Can I study accounting in Australia and turn that degree into real career options? Yes, many international students do, with the right course choice, the right university, and a clear plan for professional recognition through CPA Australia or Chartered Accountants ANZ. Study Accounting in Australia can suit students who want a globally recognised qualification and a practical route into roles such as accountant, auditor, tax adviser, or financial analyst.
This guide is written for students comparing accounting courses in Australia for international students and trying to avoid common mistakes, like picking a course that does not match CPA/CA academic requirements. You will learn course options (TAFE, Bachelor, MPA), typical study accounting in Australia requirements, costs, scholarships, and the visa steps at a high level using official sources that change over time. Student visa rules and post-study visas can change, so we point you to government pages for the latest settings.
Why Study Accounting in Australia?
Australia is a strong destination for accounting education, with recognised universities, clear study pathways, and a large employer base across finance, consulting, government, and industry. Many students pick Australia for a simple reason: your complete guide to studying in Australia as an international student explains how course choices and pathways can shape outcomes beyond graduation.
High-quality education with strong business schools
Australia has universities that rank well for Accounting and Finance as a subject area, and employers know these institutions. Rankings should never be the only factor, yet they help when you compare programmes across cities and budgets.
Professional recognition pathways: CPA, CA ANZ, IPA
Many students want a course that supports future membership with a professional body. CPA Australia explains degree expectations for entry into its CPA pathway, and universities often map units to professional requirements.
Career flexibility across many industries
Accounting skills fit public practice, corporate finance teams, audit, tax, compliance, risk, and analytics roles. A university accounting pathway can suit students who like structured problem solving and clear career progression.
Post-study options that students plan around
Many international students plan for post-study work, then explore longer-term options later. Australia has the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), yet eligibility changes across streams and settings. If PR is on your horizon, review the steps people follow to plan PR after studying in Australia, and always check the Home Affairs page before you set timelines.
Accounting Course Options in Australia (TAFE, Bachelor’s, Master’s)
Accounting in Australia is not one single route. You can start with vocational study, move into a Bachelor’s degree, or choose a postgraduate conversion course such as the Master of Professional Accounting.
TAFE / VET pathway (Certificate IV, Diploma)
TAFE and other VET providers focus on practical accounting support skills. This route can suit students who want a lower-cost start, then move into higher study later. The right choice depends on your academic background and your end goal.
Bachelor’s degree route
A Bachelor of Accounting in Australia or a Bachelor of Commerce with an Accounting major is a common option. It covers financial reporting, management accounting, audit, tax, business law, and data skills.
This route often suits students who want a full undergraduate experience and a broad business base.
Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) route
The MPA is popular with students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a different field and want an accounting qualification that can align with professional body academic requirements. Some universities state this alignment clearly on course pages.
Study accounting in Australia online: what to know
Some Australian providers offer online or blended accounting study. If your goal includes a Student visa (subclass 500), you still need a CRICOS-registered provider and course details that match your plan. CRICOS is the official register for overseas students.
Online study can work well for learning outcomes, yet it may not match a student-visa plan if the course structure is not suited to onshore study. For that reason, we recommend checking the CRICOS listing and the university delivery mode before you apply.
Best Universities to Study Accounting in Australia (How to Shortlist)
Many articles list “top universities” in a fixed order. A better approach is a shortlist that matches your goals: city, budget, course length, accreditation mapping, and scholarship chance. If you prefer public options, you can shortlist public universities across Australia first, then narrow by course fit.
Here are universities students often shortlist for accounting and business pathways:
- University of Melbourne
- UNSW Sydney
- University of Sydney
- Australian National University (ANU)
- Monash University
- University of Queensland (UQ)
- University of Western Australia (UWA)
- Deakin University and other strong business schools, based on budget and entry profile
A practical shortlist method we use at BHE UNI
Use these checks before you fall in love with a university brand:
- Confirm the course is listed on CRICOS (for onshore international study).
- Check if the course is shown in CPA Australia’s Accredited Course Search, or confirm subject mapping on the university site.
- Compare total cost: tuition plus living costs by city.
- Check entry requirements and English score rules on the official course page.
- Check intake dates and application deadlines early.
Study Accounting in Australia Requirements (International Students)
Each university sets its own rules, yet most applications follow a familiar pattern. If you have a break in education, review what a study gap typically looks like for Australian admissions before you apply.
Academic entry
- Bachelor’s level: senior secondary completion equivalent to Australian Year 12
- Master’s level: an undergraduate degree, often with a minimum grade requirement
- Some programmes request maths, business, or statistics background
English language entry
Universities publish accepted tests and scores on course pages. Common tests include IELTS, PTE Academic, and TOEFL iBT. Scores vary by course level and university.
Documents students prepare
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Passport biodata page
- English test result
- CV and statement (often used for postgraduate)
- References (common for some postgraduate courses)
Visa readiness items that tie into admissions
Most students need a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the Student visa process, based on official guidance. If you are new to it, start with OSHC basics for international students in Australia.
Application Process (Step-by-step, student-friendly)
University applications follow a clear flow. Many students apply directly to the university website or apply through an education agent.
- Pick a course that matches your goal (Bachelor, MPA, or VET).
- Read the university entry page and confirm documents.
- Submit the application and track it through the portal.
- Accept the offer once you are ready, then receive the CoE.
- Arrange OSHC, then prepare the visa application pack.
