Accounting Schools and Programs in Australia

Accounting Studies in Australia

Melbourne, Australia

Accounting is the practice of recording, reporting and analysing the financial information of businesses and public bodies. Students learn financial and management accounting, auditing, tax law, company law and accounting information systems. In Australia, degree programmes are designed to meet the education requirements of the professional accounting bodies, which is why many international students choose the country as a route into the profession. Teaching is in English.

SpainExchange lists nine schools in Australia that teach accounting, in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory. They are the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra, the University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney), Holmesglen Institute of TAFE in Melbourne, the University of Wollongong, the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) at Sippy Downs, Edith Cowan University in Joondalup (Perth), Charles Sturt University (CSU), the University of Melbourne and Macquarie University in Sydney.

How accounting qualifications are organised

Australian qualifications sit within the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), which has 10 levels. According to Study Australia, the government's official study portal, a bachelor's degree typically takes 3 years (4 for an honours degree) and a postgraduate degree 1 to 2 years. The academic year usually starts in March. Accounting can be studied at three levels:

• Vocational diplomas at TAFE institutes and private training providers, typically 18 to 24 months, which may give credit towards a university degree
• Bachelor's degrees, either a dedicated Bachelor of Accounting or a Bachelor of Commerce with an accounting major, usually 3 years
• Postgraduate "conversion" master's degrees for graduates of other fields, usually 1 to 2 years

Two university examples show the difference. The ANU Bachelor of Accounting is a three-year degree of 144 units, with compulsory courses in management and company accounting, business law, accounting theory, auditing and tax law; ANU states that it meets the education requirements for membership of the Australian professional bodies. At UNSW Sydney, accounting is one of the majors of the three-year Bachelor of Commerce. For graduates of other subjects, the UNSW Master of Professional Accounting (1.7 years) is designed for students with little or no accounting background and is recognised by CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants ANZ (CA) and the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA). At vocational level, Holmesglen's accounting courses cover financial reporting, computerised accounting systems, income tax returns and auditing practice.

Admission and language

Undergraduate courses require an Australian Year 12 certificate or an equivalent; international qualifications are converted to an equivalent selection rank. For 2026, ANU lists an ATAR of 80 and an IB score of 31 for its Bachelor of Accounting. Conversion master's programmes require a recognised bachelor's degree; UNSW advises students who already have an accounting degree or major not to apply to its Master of Professional Accounting. If English is not your first language, most courses set an English language requirement.

Costs and visa

Tuition fees for international students vary by provider, level and city. As examples, ANU gives an annual indicative fee of $56,120 for international students in its Bachelor of Accounting; UNSW lists an indicative first-year fee of $56,500 ($180,500 for the whole degree) for its Bachelor of Commerce and $62,000 ($96,000 in total) for the Master of Professional Accounting, for international students starting in 2026. International students need a Student visa (subclass 500); from 1 July 2026 the application fee is from AUD$2,500. Visa holders may work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and must keep health insurance for their whole stay.

Professional recognition and careers

A degree is the first step towards professional membership. CPA Australia states that graduates of an accounting-related degree can usually enter its CPA Program directly; the programme has four compulsory subjects, two electives and requires 36 months of relevant experience. UNSW graduates with an accounting major who have taken the accredited courses can enter the Chartered Accountants Program, and receive 8 exemptions from the CIMA management accounting exams. Holmesglen lists roles for its TAFE graduates such as accountant, bookkeeper, BAS agent, auditor and management accountant. After graduation, holders of a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485).

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to study accounting in Australia?

A bachelor's degree in accounting or commerce usually takes three years, as at ANU and UNSW. A conversion master's for graduates of other subjects takes 1 to 2 years, and a vocational diploma 18 to 24 months.

Can I become a CPA with an Australian degree?

Graduates of an accounting-related degree can usually enter the CPA Program directly, according to CPA Australia. Membership also requires passing the programme's subjects and 36 months of relevant experience.

Can I study accounting in Australia if my first degree is in another field?

Yes. Master's programmes such as the UNSW Master of Professional Accounting are designed for graduates with little or no accounting background.

Is a TAFE diploma a route to a university accounting degree?

According to Study Australia, diploma and advanced diploma courses may give study credit towards a university degree. The amount of credit depends on the university.