Accounting Courses in Australia for International Students

Accounting isn't just about numbers - it is an entire science of sustaining the business value of organisations so that they can keep contributing to the country's overall economic growth. A professional course in Accounting lends students a peek into the business side of all product development methods and services, helping them develop a keen sense of business analytics.

Accounting serves as a language for financial transactions. It has significance in – business management, tax compliances, financial reporting, investment decisions, budgeting and planning, audits, credit management, risk management and business expansion. Therefore, adopting majors in one of the core skills of Accounting at higher levels, such as a Master's or Advanced Diploma, enables students to take up important job roles in the business industry.

Australia is home to several study institutions that can help you embark on a professional journey in the world of accounting. Most Australian universities offer degrees in Accounting accredited by world-renowned professional associations and help pave the way for students for a promising career in Accounting.

Why Study Accounting Courses in Australia?

Australia's strong economy and global business connections open professional doors for students after completing their degree from an Australian university. The country offers students a rewarding educational journey and a promising career pathway. Here are some reasons that draw international students to professional Accounting courses in Australia:

  • Accounting degree holders from Australian universities move on to assume critical leadership roles in the financial and accounting industry, such as CFO, Management Consultant, Economist, and the like.

  • Accounting jobs in Australia have been consistently increasing over the last 5-year period and are projected to show considerable growth in the coming 5 years.

  • Australian universities offer a variety of professional courses in Accounting to international students. They can choose the level of study as per their academic interest and professional aspirations.

Specialisations in Accounting Courses in Australia for International Students

Accounting is a rapidly evolving field of study around the world, focusing on more than just numbers. The study of accounting helps develop technical knowledge around the world of finance and trains them to apply this knowledge in real business environments.

Several universities in Australia offer professional courses in Accounting as Bachelor's and Master's degrees as well as professional Diplomas. All these courses are professionally accredited by international organisations, adding weight to their worldwide recognition and validity.

Some of the key specialisations of a Master of Accounting course in Australia include the following:

  • Accounting for Sustainable Business

  • Financial Planning

  • Healthcare Accounting and Administration

Cost of Studying Accounting Courses in Australia for Indian Students

The fee structure for various Accounting degrees in Australia would entirely depend on the university you choose as well as the course being pursued. For instance, the average tuition fee for a Bachelor's course in Accounting from a leading Australian university is estimated to be around AUD 30,000 per annum (approx). This may also vary between AUD 20,000 and AUD 40,000 based on the university's rank and location in Australia.

Similarly, the Accounting course fees in Australia for Master's or Diploma-level degrees are expected to differ. Therefore, you should check with the university you wish to apply to the exact fee structure for the Accounting course that you select.

(Source: https://www.idp.com/australia/blog/accounting-courses-jobs-industry-in-australia/)

Eligibility Criteria and Admission Requirements to Study Accounting Courses in Australia

The admission criteria for studying an Accounting course at a top Australian university are likely to differ from one university to another based on the curriculum design. In addition, the requirements for Bachelor's and Master's courses in Accounting are also bound to be different. Hence, kindly check with the university you apply to for the eligibility criteria for UG and PG Accounting courses in Australia.

Listed below are some of the common admission requirements for a Bachelor’s in Accounting degree from an Australian university:

  • 12 years of formal education or equivalent from an accredited study institution

  • Eligible age to apply for the course - 18 years

  • A minimum IELTS score of 6.0 as proof of English language proficiency

For students aspiring to pursue advanced studies in Accounting with a Master’s degree, the following eligibility requirements would apply at several Australian universities:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related and relevant field of study from an internationally accredited university with an overall score of 50%

  • Passport with validity beyond the period of course duration

  • IELTS score of at least 6.5

  • Students must also have qualified for the Certified Public Accountant exam, mandatory for the professional practice of public accountancy

  • Study visa for Australia

(Source: https://www.idp.com/india/study-in-australia/master-of-professional-accounting-in-australia/)

Top Universities / Colleges in Australia for Accounting Courses

When looking for the best university for Accounting in Australia to pursue a professional degree program, you may refer to the following detailed list of top universities in the country that offer courses. All these universities are IDP partners and enjoy leading ranks in the QS World University Ranking and THE World University Ranking systems 2023:

University Name

QS World University Rank 2023 (for Accounting)

THE World University Rank 2023 (for Accounting)

The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)

21

72

The University of Melbourne

23

35

The University of Sydney

35

88

Monash University

36

39

Australian National University (ANU)

44

55

The University of Queensland

59

51

Sources: https://www.idp.com/australia/search/accounting/
https://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings/university-subject-rankings/2023/accounting-finance?&countries=auhttps://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2023/subject-ranking/business-and-economics#!/length/25/locations/AUS/subjects/3117/sort_by/rank/sort_order/asc/cols/stats

Career Prospects After Pursuing Accounting Courses in Australia

Graduates of professional Accounting courses (Master’s) from an Australian university are highly likely to find employment at the following roles in varied accounting jobs in Australia:

  • Financial Controller

  • Lecturer

  • Cost Accountant

  • Auditor

  • Corporate Controller

  • Chief Operating Officer

  • Forensic Accountant

  • Accountant


The estimated salary range for these job positions is likely to be in the approximate range of AUD 55,850 and AUD 160,249 per annum. (https://www.idp.com/india/study-in-australia/master-of-professional-accounting-in-australia/)

Note: The figures mentioned are for indicative purposes only. The salary offered by different organisations for all of these job roles will likely vary from one company to another.

FAQs

1. Can I work as an accountant in Australia after pursuing accounting courses?

Yes, graduates of Accounting courses from Australian universities are eligible to apply for jobs in several related fields of work.

2. Are accounting degrees from Australia valid in other countries too?

Yes, obtaining an accounting degree from an Australian university holds recognition and validity in other countries, making graduates eligible to work worldwide.

3. What is the difference between accounting and charted accounting?

Accountants typically provide the current financial records of an organisation, while Chartered Accountants are extensively trained in accounting and finance, holding specific academic certifications to handle critical financial matters more effectively.

4. Can I gain work experience while pursuing accounting courses in Australia?

Yes, Australian law permits students to work up to 20 hours a week while they continue their study program.

5. Is an English proficiency test compulsory to study accounting courses in Australia?

Yes, most Australian universities require international students to submit proof of English proficiency, especially if their first language is not English.

6. How can I apply for scholarships for studying accounting courses in Australia?

Most Australian universities offer international students the chance to apply for scholarships to finance their study programs. You can apply for a scholarship directly with the specific university or seek help from your IDP counselor.

7. Can I pursue certifications in Australia along with my accounting courses?

Yes, you may choose to pursue certification courses to enhance your skills and technical expertise in the domain alongside completing your accounting degree in Australia.

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