Courses and programs
Frequently Asked Questions

The Australia and New Zealand School of Government, known as ANZSOG, is a public-purpose education organisation established by governments and leading universities in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. We develop public sector professionals and leaders at different stages of their careers, helping them build the knowledge, judgement and practical capability to create public value.

Our courses and programs combine evidence, academic and practitioner expertise, practical application and learning with public sector peers. Alongside executive education and professional learning, ANZSOG produces research and thought leadership that strengthens public sector leadership and capability across jurisdictions.

ANZSOG courses are primarily designed for people working in public service and public-purpose organisations. Depending on the course, this may include emerging managers, experienced public sector professionals, policy practitioners, specialist staff, mid-to-senior leaders and senior executives.

Some offerings are intended for a defined level of seniority, professional background or type of organisation. Others are suitable for people across a wider range of roles. Check the ‘Who it’s for’ section on the individual course page before applying or registering.

If your role sits outside a traditional government department, such as local government, a statutory authority, university or not-for-profit organisation, contact ANZSOG to discuss whether the course is suitable and if you are eligible.

ANZSOG’s learning portfolio includes several types of professional development:

• Professional Learning Series: targeted, modular courses focused on practical skills and current public sector capability needs.

• Public Leadership Accelerators: digitally led, applied programs generally designed to help mid-to-senior public leaders develop and practice leadership capabilities.

• Public Leadership Intensives: immersive leadership experiences for senior public leaders.

• Public Leadership Credentials: accredited learning delivered with university partners.

• Public Sector Innovation and Dialogue: learning and peer exchange focused on complex and emerging public sector issues.

• Tailored solutions: organisational learning designed around a specific agency, system or workforce need.

The length, delivery model and level of commitment vary between offerings. Individual course pages provide the most reliable information about each option.

The completion outcome depends on the course. All of our courses offer a digital badge that you can share with your professional networks or current and future employers. Accredited study, such as the Executive Master of Public Administration, leads to a formal university qualification and certificate when all academic requirements are met.

Some programs may also provide recognition of completion or eligibility to join the ANZSOG Alumni community. Check the individual course page for the qualification, badge, certificate or other recognition attached to the course you are considering.

Online: Learn through a mix of scheduled live sessions, guided activities, digital materials, peer discussion and self-directed work. The exact combination varies by course.

In-person: Take part in face-to-face workshops, masterclasses, intensives or residential learning experiences. Locations vary across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.

Hybrid or blended: Combine online learning with one or more in-person components. This can reduce time away from work while preserving opportunities for immersive learning and peer connection.

Always check the course page for the confirmed format, schedule, location and attendance requirements.

Start with the capability you want to develop, the challenge you are trying to address and the level of commitment that is realistic for you.

Consider the skills or knowledge you want to build, your current responsibilities and career stage, your preferred delivery format, the time available, whether you need an accredited qualification, and how you will apply the learning at work.

Browse ANZSOG courses by category, capability, location and seniority level. If more than one option appears suitable, contact ANZSOG for guidance. Our team can help you understand your options before you apply and provide practical support as you move through your learning journey.

The main differences are the purpose, time commitment, study commitment and form of learning.

Professional Learning series are our shortest courses that generally focus on a defined skill or capability that can be applied at work. Accelerators use focused, applied learning over a longer period and may include live workshops, peer groups and workplace projects. Intensives provide an immersive development experience for senior leaders. Credentials lead to formally accredited study delivered with university partners.

These are broad portfolio descriptions, not fixed rules. Course duration, workload and delivery can vary within each category, so use the individual course page as the source of truth.

ANZSOG’s learning is designed around government, public leadership and the creation of public value. Many courses are therefore primarily intended for public servants and people working in the wider public sector.

Eligibility is not identical across the portfolio. Some offerings may be relevant to people in local government, statutory authorities, universities, not-for-profit organisations or other organisations contributing to public outcomes. Accredited programs and selected leadership offerings may have more specific employment, experience or sponsorship requirements.

Check the relevant course page or contact ANZSOG if your circumstances are not clearly covered.

