Accountancy qualifications are just the beginning of your career. Whether you want to work in a lawyer’s office, conduct audits, manage tax for a multi-national, or you want small business owners to thrive—an accountancy degree can take you there.

All of New Zealand’s universities are in the top 500 in the world. They are known for their quality education, with a heavy emphasis on creating graduates who are work-ready. While there’s quality theoretical learning, experienced faculty offer beneficial real-life teachings, making it a well-rounded course with extra value for future employers.

New Zealand also is beautiful, has a low crime rate, and tuition and living costs are comparable with Australia. It offers a quality of life and work balance that leads the way, world-wide. But your accounting degree from New Zealand can—and will—take you places.

NZ’s accounting qualifications are recognised in many other countries, including the UK and Australia. Your NZ Bachelor of Commerce/ Accountancy qualification allows you to join:

  • CAANZ - Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand

  • CPA Australia

  • ACCA - Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (global)

  • CIMA - Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (UK)

A NZ accountancy qualification is incredibly flexible, allowing you to work in a huge range of industries- every organisation needs an accountant. Whether it’s working for a non-profit, a huge multi-national, or a field like agribusiness or retail… or literally anything else.

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Accounting Course Structure and Specialisations in New Zealand

The NZQF (New Zealand Qualifications Framework) is an educational standard that all NZ courses must meet. The framework ensures all degrees, qualifications, and education meet a consistent standard. At the tertiary level, NZ has:

  • Certificate: 40 credits, levels one to five

  • Diploma: At least 120 credits, levels five and six, can be one or two years long

  • Bachelor’s degree: This three-year course is a minimum of 260 credits, levels five to seven. Finishing a bachelor’s degree gives you eligibility to enrol in a post-graduate course. In order to enrol as a chartered accountant, you must, at minimum, have a relevant bachelor’s degree.

  • Graduate certificate: Once your degree is complete, this certificate builds on existing knowledge. Minimum of 60 credits, level seven or higher

  • Graduate diploma: This is 120 credits, of which 72 credits must be at least a level seven or more

  • Bachelor with honours: This can be a four-year, 480 credit degree, or can be a one year add-on that’s 120 credits at level eight. Should be a research component of at least 30 credits.

  • Postgraduate certificate: A minimum of 60 credits at level eight

  • Postgraduate diploma: Minimum of 120 credits from levels seven and above, with at least 72 credits from level eight

  • Master’s degree: A minimum of 40 credits at level nine, totalling 120, 180, or 240 points at level eight, depending on the degree.

There are a range of common specialisations in accounting and finance degrees. In New Zealand, these include:

  • Auditing

  • Business analytics

  • Corporate finance

  • Financial accounting

  • Financial management

  • Forensic accounting

  • International finance

  • Management accounting

  • Policy analyst and advisor

  • Strategic management accounting

  • Tax accounting

Not only can you specialise in the kind of work, but also where you work. Accountants are commonly employed in:

  • Banking and financial services

  • Chartered accountancy practices

  • Commercial enterprises

  • Educational organisations

  • Government organisations

  • Law firms

  • Management consultancies

  • Multinational accounting and business service corporations

  • Not-for-profit organisations

Entry Requirements for Accounting Degree in New Zealand

While every university will have slightly different requirements for international students, there are a few key standards you’ll have to meet that are similar across the board. For a bachelor’s degree, you can expect:

  • A minimum GPA of 2.5, finishing secondary school with marks above 75%

  • And IELTS score of 6.0, with no band less than 5.5

Top Universities Offering Accounting and Finance Courses in New Zealand

These are the top five institutions in NZ for commerce degrees.

Accounting Course at University of Auckland

The University of Auckland, ranked 65th in the world, offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

  • Bachelor of Commerce with majors in accounting and finance

  • Bachelor of Commerce (Honours)

  • Master of Commerce

  • Doctor of Philosophy

Accounting Course at Victoria University of Wellington

Victoria University based in windy Wellington offers the bonus of having accreditation for both accounting and business from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

1. Bachelor of Commerce, with majors available in:

  • Actuarial Science

  • Commercial Law

  • Data Science

  • Economics

  • Finance

  • Human Resource Management and Employment Relations

  • Information Systems

  • International Business

  • Management

  • Marketing

  • Public Policy

  • Sustainability and Ethics in Business

  • Taxation

  • Tourism Management

2. Graduate Certificate in Commerce

3. Graduate Diploma in Commerce

4. Bachelor of Commerce with Honours

5. Master of Commerce

6. Master of Professional Accounting

7. Postgraduate Certificate in Commerce

8. Postgraduate Diploma in Commerce

9. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Accounting Course at University of Otago

The University of Otago is well known for their post-graduate research, offering considerable benefits for students wanting to specialise and conduct their own studies.

