Graduate Diploma Agriculture Full Time

Graduate Diploma in Agricultural Sciences

at University of Melbourne · Melbourne, Victoria

CRICOS course code

085100D

CRICOS provider code

00116K

This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. Verify it yourself at cricos.education.gov.au before paying any fee.

Duration

1 year

Tuition (whole course)

A$54,976 total

Per year

A$54,976/yr

Intake

Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul)

About this program

The Graduate Diploma in Agricultural Sciences at the University of Melbourne is designed for individuals seeking to upskill or pivot into a career in the agricultural sector. This one-year programme provides an in-depth understanding of agricultural science, including the latest advancements in sustainable farming, crop and animal production, agribusiness, and emerging technologies in agriculture. Graduates gain practical and theoretical knowledge necessary to address real-world challenges in Australian and global agriculture.

This graduate diploma comprises units of study totalling a specified number of credit points, typically completed across two semesters. The curriculum is structured to balance core scientific principles with elective units, enabling students to tailor their studies to areas such as plant and soil science, animal science, and agricultural economics. Practical, hands-on learning is a core component, with fieldwork, laboratory sessions, and industry engagement opportunities integrated to reflect the realities of Australian agriculture.

Students develop a suite of relevant and transferable skills, including technical problem-solving, research, analytical thinking, and communication. The course is well suited to recent science graduates, professionals looking to formalise or build on industry experience, or those wishing to gain a foundation in agricultural science before pursuing further postgraduate study. The University of Melbourne’s strong connections with the agriculture industry and research community offer excellent networking and professional development prospects.

As Australia is a leading exporter of agri-food, graduates benefit from studying in Melbourne — a vibrant hub for agricultural innovation and research. International students enrolled in the Graduate Diploma may be eligible to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study and can check their eligibility for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). For admission, applicants must demonstrate English proficiency as outlined on the university's official website.

Entry requirements

English: International applicants must evidence English proficiency. IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common undergraduate and coursework-postgraduate standard, rising to 7.0–7.5 for teaching, nursing, medicine, law and social work. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university’s own English programmes are accepted as equivalents; the Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself.

International students: Registered on CRICOS for international students. A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for this course supports a Student visa (subclass 500) application; Overseas Student Health Cover is required for the full duration.

Career outcomes

Agricultural consultant
Farm manager or agribusiness specialist
Research officer in government or private sector
Extension officer for agricultural development
Roles in Australian agri-tech and food production industries
Further study pathways leading to research or specialist positions

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Graduate Diploma in Agricultural Sciences at University of Melbourne?

It typically takes 1 year, with intakes in Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul).

How much is the tuition?

Tuition is around A$54,976 total. Fees change yearly — confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Agricultural consultantFarm manager or agribusiness specialistResearch officer in government or private sectorExtension officer for agricultural developmentRoles in Australian agri-tech and food production industriesFurther study pathways leading to research or specialist positio...

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