Costs compared for project manager courses, including cert IV, diploma, grad cert, masters.
Overview
Project management courses in Australia are cheap if you seek a vocational qualification only. Certificate IV and diplomas are the cheapest accredited courses used in the industry, costing several thousand dollars or less. Government subsidies can reduce expenses for some students to zero.
Postgraduate courses in project management cost around $3,750 per subject. This places the average cost of a graduate certificate at $15k, a graduate diploma at $30k, and a master's degree at $45k. The availability of FEE-HELP loans means the fees can be paid gradually based on your annual income.
Cost by Qualification Type
The cost of a project management course in Australia starts at zero for vocational (TAFE) courses heavily subsidised by state governments. Leaving aside special discounts and free courses, the cost range is from an average of $4,106 for a Certificate IV through to $45,000 for a regular master's degree.
| Program Type | Average Fee* |
|---|---|
| Certificate IV | $4,106 |
| Diploma | $5,743 |
| Graduate Certificate | $15,000 |
| Graduate Diploma | $30,000 |
| Master's Degree | $45,000 |
* Average total tuition fees in Australian dollars for the whole program. Online courses only.
Certificate IV – $4,106
The Certificate IV in Project Management Practice (BSB40920) trains for roles such as Contracts Officer, Project Administrator, and Quality Officer. The 9-unit course focuses on scope, time, and quality management. Without accounting for government subsidies, fees range from $2,500 at Upskilled to $5,580 at TAFE Digital, averaging $4,106.
| Provider | Full Fee |
|---|---|
| Upskilled | $2,500 |
| CQUniversity Australia | $4,086 |
| RMIT University | $4,125 |
| Swinburne University of Technology | $4,240 |
| TAFE Digital (NSW) | $5,580 |
| Average | $4,106 |
Source: Provider websites.
Diploma – $5,744
The Diploma of Project Management (BSB50820) prepares individuals for leadership roles such as Project Manager and Team Leader. This 12-subject program covers managing project scope, time, quality, cost, human resources, communication, risk, and integration. Fees range from $2,850 at TAFE NSW to $8,250 at RMIT University, averaging $5,743. Subsidies may be available to eligible students.
| Provider | Full Fee |
|---|---|
| TAFE Digital (NSW) | $2,850 |
| Upskilled | $3,500 |
| CQUniversity Australia | $6,600 |
| Swinburne University of Technology | $7,518 |
| RMIT University | $8,250 |
| Average | $5,744 |
Source: Provider websites.
Graduate Certificate – $15,000
The Graduate Certificate in Project Management trains for roles such as project manager and business analyst. In the four-subject course, students learn essential project management skills. This qualification is suited for those aiming to lead in various industries. Course fees vary from $12,320 at Southern Cross University to $17,500 at Monash Online, with an average of $15,000.
| Provider | Full Fee |
|---|---|
| Southern Cross University | $12,320 |
| QUT Online | $13,300 |
| Charles Sturt University | $15,560 |
| RMIT Online | $16,320 |
| Monash Online | $17,500 |
| Average | $15,000 |
Source: University websites.
SCU Online - Graduate Certificate in Project Management
The SCU Online Graduate Certificate in Project Management is AIPM-endorsed. It's an 8-month online course focusing on risk, control, planning, implementation, and evaluation. Elective units are available. The course consists of four subjects and costs $12,320, with FEE-HELP available. Credits can transfer towards further graduate studies.
RMIT Online - Graduate Certificate in Project Management
The RMIT Online Graduate Certificate is part-time and completed in 8 months. It's AIPM-endorsed with 6 intakes a year. It offers generalist or IT-specific pathways. The curriculum covers project management principles, risk mitigation, team leadership, and project design. It's suitable for sectors like mining, IT, events, engineering, and construction. The course leads to further studies for a Graduate Diploma and Master of Project Management. Cost: $16,320.
Graduate Diploma – $30,000
The Graduate Diploma in Project Management develops technical skills to manage complex projects. The program covers methodologies, modelling, and analysis for various fields. It is ideal for a strong foundation in the field or as a substantial step towards a masters degree. With an average unit cost of $3,750, the total cost for this 8-subject qualification is typically around $30k.
SCU Online - Graduate Diploma in Project Management
The SCU Online Graduate Diploma in Project Management is a 16-month, part-time course. The program covers initiation, planning, and risk management across eight units. It aligns with PMBOK guidelines, enhancing career prospects in various industries. Fees are affordable, with FEE-HELP available. The total program fee is $24,640 in 2024.
RMIT Online - Graduate Diploma in Project Management
The RMIT Online Graduate Diploma in Project Management spans 16 months part-time. It includes eight courses focused on professional techniques, managing project teams, quality project design, financial and IT management. Endorsed by AIPM, it's for leaders in construction, IT, finance aiming for on-budget, timely project delivery. Starts are in Jan, Mar, May, July, Aug, Oct. Total cost: $32,640.
RMIT Online - Graduate Diploma in Project Management (IT)
The RMIT Online Graduate Diploma in Project Management (IT) offers specialised training for IT project managers over 16 months part-time. It covers agile management, adapting to digital trends, and executing projects in a simulated IT setting. The program includes eight courses, with two specialisations and starts in Jan, Mar, May, July, Aug, Oct. Total cost is $32,640.
Related: Project Management Courses Online in Australia
Master's Degree – $45,000
The Master of Project Management, a 12-subject postgraduate degree, advances your professional skills for hands-on roles. It blends technical, strategic, and leadership units and may conclude with a capstone professional project. Electives often complete the course requirements. Assuming an average cost of $3,750 per subject, the total fee for this degree is normally around $45k.
SCU Online - Master of Project Management
The SCU Online Master of Project Management is a fully online course, designed for completion part-time over two years, or less with advanced standing. It offers elective choices in accounting, engineering, health services, IT, and leadership. Aligned with PMBOK® Guide standards and priced for accessibility, it suits full-time professionals. The course comprises 12 units at $3,080 each, totalling $36,960, with FEE-HELP available.