If you plan to apply from India, Bangladesh, or the UK, the steps are still the same. The main difference is document format, bank evidence styles, and how soon you book biometrics and health checks, based on Home Affairs instructions for your country. If you are UK-based, this guide to applying to Australia when you are based in the UK can help you avoid common prep mistakes.
Student Visa and Post-study Visa (High-level, official sources only)
Student visa (subclass 500)
The Student visa (subclass 500) is the standard visa for international students studying in Australia. Home Affairs sets requirements and processing settings, and those settings can change. The official page notes that processing priorities can follow Ministerial Directions, with a change referenced for applications lodged on or after 14 November 2025.
Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)
Many students search for “post-study work” when they compare Australia with other destinations. The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) exists, yet streams and settings can change. Check the official Home Affairs page before you set a plan around length and eligibility.
CPA, CA ANZ, and Accreditation (What matters for your course choice)
A degree title alone is not enough. Professional recognition often needs a set of accounting and business law subjects.
CPA Australia
CPA Australia states you need a recognised degree that meets its academic requirements before you move into CPA status, and it provides tools for course checking.
CA ANZ and IPA
Many universities design professional accounting courses with subject mapping that supports CA ANZ and IPA academic requirements. Some course pages state this clearly, so use that as a quick filter when you shortlist.
Pathway from Undergraduate to CPA in Australia (Simple and realistic)
If your goal is CPA membership later, this pathway is a common structure:
- Complete an accounting degree that meets CPA academic requirements.
- Join the CPA Program when eligible and complete the required subjects and assessments.
- Build relevant work experience under CPA rules, then apply for CPA status when you meet the full criteria.
Your university can support this path with internships, employer networking, and practical units. Still, professional membership rules sit with the professional body, so always check the latest guidance.
Study Accounting in Australia Fees (Tuition and real student budget planning)
Students search study accounting in Australia fees and expect one number. Real costs vary by university, course, credit load, and city. If budget is a priority, it helps to compare lower-cost course options that international students compare before you shortlist.
Tuition fees: what you can say safely
Universities publish official international tuition fees on course pages. Some charge per credit point and show an annual estimate based on a standard study load.
So when you ask “accounting course in Australia fees”, the best method is:
- confirm the exact course page,
- copy the official annual tuition number,
- then add living costs for your chosen city.
Living costs
Rent and daily costs vary a lot by location and lifestyle. Universities often host a cost-of-living guide. Use that guide to build a budget, then add a buffer for travel, books, and setup costs.
Scholarships and Financial Support (What students can realistically do)
Many scholarships exist, yet selection is competitive. Focus on scholarships where you match eligibility, grades, and location.
Common scholarship buckets
- University international scholarships (merit-based)
- Faculty or school-based awards for business students
- Research scholarships for higher degree research students
A simple scholarship approach
Start early, keep a one-page profile ready, and match your statement to the exact eligibility rules. A generic statement often fails when scholarship panels compare many similar applicants.
Career Opportunities after Studying Accounting in Australia
Accounting can lead to roles in audit, tax, management accounting, forensic work, compliance, and finance analysis. Employers often value communication skills, spreadsheet confidence, and clear ethics awareness in financial reporting roles.
Common roles graduates target:
- Graduate accountant
- Auditor
- Tax accountant
- Management accountant
- Financial analyst
- Forensic accounting assistant
University career services, internships, and part-time work can support employability. Role availability and salary vary by city, industry, and economic settings.
2026 Update: Accounting Professional Year Programme closure
Many older guides still mention the Accounting Professional Year Programme. The professional bodies have stated that enrolments closed and all programme activity ends by 1 May 2026.
If you see a blog post using the programme as a core plan step, treat that post as outdated and check official updates before you decide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which accounting course is best in Australia?
The best option matches your goal. A Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting major) suits many school leavers. A Master of Professional Accounting suits graduates who want a conversion course. A TAFE pathway suits students who want a practical start, then a later move into university study.
Can I study accounting in Australia?
Yes, international students can study accounting in Australia through CRICOS-registered providers and standard university admission routes. Check CRICOS to confirm the provider and course listing before you apply.
How much does an accounting degree cost in Australia?
Tuition varies by provider and course. Use the official course fee page for the exact annual amount, then add city living costs and OSHC. University fee pages often explain how annual fees are calculated.
Is accounting a PR course in Australia?
Accounting occupations appear on the Australian Government skill occupation lists for certain visa programmes, yet PR routes involve many moving parts such as visa stream rules, state settings, skills assessment steps, and policy updates. For context, see courses students consider when PR is a longer-term goal, then plan with current rules in mind.
Study accounting in Australia online: is it a good idea?
Online accounting study can work for learning outcomes. If your plan includes living in Australia on a Student visa (subclass 500), check course delivery and CRICOS details first, since visa and enrolment rules can shift.
Conclusion
A good accounting plan links the right course level, the right university, and a clear path to professional recognition through CPA Australia, CA ANZ, or IPA, with CRICOS and Home Affairs checks done early. You now have a clear way to compare course types (TAFE, Bachelor’s, MPA), shortlist universities, prepare documents, plan for visa steps, and budget for tuition and living costs using official sources that can change over time.
If you want a personalised shortlist, BHE UNI can match your profile with intake dates, entry rules, scholarship options, and professional recognition notes, then guide your application pack in the right format. Study Accounting in Australia can be a strong move when the course choice fits your goals and the official rules for 2026.