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'I love fundraising and philanthropy and helping charities to do better at fundraising. My mantra is encouraging philanthropy and managing fundraising. Studying at QUT has given me confidence in my learning ability and the ability to apply these learnings to real life situations.'
Real graduate
‘The opportunity to study from a distance was a significant advantage living interstate. It encouraged me to be proactive, make contacts and set up networks that I am privileged to still have. Every day I am thankful for the decision I made to study at ACPNS.’
Real graduate
'I knew that whatever I did, it had to interest me and I had to believe that I was contributing towards making the world a better place. The connections that I have made through ACPNS are expanding my networks in the not-for-profit sector.'
Real graduate
'I love fundraising and philanthropy and helping charities to do better at fundraising. My mantra is encouraging philanthropy and managing fundraising. Studying at QUT has given me confidence in my learning ability and the ability to apply these learnings to real life situations.'
Real graduate
‘The opportunity to study from a distance was a significant advantage living interstate. It encouraged me to be proactive, make contacts and set up networks that I am privileged to still have. Every day I am thankful for the decision I made to study at ACPNS.’
Real graduate
'I knew that whatever I did, it had to interest me and I had to believe that I was contributing towards making the world a better place. The connections that I have made through ACPNS are expanding my networks in the not-for-profit sector.'
Invest in your education
Study at a Business School in the global top 1%. Of the 13,670 schools offering business degree programs worldwide, QUT is one of only three Australian business schools to be awarded triple international accreditation.
Program overview
- Step into a philanthropic and nonprofit managerial position and make a lasting social impact on causes and communities you're passionate about.
- Learn how to establish and maintain sustainable governance, manage risk, understand tax exemptions and deductions, and navigate nonprofit corporate structures.
- Study management, governance, ethics, social business planning, finance, fundraising, and legal issues for the nonprofit sector.
- Develop digital competencies and in-demand transferable skills in financial literacy, analytical thinking, decision-making, effective communication, problem-solving and data analysis.
- Gain membership to one of QUT’s leading research centres, the Australian Centre for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies (ACPNS).
- Be taught by award-winning academics and industry leaders who bring valuable real-world experience to the classroom.
- Extend your studies by continuing into a Master of Business once you’ve completed your graduate certificate.
- Study online or on campus for six months full-time or one year part-time.
- QUT Business School has been ranked number 1 in Queensland and number 3 in Australia for postgraduate studies in AFR’s BOSS Best Business School 2023 rankings.
Program overview
- Complete a qualification which develops multiple key skills needed by nonprofit and philantropic managers. Hone your analytical, decision-making, communication and problem solving skills to advance your career.
- Our scholarships, grants and bursaries are designed to assist your philanthropy studies and enhance your contribution to the nonprofit sector.
- Possible to start the course without undergraduate degree (based on experience).
- Opportunities to progress on to the Master of Business.
- Complete in either 2 or 4 semesters part-time.
- Study in class or online from anywhere.
- Study management, governance, ethics, social business planning, finance, fundraising, and legal issues for the nonprofit sector.
- Prepares you for a career in a nonprofit organisation, or work in the public or private sectors that engage with nonprofit organisations
- QUT’s Business School has been ranked number 1 in Queensland and number 3 in Australia for postgraduate studies in AFR’s BOSS Best Business School 2023 rankings.
- Find out more at our upcoming Master of Business information evening event.
Explore this course
The philanthropy and nonprofit studies area equips students for a career in the management of philanthropic and nonprofit organisations. Students undertaking this study area build skills and knowledge relevant to the specialised Third Sector and core content is framed by the international Nonprofit Academic Centers Council curriculum. The philanthropy and nonprofit studies specialisation in the Graduate Certificate of Business is designed to provide foundation knowledge, research and skills appropriate to the philanthropic and non-profit industry profession.
The Graduate Certificate in Business is an excellent re-introduction to tertiary learning and an opportunity to update skills or, as one-quarter of the Master of Business program, a pathway to higher level study.
If you aspire to drive innovation and create a meaningful social impact within your organisation, consider enrolling in QUT's Graduate Certificate in Business (Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies).
