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Course completion and graduation

What happens when I finish my course?

At the end of each semester (by end of July and December), the Academic Board ratifies the semester’s results, and thereafter identifies the students who are eligible for course completion for that semester.

  • Semester 1 graduates will be advised by the end of the first week of August of their course completion status; and
  • Semester 2 graduates will be advised by the third week of January in the following year of their course completion status (note Governance Institute closes until the second week of January over Christmas and New year, unless otherwise advised)

How am I advised on my course completion?

  • Students approved for completion will be formally advised via their nominated email account that they have met requirements for course completion at the above timelines; and that they have been graduated in absentia.

What do I receive?

  • Governance Institute has moved to issue both a hard copy and a certified digital testamur and academic transcript from Semester 1, 2022 graduates with My eQuals database.
  • My eQuals are a trusted provider of certified digital documents amongst leading universities and protect your credentials, guaranteeing the integrity and authenticity of your digital documents. Please see the My eQuals FAQs for further information.
  • Students will be notified via email of from Governance Institute upon graduation:
    • Students will receive their certified digital copy of graduation documents (1x of testamur and 1x of academic record) via My eQuals; and
    • Students will receive their printed copy of graduation documents to their nominated postal address by registered post
    • Students will receive an email once their documents are ready to view via the My eQuals site. Follow the instructions in the email to create your account, and to view and share your documents.
    • If you have an existing My eQuals account, you can log in and view your documents.
  • Students requesting a replacement hard copy of graduation document:
    • A fee of $50 will be payable for students who wish to receive their graduation documents by registered post.
    • 1 x replacement hard copy of their testamur and 1 x replacement hard copy of their academic record to their nominated postal address.
    • Such a request needs to be made to education@governanceinstitute.com.au.

Is there a graduation ceremony?

As our postgraduate courses are offered across all Australian States and Territories, Governance Institute does not hold formal, face-to-face graduation ceremonies. All students who complete their postgraduate course are graduated in absentia.

Prizes awarded to outstanding graduates and students

Governance Institute offers a number of academic prizes annually to eligible postgraduate students that are formally presented in March/April of each year at an online academic awards ceremony. These are:

The Ian Falconer Award

The Ian Falconer Award was established to honour the memory and achievements of the late Ian Falconer (2002). Ian was the Company Secretary of Rio Tinto Limited; and distinguished himself through his untiring support of Chartered Secretaries Australia – now Governance Institute of Australia. This award recognises the graduating student with the best academic record in the Graduate Diploma of Applied Corporate Governance and Risk Management course annually.

The Bernadette Sheridan Award

The Bernadette Sheridan Award recognises the late Bernadette Sheridan (2022), a former Governance Institute of Australia staff member, who gave over 20 years of distinguished service to the education department. This award recognises the graduating student with the best academic record in the Graduate Certificate of Applied Corporate Governance and Risk Management course annually.

The Best in Subject (National) Award

The Best in Subject (National) Award is awarded to the student with the best mark in each subject each year, where the student meets the threshold of a Distinction grade, with at least six (6) students having completed the subject in that year. If more than one student achieves the same overall mark, the highest mark awarded for the examination determines the winner of the award. If the mark achieved in the examination is the same, a joint award is made.

How do I become a member of Governance Institute of Australia?

We encourage graduates of Governance Institute’s postgraduate courses (who are not already members) to apply for membership of Governance Institute of Australia to be recognised as a governance professional.

  • Graduate Certificate graduates meet requirements for Affiliated Membership (GIA Affiliated)
  • Graduate Diploma graduates meet requirements for Associate Membership (AGIA)

Top-tier professionals with at least eight years experience or relevant academic experience may meet requirements for Fellow Membership (FGIA).

More information is outlined on Governance Institute’s membership page where you can complete a membership application form online.

How do I acquire Chartered Status and join the Chartered Governance Institute?

On completion of our Graduate Diploma, and if you are currently a Governance Institute member, you are also automatically provided with membership and postnominals for the Chartered Governance Institute (our international partner formerly known as ICSA).

What are the postnominals upon completion?

Postnominals are letters placed after a person’s name to indicate education qualifications, title of office, and honours. Postnominals for our postgraduate courses are bolded below:

Current courses:

Former courses:

  • Graduate Certificate of Applied Risk Management: GradCertARM.
  • Graduate Diploma of Applied Risk Management and Corporate Governance: GradDipARMCG.
  • Graduate Diploma of Applied Corporate Governance: GradDipACG.