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Graduate Certificate in Public Health
Master of Public Health

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 26 JUNE 2026
START DATE: 13 JULY 2026

100% Online

Ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide*

Average completion time 18 months**

Request more information

Complete the form below for detailed course information and to be contacted by phone and email.

upcoming information session

To find out more about your eligibility and the course, join our upcoming webinar for La Trobe’s online Graduate Certificate and Master of Public Health on Thursday, July 16 at 12:15pm AEST and meet the course coordinator, Dr Ali Lakhani. Register here to learn more about the courses and online learning experience at La Trobe. 

estimated course fees

Your course fees will depend on the type of place you’re offered, your eligibility and any financial support applied to your course.

  • The cost of the Graduate Certificate is $15,300 (full course fee).
  • The cost of the Master’s varies:
    • Standard full fee is $30,600* per 120 credit points (full-time annual load).
    • Postgraduate fee support is $24,480** per 120 credit points (full-time annual load).

*  Standard full fee  is a place in your course that is not subsidised by the Australian Government or university. You can choose to pay these fees upfront or you may be eligible to defer your payment with FEE-HELP, the Australian Government loan program. 

** Postgraduate fee support: Up to 25% fee reduction on eligible postgraduate award courses, available only to domestic students that meet the entry criteria and have a course WAM of 60% or equivalent. When you enrol into an eligible postgraduate award course, you will automatically be considered for a postgraduate fee support place. 

Surround yourself with Australia’s best health professionals. Then become one.

Graduate Certificate of Public Health

With an increasing need for public health initiatives to prevent and protect the community from diseases, the world needs skilled professionals who understand contemporary public health research and practice. Completing the Graduate Certificate in Public Health will give you the vital skills you need to work in health systems around the world.

Choose from eight subjects, giving you the flexibility to tailor your qualification to get the job you want.

La Trobe’s online Graduate Certificate in Public Health is a nested qualification within the Master of Public Health, so after you graduate, you can build your expertise with a Master of Public Health and further expand your career pathways. Take your career to the next level in health roles in government organisations and community health services.

Master of Public Health

Make a difference as a public health leader

La Trobe’s online Master of Public Health prepares you for diverse and in-demand careers through a curriculum that examines the key principles of health promotion, protection and prevention. Thanks to our global and multidisciplinary approach, you’ll build a professional understanding of public health and be ready to create positive change for the wellbeing of individuals, families and communities.

You’ll be taught by public health experts who are dedicated to contributing to your academic and professional success. With their support, you’ll build crucial foundations in systems thinking, epidemiology, policy and research methods, along with the skills to gather, interpret and leverage health data to create a healthier society. When you graduate, you’ll have the advanced integrated knowledge and practical skills to investigate, critique, explain and solve complex local and global public health problems in your career. You also have the option of studying a double degree in health administration and public health.

Learning outcomes

Systems thinking
Understand how the systems in our society are intrinsically linked to the health of individual people.

Epidemiology and biostatistics
Learn how to gather and interpret health data, and improve health outcomes for your community.

Approaches to public health
Understand how theoretical principles can help you solve public health problems.

Policy and practice
Learn how to create policies that can improve health outcomes and develop practices that promote better health in your community.

Leadership
Develop the confidence to lead public health initiatives.

Specialisations

Customise your Master of Public Health by choosing between:

  • Advanced practice
  • Applied research
  • Digital health
  • Health management
  • Health promotion
  • Health strategy and policy

Why study La Trobe’s online Master of Public Health?

Developed in collaboration with industry partners

The degree is relevant and reflective of today’s public health workforce.

La Trobe is ranked in the top 250 universities worldwide

Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings, 2025.1

La Trobe’s medical and health subjects are ranked in the world’s top 175

Times Higher Education (THE), 2026, World University Rankings by Subject 2026: Medical and Health.2

Aligned to the RACP core discipline areas for Advanced Training in Public Health Medicine

Subjects in the Master of Public Health satisfy the core discipline areas required by the Royal Australian College of Physicians (RACP) for the Advanced Training in Public Health Medicine.

About La Trobe University

At La Trobe University, we believe you need a powerful skill set beyond what you learn in a textbook. We teach you how to adapt to new situations, connect with others, take the lead and think differently, all while you learn the skills and knowledge you need to advance your career.

Citations & Disclaimers

  1. TopUniversities. World University Rankings. https://www.topuniversities.com/world-university-rankings?search=la%20trobe
  2. Times Higher Education (2026). World University Rankings 2026: Clinical, pre-clinical & health. https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2026/subject-ranking/clinical-pre-clinical-health

*Times Higher Education (THE, 2026)
**Duration is 12–24 months depending on recognition of prior learning. An 18-month course duration applies to students who have completed a cognate Bachelor’s year. Most students complete the degree in 18 months.