This program is designed for individuals seeking to enhance their skills and deepen their understanding of philanthropy and nonprofit studies, preparing them for a career in managing philanthropic and nonprofit organisations.
As part of this program, you'll develop a comprehensive understanding of fundraising and philanthropy, covering history, terminology, and theoretical models that underpin these practices. You'll explore the core principles and techniques of fundraising, which will provide valuable insights into how fundraising organisations strategically meet the needs of both their community and their donors. Furthermore, you’ll examine the philanthropy landscape, including its structure, required skills and knowledge, and critiques, as well as its vital role in civil society.
As you delve deeper into your studies, you’ll be introduced to the third sector. Here, you’ll explore the complexities of managing human, financial, and operational resources, and activities. Organisations here deal with complex issues, so as an aspiring manager in this field, you'll learn to use management theories and strategies that make positive impacts on individuals and communities efficiently. This involves understanding organisational and community problems, building, and maintaining social and human capital, and implementing good practices in professional and organisational contexts.
Flexible delivery
Units in this postgraduate program are delivered using a mix of face-to-face, online and blended learning technologies. All course materials are placed online including course lecture materials, practical session guides, readings and help guides.
Careers and outcomes
QUT’s Graduate Certificate in Business (Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies) will equip you with the expertise and skills to lead effectively in philanthropic and nonprofit organisations.
Careers and outcomes
Positions for employment may include:
- Fundraising Officer/Manager
- Administration Officer/Manager
- Relationships Officer/Manager
- Contract Administrator.
Possible careers
- Business advocacy and lobbying leader
- Chief executive officer
- Chief operating officer, nonprofit/philanthropy
- Community organisation leader
- Community service leader
- Founder, social enterprise/charity
- Fundraising and development specialist
- Government relations and procurement specialist
- Philanthropic foundation officer
- Volunteer program manager
Students are required to complete 48 credit points (8 units). The major in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies is only available part-time due to unit offerings.
- Course code
- BS39
- CRICOS code
- 031769E
-
- Online
- Gardens Point
- 6 months full-time
- 1 - 2 years part-time
- 6 months full-time
- February and July
Entry requirements
You must have one of:
- A recognised bachelor degree (or higher qualification) in any discipline; or
- A recognised diploma (or higher qualification) in any discipline followed by at least two years full-time (or equivalent) professional work experience; or
- At least five years full-time (or equivalent) professional work experience.
Minimum academic requirements
A completed recognised bachelor degree in any discipline.
Minimum English language requirements
Select the country where you completed your studies to see a guide on meeting QUT’s English language requirements.
Your scores and prior qualifications in English-speaking countries are considered. Approved English-speaking countries are Australia, Canada, England, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, United States of America and Wales.
If your country or qualification is not listed, you can still apply for this course and we will assess your eligibility.
We accept English language proficiency scores from the following tests. Tests must be taken no more than 2 years prior to the QUT course commencement.
| English Test | Overall | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PTE Academic/PTE Academic Online | 58 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
|
Cambridge English Score
You must share your results with QUT through the Candidate Results Online website. |
176 | 169 | 169 | 169 | 169 |
| IELTS Academic / IELTS Online / IELTS One Skills Retake | 6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| TOEFL iBT / Home / Paper | 79 | 16 | 16 | 21 | 18 |
Don't have the English language score you need? We can help!
We offer English language programs to improve your English and help you gain entry to this course.
When you apply for this course, we will recommend which English course you should enrol in.
Your actual fees may vary depending on which units you choose. We review fees annually, and they may be subject to increases.
2025 fees
2025: Available from July
2025 fees
2025: Available from July
2024 fees
2024: $16,300 per course (48 credit points)
2024 fees
2024: $18,400 per course (48 credit points)
Student services and amenities fees
You may need to pay student services and amenities (SA) fees as part of your course costs.
FEE-HELP: loans to help you pay for your course fees
You may not have to pay anything upfront if you're eligible for a FEE-HELP loan.
You can apply for scholarships to help you with study and living costs.
ACPNS Travel Grant
- Scholarship eligibility
- Struggling financially; From regional, rural or remote areas
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Speak to our Director of Studies to find out more about studying a Master of Business or Graduate Certificate in Business.