About GCA

At GCA, your journey to business leadership begins

Group Colleges Australia (GCA) is a leading, multidisciplinary independent higher education provider in Australia, with campuses in Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide. Operating under the trading name Universal Business School (UBSS), GCA is committed to educational excellence, regulatory compliance, program diversification, digital transformation, and sustainable growth.

Whether you’re starting your education journey or advancing your career through postgraduate study, you’re joining a vibrant, globally connected learning community committed to academic excellence, innovation, and real-world impact.

At GCA, we don’t just teach business—we live it. Our programs are designed to bridge theory with practice, guided by experienced academics and industry leaders who bring current insights into every classroom. You’ll gain technical knowledge essential to today’s business environment and the critical thinking, collaboration, and leadership skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing global economy.

We take great pride in fostering an inclusive, supportive, and dynamic academic culture. Here, you’ll find the flexibility to learn in ways that suit your life, the tools to sharpen your entrepreneurial mindset, and the opportunities to connect with peers and professionals from around the world.

We encourage you to make the most of every opportunity, challenge yourself to grow, and stay curious. Your time at GCA is more than a degree—it’s a launchpad for your career.

Our Vision

Educational excellence for professional leadership and global impact.

GCA’s vision informs its overarching goal of being a respected, multi-disciplinary provider in Australian higher education. This aspiration is reflected in contemporary new programs in high-demand professional fields, and a commitment to digital transformation to enhance access, flexibility and quality education.

Our Mission

To provide transformative learning experiences that develop capable professionals through the integration of academic rigour and practical application. We cultivate environments where critical thinking, professional capabilities, and ethical practice prepare graduates to make meaningful contributions to organisations and society.

Our Approach

GCA encourages and promotes a culture of intellectual inquiry and the open exchange of ideas in the pursuit of knowledge, innovation, transformative disruption and best practice. Our courses are designed with modern learning in mind, through remote and in-person sessions, interactive modules, engaging subjects and the latest technology from pioneering practises, all taught by industry leaders.

Our Values

Excellence underpins the commitment to high academic standards, rigorous quality assurance, and investment in staff.
Critical Thinking and Innovation guide the development of micro-credentials, hybrid delivery modes, and student-centred learning environments.
Effective Communication shapes stakeholder engagement strategies, from agent training to student-facing marketing.
Professional Responsibility ensures alignment with regulatory frameworks, accreditation standards, and the ethical treatment of students and staff alike.

Why GCA

A thriving culture of education

Join a vibrant academic community of students, staff, and professionals contributing to Australia’s leading business cities—Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide.

Fully accredited Australian Business School

GCA courses are TEQSA-approved and part of the AQF, ensuring globally recognised qualifications that meet Australia’s high academic standards.

Top-Ranked by Students (QILT)

GCA has been rated #1 in Learner Engagement and Student Support (2024, 2025), and ranked #1 for Teaching Quality when compared to Australia’s eight largest universities.

Entrepreneurial Learning Focus

Our programs are designed for future entrepreneurs—building agile, critical thinkers ready to lead with insight, innovation, and ethical values.

Industry-Experienced Lecturers

Our faculty bring academic excellence and real-world expertise, ensuring every subject is grounded in current industry trends and practical skills.

Digital Learning Platform

GCA uses contemporary digital platforms to deliver and manage all course content and resources, helping students stay organised, engaged, and informed in every subject.

Modern, Multi-City Campuses

GCA campuses offer welcoming study environments with bright classrooms, advanced labs, and student-friendly spaces for learning and socialising.

myGCA Student Portal

Students can track their academic progress, access grades, and manage their enrolment details 24/7 through the myGCA system.

CEO WELCOME MESSAGE

“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” This insight of Peter Drucker, the founder of business as an academic discipline, captures the essence of our mission at UBSS, the business school of Group Colleges Australia.

You are about to embark on a transformative educational journey. Whether you’re pursuing management, finance, technology, or entrepreneurship, our programs represent more than advanced learning: they’re your pathway to becoming a leader who shapes organisational futures.

In an era where innovation defines competitive advantage, we’ve crafted curricula that bridge academic excellence with strategic skills. At UBSS, we understand that tomorrow’s professionals must be capable managers, effective problem-solvers, and ethical decision-makers who can navigate complexity with confidence.

Our commitment extends beyond traditional education. Through industry partnerships, real-world learning, and a professional practice focus, we ensure that you graduate not just job-ready, but career-prepared. You’ll learn from experienced faculty, engage with current methodologies, and develop the critical thinking skills essential for leadership in your chosen profession.

Our diverse student community fosters collaboration, creativity, and mutual support. Together, we’re preparing the next generation of leaders who will drive the knowledge economy.

Welcome to your future. Welcome to UBSS.

Professor Alan Bowen-James

Interim CEO and Chief Academic Officer

Governance

The Board of Directors has ultimate responsibility for GCA’s performance and operation as an institute of higher education. The Board oversees corporate governance with the advisory assistance of the Audit and Risk Committee.

Academic governance is delegated to the Academic Board by the Board of Directors in accordance with GCA’s Constitution. In turn, the Academic Board is supported by advisory committees, including the Learning and Teaching Committee, Academic Integrity Committee, Moderation and Grades Committee, Scholarship and Research Committee, and Course Advisory Committees.

GCA is managed by the Chief Executive Officer, who is supported by the Executive Leadership Team, senior managers and staff, and committees that monitor and advise on health and safety, staff and student wellbeing, and operational matters. Reporting to the CEO, the Chief Academic Officer is delegated with overall academic operational responsibility, working closely with senior academic and administrative staff to ensure effective course delivery, the achievement of course learning outcomes and student success.