The Graduate Diploma in Applied Economics provides a foundation in economic theory and quantitative methods that is relevant to applied economics. The program includes the core areas of microeconomics and macroeconomics at the diploma level to provide an understanding of the theoretical basis of real world economic issues. It also provides a grounding in intermediate-level mathematical methods that are relevant for economic analysis, and a foundation in econometric methods that are used in the analysis of economic data. Electives can be chosen that allow students to develop a specialization in particular fields of interest.

The Graduate Diploma offers training in economics that can be applied at a variety of levels in business and government. It is also designed to provide access to the Master of Applied Economics program for students without sufficient background for direct entry at the Masters level. It forms the first year of a two-year sequence leading the Masters degree. In order to progress to the second (Masters) year of the two-year program students must obtain a pass in the Graduate Diploma with an average of 70%.

All graduate coursework for domestic students in the ANU College of Business and Economics is offered under Domestic Tuition Fee places. Australian citizens may defer the payment of their fees using FEE-HELP, however should be aware that the programs are not eligible for Commonwealth Supported Places and HECS-HELP. Information on FEE-HELP and eligibility requirements is available from http://www.goingtouni.gov.au/

1. Applicants must have a bachelor degree from an Australian university or equivalent overseas institution.
2. Applicants should have a performance average of 65% or better (or equivalent) over the last two years of the bachelor degree. For equivalent overseas qualifications, the relative standing of the university may be taken into consideration. As an indication, equivalent overseas grades include a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or a first class degree.
3. Applicants who fail to meet the academic entry requirement under (ii) above may be considered for entry if they can demonstrate at least one year of full-time relevant work experience which was undertaken after graduation from the degree.
4. Applicants must have a background in economics, mathematics and quantitative methods at least equivalent to the first courses in an undergraduate economics major at an Australian university. Those without an adequate background will be required to undertake some preliminary coursework in these areas.
5. Applicants must satisfy the University's English Language requirement. 
6. Admission is not automatic and is at the discretion of the Dean.
7. Enrolment for commencement in Semester 2 (July) is only approved by the Coordinator of the program after consideration of the candidate's academic background because certain courses assume prerequisite knowledge from Semester 1 courses.