Study plan

You may undertake the course on a full time or part time basis. Full time study is normally undertaken over two semesters.

To qualify for the Graduate Diploma in Sustainability a candidate must complete 48 credit points, including:

• 36 credit points of core units of study; and
• 12 credit points of units of study selected from the remaining core or elective units of study.

A sample study plan for a full time student might involve four units of study in the first semester, comprising: three core units plus one elective unit; then three more core units plus one elective in second semester. Your individual study plan will of course depend on the availability of units in a given semester. Example study plans themed by discipline area are available for guidance.


Progression rules
Under normal progression, a student shall undertake and successfully complete all units of study to the value of 24 credit points per semester as prescribed for the course. Students are required to attend all lectures, tutorials and other activities prescribed for their units of study.

Graduate opportunities

Sustainability graduates develop and implement solutions to the complex problems facing an increasingly resource-constrained society. They will be suited for positions in the developing fields of sustainability in areas as diverse as technology, finance, policy, government, industry and communities.

Admission requirements

Admission to the Graduate Diploma in Sustainability requires:

(a) a degree of Bachelor from the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification; or
(b) completion of the requirements of the Graduate Certificate in Sustainability from the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification.

Domestic students

How to apply

Apply online by clicking 'Apply Now' on the right hand side of this page. Keep in mind that you may need to supply supporting documentation and this will be outlined in the online application form. You may need to scan, upload and attach supporting documentation to your application. You can also save your application and finish completing it at a later date. You may wish to find out more about how to apply by reading the information about applying for a postgraduate coursework program (domestic students) on the Faculty of Science website. Applications are made directly to the University and assessed by the Faculty of Science.

Commencing semesters and application closing dates are shown in the Essentials pane on the right hand side of this page.

International students

How to apply

Overseas applicants may apply (i) directly to the University by using the online application form, or (ii) through a University overseas representative (education agent). Apply online by clicking 'Apply Now' on the right hand side of this page. Keep in mind that you may need to supply supporting documentation and this will be outlined in the online application form. You may need to scan, upload and attach supporting documentation to your application. You can also save your application and finish completing it at a later date. You may wish to find out more about how to apply by reading the information about applying for a postgraduate coursework program (international students) on the Faculty of Science website. Applications are made directly to the University and assessed by the Faculty of Science.

Commencing semesters and application closing dates are shown in the Essentials pane on the right hand side of this page.

Domestic students

Indicative postgraduate student contribution amount

Indicative postgraduate student contribution amount not available for Graduate Diploma in Sustainability.

Annual review for postgraduate student contribution amount

Annual review for postgraduate student contribution amount not available for Graduate Diploma in Sustainability.

Postgraduate Domestic Tuition Fee

This 2013, tuition fee for a domestic postgraduate student represents the fee that is payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2012 for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). If your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL your fee will differ.

Annual review for postgraduate domestic tuition fee

Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review by the University, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.

Additional incidental fees

For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the student contribution and/or course fee. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing and equipment. For further information about these additional incidental fees, please visit the University's Future Students' website.

Potential for inaccuracy

Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information in this prospectus, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.

The academic requirements that are displayed are applicable to currently available courses only, and are updated annually in October and may be changed without notice. The Faculty Handbook and the University of Sydney Calendar are the official legal source of information relating to study at the University of Sydney, and you are referred to those documents

Please note that if you are classified by the University as a Research Training Scheme student in accordance with the Other Grants Guidelines (Research) 2010, you will be exempt from the payment of any SCA or tuition fees for courses undertaken as part of a Research Masters degree and Research Doctoral degree. More information about your eligibility for this Scheme is available here.

International students

International tuition fees for postgraduate students

This 2013, tuition fee for international postgraduate students represents the fees that are payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2013, for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). If your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL your fee will differ.

Annual review

Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.

Additional incidental fees and health insurance

For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the tuition fees. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing, and equipment. The University's Future Students' webpage has further information about these additional incidental fees for postgraduate coursework students and postgraduate research students.

In addition to the fees indicated here for the course of study, International Students studying on an Australian Student Visa must have appropriate health insurance for the duration of their studies on a Student Visa through an approved provider of the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) scheme. This is a requirement of the Australian Government, unless otherwise exempted by the Government.

Potential for inaccuracy

Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.