What Are The Best Accounting Programs in Canada for International Students?

Studying to be an accountant in Canada offers many advantages to aspiring professionals. Canadian universities are recognized as some of the best in the world, and the undergraduate accounting programs offered are second to none. 

Canada also enjoys a robust and developed economy, with consistent growth across all sectors and industries. This provides ample opportunities for students to gain valuable co-op experience in different companies. It also means various job opportunities after graduation along with CPA certification. 

As a multicultural society based on tolerance and respect, Canada offers safe cities and communities, a high standard of living, and rich cultural experiences, making it a popular destination for students and professionals looking to develop a long and successful career. 

Qualified accountants can find employment in several industries across Canada. There are job opportunities for small businesses, large corporations and government agencies. Statistics Canada estimates that 88,000 new accounting jobs will be available by 2031, with 78,000 qualified job seekers. This means there will be more than enough job opportunities for aspiring accountants with the required training and experience. 

To become a Chartered Public Accountant in Canada, there are specific requirements that must be met:  

• Bachelor’s Degree: CPAs must complete an undergraduate program and receive a bachelor's degree in a related major, such as accounting, business, or finance.  

• CPA PEP/PREP: Aspiring accountants must then complete the CPA Professional Education Program (PEP) to earn a professional CPA designation. Those with a degree in a major unrelated to accounting must complete the additional CPA Prep program with accounting-specific courses. 

• Final Examination: The Common Final Examination is a three-day exam that tests all aspects of competency and training. Successfully passing this exam is the final hurdle before earning a CPA designation. 

All of these requirements must be met for both domestic and international students to work as a Chartered Professional Accountant in Canada. 

There are additional requirements for international students who wish to study accounting in Canada and become CPAs. International students must earn a bachelor's degree by completing an undergraduate program at a Canadian university or a recognized international equivalent.  

Gaining admittance to a Canadian post-secondary program will also require English and/or French language certification through passing the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) for English or TEF for French. Universities and CPA organizations may also require academic transcripts, certifications, and other supporting documents.

University of Toronto: Bachelor of Commerce - Accounting Specialization  

Located in Canada’s biggest city, the University of Toronto has more than 84,000 students. Over 25% of the current student population consists of international students from 160 countries. UofT is considered one of the best schools in Canada and was recently ranked the fourth best university in North America in terms of global reputation. 

Through the Rotman School of Management at UofT, students can earn a Bachelor of Commerce specializing in accounting. This unique program highlights aspects of accounting, finance, and business management, and aspiring accountants will receive the specialized training needed to excel and become leaders in the field. 

For international students entering the program in 2024, the first year tuition is $60,510 CAD. 

University of British Columbia: Bachelor of Commerce - Accounting Specialization  

The University of British Columbia is the premier academic destination on Canada’s west coast. UBC is ranked among the top three universities in Canada and the top forty globally. With campuses in Vancouver and the Okanagan Valley, over 19,000 international students are currently enrolled at UBC. 

Through the Sauder School of Business, UBC students will receive a BCom specializing in accounting. Students learn hard accounting skills needed to build a successful career and have co-op options to gain workplace experience. UBC is committed to supporting students through the hiring process with workshops, coaching, practice interviews, and other resources. 

For international students entering the commerce program, the first year tuition is $61,061.10 CAD. 

McGill University: Bachelor of Commerce - Major in Accounting 

Located in historic Montreal, students have received a world-class education at McGill University for over 200 years. More than 30% of McGill’s student population consists of international students from over 150 countries outside. Frequently ranked as one of the top three schools in Canada, McGill is also a top 50 school worldwide. 

The B.Com with a major in Accounting program gives students the fundamental skills needed to succeed in this field, including financial and managerial accounting, auditing and taxation. As part of the Desautels Faculty of Management, McGill offers programs that provide rigorous training and co-op opportunities for students to gain workplace experience. 

For international students earning a BCom degree, the tuition for the 2024 academic year is $67,572.30. 

University of Waterloo: Bachelor of Accounting and Financial Management 

Founded in 1957, the University of Waterloo has earned global recognition for academic excellence and is a top-ranked Canadian university. Over 4,500 international students are currently enrolled at UWaterloo. 

The Bachelor of Accounting and Financial Management program at UWaterloo immerses students in accounting principles, finances and business management. It is a co-op only program, meaning students must earn real workplace experience before graduation. Students will have the opportunity to gain Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designations during their study. 

International students attending UWaterloo can expect to pay between $48,000 and $71,000 per year, depending on the program of study.  

University of Alberta: Bachelor of Commerce - Accounting 

The University of Alberta is the top-ranked school in Western Canada. Based in Edmonton, students have received unsurpassed education at UofA for over 115 years. With more than 9,000 international students currently enrolled, UofA remains a premier destination for aspiring professionals worldwide. 

Through the Alberta School of Business at UofA, students can earn a BCom with a Major in Accounting. Accounting students will learn all aspects of financial management, record keeping and business support. Graduates will understand the foundational concepts of accounting that can be applied to clients in all industries. 

International students earning a Bachelor of Commerce at UofA can expect to pay approximately $40,300.80 CAD for one year of study.  

Queen's University: Bachelor of Commerce with Specialization in Accounting 

Based in Kington, Ontario, Queen’s University is one of the oldest universities in Canada. Founded in 1845, it is known as a top-ranked university with more than 1,300 international students from 120 countries currently enrolled. 

Through the Smith School of Business at Queen’s, students can earn a BCom degree with a Specialization in Accounting. Throughout the four-year program, students will learn the fundamental aspects of accounting for all types of businesses and the skills needed to operate and grow a financially stable organization. The school is proud that 96% of its BCom graduates work in the industry within six months. 

International students earning a Bachelor of Commerce at Queen’s University can expect to pay approximately $61,581.18 CAD for one year of study. 

A career in accounting can be rewarding, fulfilling and steady, and this path begins by studying at one of the best accounting programs in Canada. 

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