With the evolution of the global economy and new technologies, there is a rising need for accounting professionals who can tackle new financial challenges and offer insight. Studying accounting in Australia will equip you with desirable skills and knowledge. This country not only offers some of the finest universities to study accounting, but it is also a great destination if you want to work as an accountant after graduation.
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Benefits of Studying Accounting in Australia
Australian universities are among some of the best global universities in the field of accounting. In fact, 9 Australian universities are ranked in the top 100 global universities in this subject. These institutions offer excellent facilities, programs, and teaching staff that can help you advance in your studies and career through the skills and knowledge you will gain.
Moreover, student life in Australia is full of opportunities, be it for your hobbies, professional life, or just recreation and enjoying the natural wonders of Australia.
If you are set on working in Australia after graduation, studying accounting is a pathway to many in-demand occupations. According to Australian Government Labour Market Insights, Accountants are categorised as a very high skill level job profile, with a projected growth of 9.2% from November 2021 to November 2026.
Careers with an Accounting Degree
A degree in accounting will prepare you with invaluable knowledge and skills that you can use in various roles. You will hone your analytical skills and problem-solving skills, as well as gain a deeper understanding of accounting software and tools. As an accountant, you can work in a variety of industries, including professional, scientific, and technical services, finance and insurance, public administration, manufacturing, and more.
While the opportunities are endless, here are some of the most common roles you can work with an accounting degree:
- Accountant
- Budget Analyst
- Financial Analyst
- Internal Auditor
- Loan Officer
- Bookkeeper
- Accounting Manager
- Tax Accountant
- Forensic Accountant
- Accounts Payable Specialist
Entry Requirements for Accounting Degrees in Australia
Each individual study program at Australian universities can have specific requirements that you must meet in order to be considered for it. In order to be sure that you meet the requirements for the program you want to apply to, check the university’s website or contact them for more detailed information and guidance.
In general, accounting undergraduate and graduate programs at Australian universities will require you to have a certain level of English proficiency and mathematics knowledge in order to be admitted.
- English language requirements. The English level proficiency requirements can range from one university to another; however, most accounting programs require an IELTS Academic overall score of 6.5 or 7, with a minimum score of 6.0 in each of the test’s components or equivalent test results.
- Mathematics knowledge. For mathematics knowledge, some universities will assume knowledge according to your previous qualifications, or you will have to submit results that are equivalent to VCE Units 3 & 4 (minimum score around 22), or another relevant qualification that is equal to Australian Year 12.
For master’s degree admissions, it is typically required of you to meet similar English language and mathematics requirements, as well as to have completed a recognised bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline. These programs can be competitive; therefore, many universities only consider students with a 65 Weighted Average Mark or equivalent.
Cost of Accounting Degrees in Australian Universities
Tuition fees for accounting degrees can range depending on the university, type of degree and program, and other various factors. You should also keep in mind that tuition fees are prone to change and do not include additional fees such as textbooks or administrative fees.
In 2023, accounting bachelor’s degree program fees at the Australian universities that were ranked highest for their accounting programs range from AUD 42,816 per year to AUD 49,500 per year.
Fees for accounting master’s degrees at these universities can range from AUD 45,792 per year to AUD 54,000 per year.
These are the annual fees for accounting bachelor’s degrees at the best universities in Australia for accounting:
| University | Degree | Cost |
| The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) | Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting major) | AUD 45,340 per year |
| The University of Melbourne | Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting major) | AUD 46,000 per year |
| The University of Sydney | Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting major) | AUD 49,500 per year |
| Monash University | Bachelor of Accounting | AUD 49,200 per year |
| Australian National University (ANU) | Bachelor of Accounting | AUD 46,680 per year |
| The University of Queensland | Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting major) | AUD 44,288 per year |
| University of Technology Sydney | Bachelor of Business | AUD 42,816 per year |
Here are the annual fees for accounting master’s degrees in the top Australian universities in this field:
| University | Degree | Cost |
| The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) | Master of Professional Accounting | AUD 48,700 per year |
| The University of Melbourne | Master of Management (Accounting) | AUD 47,712 per year |
| The University of Sydney | Master of Professional Accounting and Business Performance | AUD 54,000 per year |
| Monash University | Master of Accounting | AUD 50,000 per year |
| Australian National University (ANU) | Master of Accounting | AUD 46,680 per year |
| The University of Queensland | Master of Commerce (Professional Accounting specialisation) | AUD 46,384 per year |
| University of Technology Sydney | Master of Professional Accounting | AUD 45,792 per year |
Accounting Degree Program Structures
A good accounting degree program is what sets some universities apart from others; therefore, you will want to explore what your university of choice offers when it comes to its accounting programs. At the top Australian universities, accounting program structures and lengths can vary depending on whether you want to study at an undergraduate or postgraduate level.
