Accounting Course Guide
Accounting Courses in Australia for International Students
Accounting is one of the most established pathways to permanent residency in Australia. Study at CPA and CA-accredited universities, gain professional qualifications, and build a career in one of the world's strongest economies.
Why Accounting
Why Study Accounting in Australia
Accounting in Australia offers a well-established professional pathway, globally recognised qualifications, and one of the clearest routes to permanent residency.
Listed on Skilled Occupation List
Accountant (General), Management Accountant, and Taxation Accountant are all listed on Australia's Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). This means accounting graduates have a clear, well-established pathway to permanent residency through the General Skilled Migration programme.
Globally Recognised Qualifications
Australian accounting qualifications, particularly CPA Australia and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), are recognised worldwide. Holding Australian CPA or CA status opens doors to careers across Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Europe, and North America.
Strong Career Demand
Accounting professionals are consistently in demand across all sectors of the Australian economy. From public practice firms and corporate finance departments to government agencies and non-profit organisations, accountants are essential to every business and industry.
Clear Professional Pathway
The pathway from accounting degree to professional accreditation in Australia is well-structured. Completing an accredited programme exempts you from foundation-level exams, allowing you to begin the CPA or CA programme immediately after graduation while working.
Competitive Salaries
Graduate accountants in Australia start at approximately AUD $55,000 to $65,000, with salaries rising quickly with experience and professional accreditation. CPA or CA-qualified accountants with 3-5 years of experience typically earn AUD $80,000 to $120,000. Senior positions and partners earn significantly more.
Diverse Career Options
An accounting qualification opens doors to diverse career paths beyond traditional accounting. Graduates work in financial analysis, management consulting, forensic accounting, tax advisory, auditing, risk management, corporate finance, and entrepreneurship.
Programme Options
Accounting Programme Options for International Students
Choose from undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, all accredited by CPA Australia and Chartered Accountants ANZ for professional pathway eligibility.
Bachelor of Accounting
AUD $28,000 -- $42,000/year
The standard undergraduate pathway to a career in accounting. Covers financial accounting, management accounting, auditing, taxation, business law, economics, and finance. Most programmes are accredited by CPA Australia and CA ANZ, meaning graduates meet the academic requirements to enter the CPA or CA professional programmes.
Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting Major)
AUD $30,000 -- $45,000/year
A broader business degree with a major in accounting. Provides a strong foundation in both accounting and general business skills. Allows you to combine accounting with a second major such as finance, economics, marketing, or information systems. Equally accredited for CPA and CA pathways when all required accounting units are completed.
Master of Professional Accounting
AUD $32,000 -- $45,000/year
Designed for graduates who hold a bachelor's degree in any non-accounting field and want to enter the accounting profession. This programme covers all core accounting subjects required for CPA and CA accreditation. It is the most popular pathway for international career changers seeking to become accountants in Australia.
Master of Accounting (Advanced)
AUD $35,000 -- $45,000/year
For graduates with an undergraduate accounting background seeking advanced knowledge. Covers advanced financial reporting, strategic management accounting, corporate governance, and research methods. Some programmes offer specialisation options in forensic accounting, international accounting, or data analytics.
CPA vs CA
CPA Australia vs Chartered Accountants ANZ
Understanding the differences between CPA and CA helps you choose the right professional pathway for your accounting career in Australia.
Career Outcomes
Accounting Career Outcomes and Salaries in Australia
Accounting offers a clear career progression with strong salary growth as you gain experience and professional accreditation.
How Tilt SAMS Helps
Your Accounting Application, Simplified
Tilt SAMS provides personalised support for international students applying to accounting programmes in Australia.
Programme Selection
Your dedicated advisor helps you choose between Bachelor and Masters pathways based on your academic background. We ensure your selected programme is fully accredited by CPA Australia and CA ANZ for professional pathway eligibility.
University Comparison
We compare universities on CPA/CA accreditation, tuition fees, industry connections, graduate employment rates, and location. We create a shortlist of programmes that match your budget, career goals, and migration plans.
Application & Documents
Upload all required documents to our secure platform. We help with personal statements, academic transcript verification, and application submission. Track every application in real-time from your dashboard.
