Graduate Certificate in Space Engineering (Canberra)
- Commencing Terms
- Semester 1 & 2
- Duration
- 0.5 Year(s)
- Delivery Mode
- Online
- Campus
-
Canberra
- Codes
- Program code 7346
- CRICOS code -
-
2026 Indicative first year full fee
- $20,520
-
2026 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $20,520
-
2026 Indicative first year full fee
- $25,320
-
2026 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $25,320
Entry Requirements
Fees
Fees
-
Industry-aligned learning
-
Fully online
-
Space systems foundations
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- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
The Graduate Certificate in Space Engineering is a short, fully online qualification designed for busy professionals seeking to upskill while balancing work and other commitments. Completed over 0.5 years, the program introduces the principles behind how space systems are designed, operated and managed, with learning grounded in real engineering contexts from across the space sector.
Focusing on space systems engineering fundamentals, the program develops systems thinking and technical understanding across areas, such as space operations, satellite systems and mission design. It is ideal for professionals already working in space, aerospace or related industries and engineers and STEM graduates looking to move into space engineering or broaden their technical specialisation.
The qualification is nested within the Master of Space Engineering, allowing eligible students to use completed courses as credit towards further study if they choose to continue.
Key features
Advanced space systems expertise
Develop advanced disciplinary knowledge and technical capability in space systems engineering, with the ability to apply these skills across professional and operational contexts. The Graduate Certificate in Space Engineering strengthens expertise in core areas including space operations, satellite systems and engineering management.
Flexible, online delivery
Designed for working professionals, this fully online program supports flexible learning around professional and personal commitments. Delivered over 0.5 years in an accelerated format, it enables you to build specialised space systems engineering expertise while continuing to progress your career.
Designed for engineers and technical professionals
Tailored for engineers and STEM professionals, this program builds on prior technical knowledge to deepen understanding of space systems engineering. It supports those transitioning into the space sector or strengthening expertise across aerospace, Defence and related industries.
Why study at UNSW Canberra?
A world-class university with national strategic relevance
Study at a global top 20 university (QS World University Rankings, 2024–2026) through UNSW Canberra, recognised for excellence in engineering, research and national security education. Backed by UNSW’s global reputation, you’ll graduate with a qualification that carries international credibility and academic rigour.
Embedded in Australia’s defence and space ecosystem
As part of UNSW Canberra, the program is closely connected to Australia’s defence, government and space communities. This program’s subjects reflect current industry developments, national priorities and emerging technologies shaping Australia’s space capability — ensuring your learning remains aligned to real-world professional contexts.
Practical, research-informed learning
Learn from leading academics and researchers in space engineering, with course content informed by current research and industry practice. The program emphasises applied engineering contexts, strengthening your ability to translate space systems theory into real-world settings.
Want to see more from UNSW Canberra at ADFA?
Entry requirements
To gain entry into the Graduate Certificate in Space Engineering, you must have at least one of the following credentials:
- A bachelor’s degree with honours in the same or a related discipline* from a recognised institution
- A graduate diploma or graduate certificate in the same or a related discipline* from a recognised institution
- A bachelor’s degree in the same or a related discipline* from a recognised institution; and completion of at least three years’ relevant full-time professional experience
- Applicants with other qualifications or relevant professional experience may be considered for admission, subject to approval by the Program Authority. In some cases, students may be required to complete a relevant non-award course as a condition of entry. Where applicable, this course may be credited towards the program.
*Related discipline/s: Engineering
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 Space Engineering, you must have at least one of the following credentials:
- A bachelor’s degree with honours in the same or a related discipline* from a recognised institution
- A graduate diploma or graduate certificate in the same or a related discipline* from a recognised institution
- A bachelor’s degree in the same or a related discipline* from a recognised institution; and completion of at least three years’ relevant full-time professional experience
- Applicants with other qualifications or relevant professional experience may be considered for admission, subject to approval by the Program Authority. In some cases, students may be required to complete a relevant non-award course as a condition of entry. Where applicable, this course may be credited towards the program.
*Related discipline/s: Engineering
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
Program structure
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 Space Engineering is a 0.5-year program delivered fully online and comprises 24 units of credit (UOC). The program is structured around a combination of core and elective subjects, allowing students to build expertise across key areas of space systems engineering. Core subjects provide essential grounding in space systems concepts, while elective options enable students to tailor their studies to areas of interest within the space engineering discipline.
Full program structure
Students must complete a minimum of 6 UOC from Core Subject List A:
- Space Operations
- Space Systems Design
Students may then complete up to 18 UOC from the following subjects in Core Subject List B:
- Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS)
- Space Systems Engineering Management
- Satellite Communications
- Space Propulsion
- Spaceborne Imaging Technology
In addition, students may select a maximum of one subject from the following prescribed electives:
- Information Assurance Principles
- Model Based Systems Engineering
- Requirements Practice
- Test and Evaluation
- Project Management Body of Knowledge
- Space Cooperation, Conflict and Competition
- Applied Machine Learning
Future careers
The Graduate Certificate in Space Engineering equips graduates with foundational knowledge in space systems engineering and transferable technical skills applicable across the space, aerospace and related engineering sectors. The program is suited to professionals currently working in the space industry who wish to strengthen their technical understanding and those transitioning from other engineering or STEM backgrounds seeking to enter the space sector.
Potential careers
Graduates may pursue roles across a range of technical and systems-focused positions, including:
- Aerospace Engineer
- Astronautical Engineer
- Avionics Engineer
- Defence Engineer
- Flight Systems Engineer
- Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) Engineer
- Launch Systems Engineer
- Mission Control Engineer
- Payload Engineer
- Propulsion Engineer
- Satellite Communications Engineer
- Satellite Systems Engineer
- Space Operations Engineer
- Space Systems Analyst
- Spacecraft Design Engineer
- Spacecraft Operations Engineer
- Systems Engineer
- Telecommunications Engineer
- Test Engineer
- Thermal Engineer
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
*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 (or when required) by the University and may vary accordingly.
The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average using historical student enrolment patterns for each program, which may change every year. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year you 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 first year fees are for tuition only. Indicative fees to complete the degree/program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year and have been calculated based on percentage increase for every year of the degree/program, noting that actual fee increase may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Other fees and charges are not included. To find out more about other costs for international students, 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
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AFR Top100 Future Leaders & Graduate Employers Awards, 2020–2026
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