  • Bachelor of Commerce, accredited by CA ANZ and CPA Australia

  • Bachelor of Commerce with Honours

  • Diploma for Graduates

  • Postgraduate Diploma in Commerce

  • Master of Commerce

  • Master of Finance

  • Master of Accounting and Finance

  • Doctor of Philosophy

Accounting Course at Auckland University of Technology

AUT have an emphasis on work integrated learning, and offers placements in the final part of your degree. These are vital in not only gaining real life experience, but also developing connections in the industry. AUT also offers a Diploma in Business, a key entry pathway into their Bachelor of Business, if required.

  • Diploma in Business

  • Bachelor of Business

  • Bachelor of Business (Honours) - Accounting

  • Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Accounting

  • Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Accounting

  • Master of Business- Accounting

  • Master of Professional Accounting

Accounting Course at Massey University

Massey University’s School of Accountancy and Business School are ranked highly with the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), ShanghaiRanking, and QS ranking. It’s also ranked third in Australasia for accountancy research impact.

  • Bachelor of Accountancy

  • Bachelor of Business – Accountancy

  • Graduate Diploma of Business Studies - Accountancy

  • Master of Professional Accountancy

  • Master of Business Studies – Accountancy

  • Master of Finance

Accounting Course Scholarships in NZ for International Students

While NZ’s tertiary education fees are cheaper than the US and other countries, it still can represent a considerable financial burden. There are a huge range of scholarships in NZ available for international students. They are available mostly through four channels:

Industry Demand for Accountants in NZ

The need for accountants around the world is growing. In New Zealand, demand is high, with experienced workers having a range of roles to choose from. The average starting salary for Kiwi accountants in $70,000, rising to $165,000 per year for specialised and highly experienced workers.

While there are no pathways to immigration in NZ for accountants, a NZ qualification is accepted in Australia and the UK also. As a skilled worker, you can apply for roles and points-tested visa streams with your NZ qualification.

Ready to Apply for Your NZ Accountancy Degree?

Contact our IDP Auckland office for expert assistance with your application, including guidance on deadlines and the required documents. We can help you find your perfect course, ideal institution, and even help you with the visa applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What intakes are available for studying in New Zealand?

There are two major intakes each year, one in January and one in July. The most popular is the January intake, as the local schooling year finishes in December.

What are the entry requirements for competitive courses at New Zealand universities?

If you’re entering a highly competitive course, there are a range of entry requirements.

  • English language proficiency

  • Academic qualifications (secondary school for undergrad, and undergrad for post-grad)

  • For post-grad courses, a specific interest in an area of study already being explored by the university helps

  • The GMAT and GRE tests may be needed for post-graduate courses

Are there scholarships for international students pursuing demanding courses in New Zealand?

There are a range of scholarships available for international students intending to study in NZ. Particularly for in-demand roles on the skills shortage list. They can be found on individual institution’s websites, Study With New Zealand, and Manaaki NZ Scholarships

What are the English language proficiency requirements for admission to a New Zealand university?

The English language proficiency requirements for studying in NZ depend on the university and the course. However, you can expect:

  • Diploma/ certificate level studies need an IELTS of 5.5 overall and no lower than 5.5 per band

  • Bachelor level studies need a minimum 6.0 IELTS score with no band less than 5.5

  • Postgraduate level studies need a minimum 6.5 IELTS score with no band less than 6.0

Some courses, such as medicine, require much higher abilities.

How much does it cost to study accounting and finance in New Zealand?

For international students, the fees differ depending on the course and where you are studying. You can expect to pay between $40,000 and $60,000 per year. For example, the first year of your BCom at Otago University is $40,272 (as of 2024).

What are the latest updates on New Zealand’s Post-Study Work Visa for international students?

As of October 2024, the post-study work visa fee increases from $700 to $1670.

Am I eligible to apply for a post-study work visa in New Zealand after completing a degree in accounting or finance?

If your degree was at least 30 weeks long, at level seven or above, and you completed it satisfactorily, you are eligible to apply for a post-study work visa.