Visa & Professional Pathway
After acceptance, we guide you through the student visa application and help you understand the CPA/CA professional pathway, skills assessment process, and how to position yourself for permanent residency after graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs About Studying Accounting in Australia
Common questions international students have about accounting programmes, CPA/CA pathways, career outcomes, and permanent residency in Australia.
How much do accounting courses cost in Australia for international students?
Tuition fees for accounting courses in Australia range from AUD $28,000 to $45,000 per year for international students. A three-year Bachelor of Accounting costs approximately AUD $84,000 to $126,000 in total. A Master of Professional Accounting (1.5 to 2 years) costs approximately AUD $48,000 to $90,000 in total. In addition to tuition, budget approximately AUD $24,505 per year for living costs. Some universities offer merit-based scholarships for high-achieving international accounting students.
What is the difference between CPA and CA in Australia?
CPA Australia (Certified Practising Accountant) and CA ANZ (Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand) are the two main professional accounting bodies in Australia. Both are globally recognised and provide pathways to full professional accreditation. CPA is typically preferred by accountants working in industry and commerce, while CA is traditionally stronger in public practice, auditing, and advisory firms. Both require an accredited accounting degree plus professional exams and work experience. The choice between them often depends on your career goals and employer preferences.
Can I get permanent residency in Australia as an accountant?
Yes, accounting is on Australia's Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), making it eligible for the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) and State Nominated Visa (Subclass 190). After completing your degree, you apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) for post-study work rights. During this period, you gain work experience and complete your CPA or CA professional programme. You then have your skills assessed by CPA Australia, CA ANZ, or IPA, and apply for skilled migration. Points are awarded for age, English proficiency, Australian study, and work experience.
Do I need a background in accounting to study it in Australia?
No. The Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) is specifically designed for graduates who hold a bachelor's degree in any non-accounting field. This is the most popular pathway for international students changing careers into accounting. The MPA covers all core accounting subjects from the ground up and is fully accredited for CPA and CA pathways. For the Bachelor of Accounting, no prior accounting knowledge is assumed. Some universities also offer bridging courses for students who need additional preparation.
How long does it take to become a qualified accountant in Australia?
The full pathway from starting your degree to achieving CPA or CA membership typically takes 6 to 8 years. This includes 3 years for a Bachelor of Accounting (or 1.5 to 2 years for a Master of Professional Accounting), followed by 3 to 5 years of completing the CPA or CA professional programme while working. The professional programmes are designed to be completed part-time alongside full-time employment. Most graduates begin working as accountants immediately after their degree and complete their professional exams over the following years.
What English score do I need for accounting courses in Australia?
Most accounting programmes in Australia require IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0, or equivalent PTE Academic (58+) or TOEFL iBT (79+) scores. Some universities accept IELTS 6.0 for undergraduate programmes. Note that if you plan to pursue CPA or CA accreditation, stronger English skills will benefit you in the professional exams and workplace. Some universities offer English language pathway programmes that lead directly into accounting degrees if you do not meet the direct entry requirements.
Which universities are best for accounting in Australia?
All Group of Eight universities offer highly regarded accounting programmes. The University of Melbourne, UNSW Sydney, and University of Sydney consistently rank among the top accounting schools in Australia and globally. Monash University, University of Queensland, and Australian National University also offer excellent programmes. Beyond the Group of Eight, universities like Macquarie University, RMIT, and University of Technology Sydney are well-known for their accounting programmes and strong industry connections. All recommended programmes should be accredited by CPA Australia and CA ANZ.
How does Tilt SAMS help with accounting course applications in Australia?
Tilt SAMS provides end-to-end support for international students applying to accounting programmes in Australia. Your dedicated education advisor helps you choose between Bachelor and Masters programmes, compare universities on accreditation, fees, and industry connections, and understand the CPA vs CA pathway. We assist with document preparation, application submission, and track your applications in real-time through our secure platform. After receiving offers, we guide you through the student visa process and help you plan your professional accreditation pathway.
Start Your Accounting Career in Australia
Create your free Tilt SAMS account to get personalised accounting programme recommendations, application support, and guidance on CPA/CA pathways and permanent residency.