Graduate Certificate in City Planning
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1 & 3
- Duration
- 0.7 Year(s)
- Delivery Mode
- Face-to-face (includes blended)
- Campus
-
Kensington
- Codes
- Program code 7148
- CRICOS code 088357K
-
Commonwealth Supported Places are available for this program2026 Indicative CSP first year fee
- $5,000*
-
2026 Indicative CSP fee to complete degree
- $5,000*
-
2026 Indicative first year full fee
- $24,500*
-
2026 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $25,000*
Entry Requirements
Fees
Fees
-
Interdisciplinary program
-
Strong industry links
-
Further study pathways
Application closures for 2026
Undergraduate programs for 2026 intakes are closed for New Overseas Student Commencement (NOSC) applications. Applications for postgraduate programs remain open. Find out if this closure applies to you.
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
The Graduate Certificate in City Planning at UNSW is a short postgraduate program that allows you to bring previous study or work experience to launch a career in urban and regional planning.
City planning is an exciting, varied and progressive profession that plays a pivotal role shaping the future of cities. Through a career in planning, you’ll improve lives by designing cities that are sustainable, equitable, healthy and inspiring.
As part of the Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture you’ll join a uniquely interdisciplinary community. You’ll work alongside students and professionals from across the built environment, just as you would in the workplace. You’ll benefit from UNSW’s strong ties to industry and world-leading research in city planning, as you explore diverse subjects including city renewal, city analytics, housing policy and healthy sustainable communities.
Once you’ve completed the Graduate Certificate, you can progress into the Graduate Diploma or Master of City Planning.
Key features
You can choose from a broad range of urban issues to explore through theory and practice, preparing you for diverse, future-focused careers. Areas of study include:
- Urban society, theory, history
- City economics and development
- Environment and sustainability
- City building – infrastructure and transport
- Strategic spatial planning
- Planning law and administration
- Planning research and analysis
- Urban management and development assessment
- Communication, engagement and participation
Why study at UNSW?
- Connect with Australia’s leading urban research centre, the City Futures Research Centre.
- Adobe Creative Cloud subscription included from the day you start for the duration of your studies
- Study in and learn from one of the world’s great cities. Sydney will be your classroom.
- Establish networks through our strong industry links and partnerships.
- Progress into the Graduate Diploma or the professionally-accredited Master of City Planning.
- Study at a Built Environment school ranked #1 in Sydney and #23 globally for architecture & built environment (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025)
- Prioritise career success - UNSW has been awarded Most Employable students for six years in a row (Australian Financial Review (AFR) Top100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020–2025)
- Be supported by our diverse, open and inclusive Arts, Design & Architecture community
- Access world-class alumni connections
- Join a global top 20 university (QS World University Rankings, 2024–2026)
- Join a community that’s part of the prestigious Group of Eight (Go8) universities
Want to see more from UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture?
Entry requirements
To gain entry into the Graduate Certificate in City Planning, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree with a credit average or above (Weighted Average Mark 65+).
Alternative Entry Pathways
Applicants with other relevant qualifications not listed may apply for admission to this program as follows. This is in accordance with UNSW Policy and Procedure on Recognition Of Prior Learning.
- Applicants will need to demonstrate that they have achieved the same knowledge and skills (learning outcomes) through their formal or informal learning as the qualifications listed for entry for this program.
- This may be evidenced by qualification certificates, records of assessment activities relating to course or program learning outcomes, examples of experience from the workplace, community, or other context which demonstrate relevant skills, knowledge or competencies, membership (or eligibility for membership) of professional organisations which require attainment of certain qualifications, or testimonials of skills, knowledge or competencies from workplace supervisors.
- Any relevant documentation should be attached to the application and will be considered by the Academic Coordinator for the Program.
Applicants applying for either the Graduate Diploma or Master degrees who do not meet the standard admission requirements above may be able to enter the Graduate Certificate. This will be at the discretion of the Program Director or Academic Coordinator who will assess applications on a case-by-case basis.
Progression pathways
Once you’ve completed the Graduate Certificate in City Planning you can apply for entry into the Graduate Diploma or Master of City Planning with credit points for courses already completed.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.
To gain entry into the Graduate Certificate in City Planning, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree with a credit average or above (Weighted Average Mark 65+).
Admission pathways
If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with UNSW College. UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
What will I study?
UNSW is introducing a new academic calendar from 2028.
We are moving to a new flex-semester calendar. What does this mean for your studies?
Program structure
The Graduate Certificate in City Planning consists of four courses, and can be completed in four-terms full-time (or the part time equivalent).
Full program structure
Each university year at UNSW has three terms and an optional summer study period. You can study full-time or part-time. Depending on how you plan your study load, you can fit two or three courses into a term and one course in a summer term.
The Graduate Certificate of City Planning is the shortest in UNSW’s suite of postgraduate city planning programs, and can be completed in two terms full-time.
Below is an example of what you could study in a standard two-term full-time study plan:
Term 1
- 2 Core City Planning courses
Term 2
- 1 Core City Planning course
- 1 Sustainability/Sustainable Development focused elective
For further information on course listing, descriptions and timetables please see the UNSW Online Handbook.
Future careers
You’ll graduate with improved skills to move into a variety of professional roles related to planning, including in private sector consultancies, environmental planning, urban development, or regional development.
If you’re a professional working in another sector this program can facilitate career progression, especially if your work intersects with the planning system or requires involvement with planning agencies. You’ll also gain in-demand analytical, collaborative and communication skills, opening up more diverse career opportunities.
The Graduate Certificate in City Planning provides a pathway into UNSW’s Master of City Planning, from which you can graduate a professionally accredited city planner with the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA).
Potential careers
- Strategic Planner
- Local Government Planner
- Social and Community Planner
- Environmental Planner
- Urban Consultant
- Urban Policy Analyst
- Urban Policy Officer
- Transport Planning
- Urban Designer
- Heritage Officer
- Property Developer
How to apply
Applications must be submitted through our Apply Online portal. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term. Some high-demand programs and Faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date. Find out more.
Ready to start your application?
For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For details, visit the international admissions information page.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
$5,000*
$5,000*
There are limited Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) available for this degree. Domestic students who receive a CSP will have a substantial proportion of their fees subsidised by the Australian government. Your eligibility to receive a CSP will be automatically assessed when you apply. Start your postgraduate application today with our guide on how to apply.
Commonwealth Study Assistance such as Austudy and Youth Allowance is available for some master's degrees. For the most up-to-date information and list of degrees visit UNSW Current Student Financial Support.
There are a limited number of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) available for this degree/program. Your eligibility to receive a CSP will be automatically assessed when you apply. To find out more about Commonwealth Supported Places visit Postgraduate Commonwealth Support.
*Fees are subject to annual review (or when required) by the University and may vary accordingly.
Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the degree/program. The indicative fees listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year)
You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed when required and may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.
Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
Progress starts here – at a world-leading university
Top 20 Worldwide
Ranked in the global top 20 for three consecutive years
QS World University Rankings, 2024–2026
Winner of the AFR Most Employable University Award six years in a row
AFR Top100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020–2025
Australia's #1 for Innovation
Highest number of startups and spinouts from university-developed tech
SCOPR report, 2024