In general, bachelor’s degree programs in accounting can last from three to four years full-time or six to eight years part-time. Master’s degree programs are usually one and a half years to two years long.
If you plan to study for a bachelor’s degree in accounting, its program will typically include general education courses and core courses in accounting, electives or courses that are related to your major (if you pick one), as well as capstone courses or an internship at the end of your studies.
Here are some courses that are usually offered in these programs:
- Foundations of Finance
- Accounting Theory
- Accounting Processes and Systems
- Australian Taxation System
- Company Accounting
- Accounting Reports and Analysis
- Information Systems for Accountants
- Public Sector Accounting
- Auditing
- Accounting Analytics
Master’s degree accounting programs are typically more specialised and teach advanced skills and information on accounting. These programs will also include general accounting courses and other elective courses that you can use to tailor your skills in a sub-field of accounting. Many master’s degree programs in accounting can also include capstone courses or portfolio sections where you can showcase what you have learned.
These are some of the courses that are typically offered in a master’s degree in accounting program:
- Accounting for Managerial Decisions
- Advanced Financial Accounting
- Advanced Financial Reporting
- Auditing and Assurance Services
- Fraud and Forensic Accounting
- Analytics for Accounting
- Taxation Law and Practice
- Contemporary Issues in Auditing
Best Universities to Study Accounting in Australia
Considering the quality education that Australian universities offer, it is not surprising that each year they attract thousands of students from all over the world. While there are many Australian universities to choose from to study accounting, these are the best universities for this field that rank among other best universities globally:
The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)
One of the founding members of the Group of Eight, the University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) is the highest-ranking university in Australia in the subject of Accounting and Finance. Some of the accounting undergraduate and postgraduate programs offered by this university include:
- Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting major)
- Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) (Accounting major)
- Bachelor of Economics (Accounting major)
- Master of Commerce (Accounting specialisation)
- Master of Professional Accounting
- Master of Professional Accounting (Extension)
- Master of Financial Analysis (Accounting electives)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Accounting
The University of Melbourne
One of Australia’s top three universities, the University of Melbourne offers numerous opportunities for students interested in specialising in accounting. Here are some of the undergraduate and graduate degrees programs offered:
- Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting major)
- Graduate Diploma in Tax
- Graduate Certificate in Business
- Master of Management (Accounting and Finance)
- Master of Management (Accounting)
- Master of Tax
- Doctoral Program in Accounting
The University of Sydney
With 420,000 alumni in more than 170 countries all over the world, the University of Sydney is another leading Australian university with some of the best accounting degrees in the country. You can choose from the following undergraduate and graduate programs in accounting:
- Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting major)
- Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Accounting major)
- Graduate Diploma in Professional Accounting and Business Performance
- Master of Professional Accounting and Business Performance
- Master of Commerce (Accounting specialisation)
- Doctor of Philosophy (Business) (Discipline of Accounting)
Monash University
As a progressive university with a modern approach towards teaching and research, Monash University is a high-quality institution that offers excellent accounting programs. Some of the accounting programs at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels offered at Monash include:
- Bachelor of Accounting
- Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting major)
- Master of Accounting
- Master of Professional Accounting
- Master of Philosophy (Accounting)
- PhD in Business and Economics (Accounting research field)
Australian National University (ANU)
Founded in 1946, the Australian National University (ANU) is a globally-recognized university with years of experience producing high-quality research and setting teaching standards. ANU offers a variety of accounting programs, be it at the undergraduate or postgraduate level:
- Bachelor of Accounting
- Bachelor of Accounting (Honours)
- Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting major)
- Graduate Diploma of Business (Accounting specialisation)
- Master of Accounting
- Master of Applied Accounting
- Graduate Certificate of Accounting
- Master of Professional Accounting
- Master of Philosophy, ANU College of Business and Economics
- Doctor of Philosophy, ANU College of Business and Economics
The University of Queensland
Known for its strong focus on teaching excellence and forward-thinking strategies, the University of Queensland is a great institution for future accounting students. Some of the undergraduate and graduate accounting programs at the University of Queensland include:
- Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting major)
- Bachelor of Advanced Business (Honours) (Accounting major)
- Graduate Certificate in Commerce (Accounting courses)
- Master of Commerce (Professional Accounting specialisation)
University of Technology Sydney
The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) is a modern university with a focus on utilising technology for social impact. UTS offers some exceptional accounting degrees, certificates, and diplomas:
- Bachelor of Accounting (domestic students only)
- Bachelor of Business
- Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting
- Graduate Diploma in Financial Analysis
- Master of Professional Accounting
- Master of Professional Accounting (Extension)
- Master of Financial Analysis
Accounting is a respected and in-demand profession, where you use practical skills and knowledge to solve real-world problems. Choosing a quality education program can have a tremendous impact on your future career, therefore if you choose to study accounting in Australia, you will be making a worthy investment.
