- Duration 8 months
part time - Subjects 4 subjects
(50 credit points) - Fees $3,000 per 12.5
credit point subject* - Intakes March, May, July, August, October, January
Why study the Graduate Certificate in Youth Mental Health online with the University of Melbourne?
Co-designed with industry leaders, Orygen, and delivered by Australia's #1 university1
The Graduate Certificate in Youth Mental Health is co-developed with Orygen, Australia's largest youth mental health research organisation, connecting you with the latest research and leaders in the field. You'll gain insights from industry experts and acquire practical knowledge to improve outcomes for young people.
1QS World University Rankings 2026
Amplify your impact and be valued for your expertise
Demonstrate your commitment to supporting young people as you gain immediately applicable knowledge to effectively identify, assess and support young people experiencing mental ill-health challenges.
You’re in control
Wherever you are, you can take charge of your learning experience. Whether this means engaging live or when it suits you, taking breaks or accelerating, connecting with others or running your own race. You're in control – of your work, study and life.
Course highlights
- Completing our Graduate Certificate in Youth Mental Health serves as a pathway into our Master of Youth Mental Health
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of the unique biological, psychological, and social needs and challenges faced by young people
- Transform your approach to supporting young people with evidence-based prevention and intervention strategies
- Learn directly from experts from Australia's largest youth mental health research organisation, Orygen.
Learn from world-leading academics and clinical experts
Benefit from expert-led contemporary learning as you prepare for the next phase of your career. Engage with our world-leading academics whose opinions are sought after by government, shaping strategy and influencing policy.
Unlock access to the latest industry research to amplify your impact in your youth mental health community.
Download your course guide to meet the team responsible for the Graduate Certificate in Youth Mental Health course at Australia’s #1 university for Psychology, Medicine and Life Sciences (QS World University Rankings by subject 2025).
Career outcomes
Gain specialist knowledge of key theories and evidence-based strategies relevant to youth mental health. Develop practical skills to identify early signs of mental ill-health and apply evidence-led approaches to best support the needs of young people experiencing mental health challenges.
This transformative qualification will prepare you for a variety of roles, such as:
- Senior Clinician
- Senior Youth Worker
- Advanced Practitioner
- Practice Educator
- Team Leader
- Service Manager
- Student Wellbeing Coordinator
- Student Wellbeing Lead
- Youth Mental Health Adviser
- Youth Mental Health Consultant
- Youth Mental Health Researcher.
Subjects of study
The Graduate Certificate in Youth Mental Health online from the University of Melbourne is a 4-subject transformational qualification designed to guide professionals working with young people by enhancing their knowledge and ability to effectively support youth facing mental health challenges.
In this subject you will be introduced to key principles, approaches, theories and research that underlie contemporary understandings of young people and mental health.
Examine key foundations of youth mental health clinical practice including assessment, engagement and case formulation.
Focus on the various factors that influence both healthy development and mental ill-health in childhood, adolescence and emerging adulthood to gain a comprehensive understanding of development in young people.
This subject provides a comprehensive overview of the major non-psychotic disorders, including mood, anxiety, substance use and eating disorders.
You’re in control of your learning experience
- Find freedom with the choice of how and where you study
- Have more control over your learning with the ability to take breaks from study when needed
- Receive ongoing one-on-one support from application through to graduation
- Access resources and support systems designed to help you succeed
- Experience personalised interactions from expert educators who value your development
- Gain a competitive edge with a recognised qualification from Australia’s top university (QS, 2026).
Find out more about the online experience at the University of Melbourne.
Entry requirements
In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed either:
- An undergraduate degree in a related discipline such as Health Sciences, Social Work, Psychology, Medicine, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Teaching, Education, or a related discipline or
- An undergraduate degree or equivalent in any discipline, and at least two years of documented relevant professional work experience or
- At least six years of documented relevant professional work experience, including clear evidence of career development, professional writing, and professional achievement or practice comparable to that expected of undergraduate degree holders in cognate disciplines.
Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.
In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:
- Prior academic performance; and, if relevant
- Professional experience.
The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments. Applicants are required to satisfy the university's English language requirements for postgraduate courses. For those applicants seeking to meet these requirements by one of the standard tests approved by the Academic Board, performance band 6.5 is required. In considering students under special entry access schemes, the Selection Committee will consider aspects of disadvantage as set out from time to time in the University of Melbourne Graduate Access policy, evidence of rurality for rural applicants, and confirmation of Aboriginality for Indigenous applicants.
arrow_right_alt Download your course guide for more information
Fees and FEE-HELP
Cost per 12.5 credit point subject (domestic students): $3,000*
Cost per 12.5 credit point subject (international students): $3,124*
If you’re an eligible domestic student, FEE-HELP is a loan that can cover all or part of your tuition fees. The Australian Government pays the amount of the loan direct to the University. It enables you to borrow the amount of your tuition fees and then pay that loan back once you are in the workforce and earning at a specified level or you can make voluntary repayments to the ATO at any time.
For more information, including eligibility for FEE-HELP, download your Youth Mental Health course guide.
* Fees are subject to annual review by the university, with any new rates effective from the beginning of each calendar year.
Miranda's story
“It has been a wonderful experience interacting with many different health professionals from varying fields. We have everybody from occupational therapists, psychologists, teachers, doctors, nurses, social workers and speech pathologists, to say the least. We all come from very different perspectives but have come together to share a common interest and learn as much as we can!”
Miranda Sollychin
Master of Youth Mental Health Alum
Related courses
Explore the online Master of Youth Mental Health and Graduate Diploma in Youth Mental Health.