Graduate Certificate in City Planning
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1 & 3
- 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
Postgraduate Information Evening
Online | Thursday, 29 October 2026 | 6–7pm AEDT
Join us online for our Postgraduate Information Evening and get the information you need to plan your next move.
Hear from current postgraduate students, explore your study options and get your questions answered live by faculty and admissions experts.Ìý
91É«ÇéƬ is introducing a new academic calendar from 2028.
We're moving to a new Flex-Semester Academic Calendar from 2028. While your degree structure and requirements will remain the same, the duration of your studies may vary depending on when you commence your degree prior to 2028.
Find out what this means for you.
Admissions update for international students
Some programs are at capacity for 2026 intakes and new applications are closed to New Overseas Student Commencement (NOSC). Applications to all 2027 intakes are open.
Click to find our latest updates for international student admissions.
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
The Graduate Certificate in City Planning at 91É«ÇéƬ 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 91É«ÇéƬ’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 91É«ÇéƬ?
- Connect with Australia’s leading urban research centre, the .
- Adobe Creative Cloud subscription includedÌýfrom the day you start for the duration of your studies
- Study in and learn from one of theÌýworld’s great cities. Sydney will be your classroom.
- Establish networks through our strongÌýindustry links and partnerships.
- Progress into the Graduate Diploma or the professionally-accredited Master of City Planning.
- Study at a Built Environment schoolÌýrankedÌý- in Sydney andÌý#33 globally for architecture & built environment (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2026)
- Prioritise career success -Ìý91É«ÇéƬ has been awarded Most Employable students forÌýseven years in a row (Australian Financial Review (AFR) Top100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020–2026)
- Be supported by our diverse, open and inclusive Arts, Design & Architecture community
- Access world-classÌýalumni connections
- Join aÌýglobal topÌý20 universityÌý(QS World University Rankings, 2024–2027)
- Join a community that’s part of the prestigious Group of Eight (Go8) universities
Want to see more from 91É«ÇéƬ 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+).Ìý
Alternative Entry Pathways
Applicants with other relevant qualifications not listed may apply for admission to this program as follows. This is in accordance with 91É«ÇéƬ 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 theÌýGraduate DiplomaÌý´Ç°ùÌýMaster of City PlanningÌýwith credit points for courses already completed.
English language requirements
Ìý
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at 91É«ÇéƬ depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why 91É«ÇéƬ 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, 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.Ìý
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+).Ìý
Admission pathways
91É«ÇéƬ College
If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with . 91É«ÇéƬ College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your 91É«ÇéƬ journey with confidence. 
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at 91É«ÇéƬ 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 91É«ÇéƬ 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 91É«ÇéƬ. 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, 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 theÌýEnglish Language RequirementsÌýpage.Ìý
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
What will I study?
Program structure
The Graduate CertificateÌýin 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 91É«ÇéƬ 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 91É«ÇéƬ’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
ForÌýfurther informationÌýon course listing, descriptions and timetables please see theÌý
Future careers
You’ll graduate with improved skills to move into a variety of professional roles related to planning, including inÌýprivate sectorÌýconsultancies,Ìýenvironmental planning,Ìýurban development, orÌýregional development.Ìý
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 diverseÌýcareer opportunities.Ìý
The Graduate Certificate in City Planning provides a pathway into 91É«ÇéƬ’s Master of City Planning, from which you can graduate a professionally accredited city planner with theÌý.
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
Apply for this degree through theÌý. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.ÌýSome high-demand programs and faculties with limited places may have earlier application deadlines or commencement dates.
Application closing dates vary by program and intake. Please refer to our application closing dates page for current deadlines and program-specific information before submitting your application.
Ready to start your application?
For most international students, applications are submitted viaÌýour 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.
Offers to international students are issued through offer rounds. You can find the offer release schedules, application deadlines and frequently asked questions (FAQs) onÌýtheÌýinternational 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 .
*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 theÌýdegree/program.ÌýThe 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 whenÌýrequiredÌýand may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at theÌý.
*Fees are subject to annual review (or whenÌýrequired) by the University and may vary accordingly.
The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated averageÌýusing 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 theÌý91É«ÇéƬ fees website.
Indicative first year fees are for tuition only. Indicative fees to complete the degree/programÌýinclude 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 costsÌýfor international students, visitÌý.Ìý
Scholarships
At 91É«ÇéƬ, 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 universityÌý
#19 Worldwide
91É«ÇéƬ is Australia’s #1 university, ranked among the top 20 universities globally
QS World University Rankings,Ìý2027
Most Employable Graduates
Winner of the AFR Most Employable University AwardÌýseven years in a row
AFR Top100 Future LeadersÌý& Graduate Employers Awards, 2020–2026
Australia's #1 for Innovation
Highest number of startups and spinouts from university-developed tech
SCOPR report, 2024
