Graduate Certificate in Vision Impairment
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1
- Duration
- 1 Year
- Delivery Mode
- Distance (online with some face-to-face)
- Campus
-
Kensington
- Codes
- Program code 7431
- CRICOS code -
-
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
- $31,000*
-
2026 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $31,500*
Entry Requirements
Fees
Fees
-
Cross-disciplinary learning
-
Flexible online delivery
-
Grow career opportunities
Join our Masterclass: Graduate Certificate in Vision Impairment
Online | Tuesday, 18 November 2025 | 6pm-7pm (AEDT)
This masterclass explores how the Graduate Certificate in Vision Impairment offers students from a diverse range of educational and employment backgrounds the opportunity to grow their skills and understanding on the causes and implications of vision impairment.
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
Make a positive difference in the lives of people living with blindness or low vision with the Graduate Certificate in Vision Impairment. Designed for professionals from a variety of backgrounds – including health, education and social services – this vision impairment course equips you with the specialist knowledge to deliver inclusive, client-centred support.
Delivered by UNSW’s School of Optometry & Vision Science, this is Australia’s first postgraduate qualification that focuses specifically on vision impairment. This program focuses on understanding the lived experience of vision impairment and building practical, evidence-based strategies to support individuals in their daily lives.
You’ll explore the causes and implications of vision loss, learn how to critically evaluate research in the field and develop the practical skills to improve the quality of life for people with blindness or low vision. This 100% online program offers maximum flexibility while helping you develop a deep understanding of how to deliver client-focused services with an ethical and culturally aware lens. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to specialise further with elective courses that dive into acting on opportunities to design assistive technologies, implications of development and aging for vision impairment, public health issues and policy and research.
Key features
Expand your career opportunities
Vision 2020 forecasts that half of Australia’s population will need eye care services by 2050 (Vision 2020, 2022). This program gives you the specialised skills to work across sectors – from disability services to policy and education.
Flexible learning to suit your lifestyle
The Graduate Certificate in Vision Impairment is a fully flexible program that lets you tailor your studies to suit your life and your goals. Complete your certificate in one year or spread your studies over two years, and gain your qualification entirely online.
Discover evidence-based approaches
Learn how to critically evaluate the latest research on vision impairment rehabilitation, so you can create evidence-based solutions for people who are blind or visually impaired and continuously improve your knowledge in this field.
Why study at UNSW?
Join one of the world’s top-ranked schools
Join the largest optometry and vision science school in Australasia. The UNSW School of Optometry & Vision Science is ranked 2nd worldwide for Optometry, and UNSW Medicine & Health is ranked #54 globally for life sciences and medicine (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025) and is one of the world’s top medical faculties.
Pioneers in vision and ocular disease research
The School of Optometry & Vision Science is a leading research institution (Global Optometrist Top 200 Research Ranking, 2021) in major areas of vision and ocular disease. From dry eyes to sensory processes, our researchers are working to solve vision problems and shape the future of health in Australia.
Australian-first vision impairment program
The Graduate Certificate in Vision Impairment is the first program of its kind in Australia, offering Bachelor of Vision Science graduates a unique opportunity to enhance their knowledge in vision impairment.
Want to see more from UNSW Medicine and Health?
Entry requirements
To gain entry to this program, students must have at least a three-year full-time AQF level 7 Bachelor degree in any discipline. This program is only open for Term 1 enrolments and is completed part-time.
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 to this program, students must have at least a three-year full-time AQF level 7 Bachelor degree in any discipline. This program is only open for Term 1 enrolments and is completed part-time.
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 Vision Impairment is a one-year, full-time postgraduate degree (with the option to study part-time over a longer period). The program consists of three core courses and your choice of five electives, totalling 42 units of credit (UOC).
Through fully supported online learning, you’ll uncover the functional impact of ocular disease, create strategies to critically evaluate the latest research on vision impairment and deliver client-focused services that improve the lives of those living with blindness or vision impairment.
Full program structure
The Graduate Certificate in Vision Impairment contains a total of 24 units of credit (UOC). This postgraduate qualification can be completed in less than one year when studied full-time or two years when studied part-time. Students must complete:
Three core courses – 18 UOC
- The Visual System, Impairments & Implications
- Disability and Inclusion in Vision Rehabilitation
- Vision Rehabilitation
One elective course – 6 UOC
- Research Skills in Vision Science
- Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology
- Development and Ageing: Implications for Orientation and Mobility
- Health Promotion and Social Perspectives of Health
- Ethics & Law in Public Health
- Sensory Processes and Movement*
*Required for students wishing to transfer to the Graduate Diploma in Orientation & Mobility
Please visit the School of Vision Science & Optometry website for more information about this program's delivery and participation requirements.
Future careers
Healthcare and social assistance are among Australia's fastest-growing sectors, with job growth expected to rise by 25.2% by 2033 (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2024). A Graduate Certificate in Vision Impairment opens doors to meaningful roles where you can positively impact the lives of people with blindness or low vision.
Graduates work across public and private settings – including rehabilitation centres, disability services, government agencies, community organisations and the assistive technology sector. You might work directly with clients or influence broader systems through advocacy, education, or policy development.
Potential roles in vision impairment
- Accessibility Consultant
- Assistive Technology Specialist
- Community Worker
- Disability Sector Manager
- Disability Support Worker
- Education Support Worker
- NDIA Coordinator
- NDIS Planner
- Vision Rehabilitation Support
- Youth Worker
The Graduate Certificate in Vision Impairment is purposefully constructed to provide students from diverse industry backgrounds with the ability to upskill and enhance their knowledge and expertise in vision impairment as well as vision rehabilitation.
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
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. Please note that eligibility for Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) is competitive, with places awarded based on academic merit. 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.
*The indicative Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) fees are an estimate based on the relevant student contribution band/s for a Commonwealth Supported Place undertaking a standard full-time load of 48 units of credit per year (1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load/1 EFTSL). To find out more about Commonwealth Supported Places visit Postgraduate Commonwealth Support.
Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the degree/program. The indicative fee 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
The faculty encourages you to be involved in student life and have a healthy study/life balance.
