribution amount is:
- Calculated per the unit you're enrolled in.
- Dependent 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.