Entry requirements depend on the course.

Some professional learning courses may only require registration and payment. Leadership programs may specify a particular level of professional responsibility or experience. Accredited qualifications can require evidence of previous study, relevant work experience, leadership potential and organisational support.

Any confirmed requirements will be listed on the individual course page, application form or associated course information. If you are unsure whether your experience is suitable, contact ANZSOG before submitting an application.

Open the page for the course you are interested in and use the application or registration option shown there.

The process may differ according to the type of learning. Some courses use direct registration, while selective or accredited programs may require a formal application and supporting information. Applications may also be assessed against eligibility criteria before a place is offered.

Before you begin, check closing dates, eligibility, course dates, attendance expectations, fees, organisational approval requirements and any requested documents. Information sessions, brochures or direct consultations may also be available for selected courses.

Online learning is designed to be active and practical rather than a long series of presentations. Depending on the course, you may join live facilitated sessions, work through readings or digital activities in your own time, discuss ideas with public sector peers and apply tools or frameworks to your work.

Live sessions may be delivered through online platforms, supported by a learning platform that provides materials, activities and clear guidance on what to do next. You will receive joining information and preparation instructions before the course begins.

If you cannot attend a live session, contact the course team as early as possible. Where a recording and catch-up materials are available, the team will direct you to them, but recordings are not guaranteed for every course.

For hybrid programs, in-person components may be essential to the learning experience or completion requirements and may not have a remote substitute. Check the course page and speak with ANZSOG before enrolling if you expect an attendance issue.

Fees vary substantially according to the course’s length, format, accreditation and learning experience.

Current fees are usually displayed in the overview or course snapshot on the individual page. Check whether the amount includes GST and whether it covers all course components. Travel, accommodation, textbooks, university charges or other expenses should not be assumed to be included unless the course information confirms this.

Some course pages may advertise an early-bird, alumni, subsidised or other applicable rate. Conditions and closing dates can apply, so refer to the current page or contact ANZSOG for a confirmed price.

On some courses ANZSOG offers early pricing which comes with an end date. You can check for this at the top of the program pages.

Some organisational arrangements may also include member pricing, bulk-purchase discounts or a negotiated delivery model, but availability varies.

For current information, check the course page or contact ANZSOG before relying on a scholarship, subsidy or discount as part of your study plans.

This depends on the course.

You may need organisational support where participation involves work time, travel, a substantial fee, workplace-based activities or an extended study commitment. Some selective or accredited programs may expressly require agency endorsement or sponsorship.

Even where formal sponsorship is not required, discuss the course with your manager or learning and development team. Consider how the learning aligns with your role, capability plan and organisational priorities, as well as how you will apply and share what you learn.

Yes. ANZSOG works with organisations seeking to develop capability across teams, agencies and public sector systems.

Depending on the learning need, an organisation may enrol several participants in an existing course, discuss a contextualised delivery or explore a tailored solution. Discounts may be available for some bulk organisational purchases.

Organisational sponsors should contact ANZSOG to discuss the intended audience, capability need, number of participants, timing and preferred delivery approach. Any scope, price or availability would need to be agreed for the specific engagement.

ANZSOG learning is designed for the realities of public service. Across the portfolio, learners can expect a combination of evidence-informed ideas, academic and practitioner expertise, practical application and opportunities to learn with public sector peers.

The precise experience varies, but courses may include live sessions, individual and group activities, discussion with participants from other agencies or jurisdictions, practical tools and frameworks, reflection on current public sector challenges, and projects or activities connected to the participant’s workplace.

ANZSOG’s learning promise is framed around trust, connection, practice and impact.

The individual course page is the primary source for current dates, duration, expected weekly commitment, delivery format, fees and closing dates.

Because these details differ between courses and cohorts, this general FAQ should not be used to confirm a particular intake. If information appears incomplete, has changed or does not address your circumstances, contact ANZSOG before making travel, funding or workload arrangements. Our team can support you from your first enquiry and course selection through registration, preparation and the learning experience.

Information sessions, downloadable brochures and direct consultations may also be available for selected courses.