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Accounting & Finance Courses in Australia
Reviewed by Mohammad Saghir Khan, Registered Migration Agent (MARN 1170510)Last reviewed:
International students usually study accounting through a 3-year Bachelor of Accounting or Commerce (accounting major), or a Master of Professional Accounting for graduates of other fields. For migration, CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants ANZ (CA ANZ) and the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) assess accounting occupations. Your degree must cover the required knowledge areas (7 for Accountant (General) at CPA), and CPA and CA ANZ require IELTS Academic 7.0 in each band. Accountant (General) 221111 is on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List.
Accounting & Finance Courses at a Glance
| Common qualifications | Bachelor of Accounting; Bachelor of Commerce (accounting major); Master of Professional Accounting |
|---|---|
| Typical length | Bachelor 3 years; master 1 to 2 years, set by the provider |
| Skills assessment | CPA Australia, CA ANZ or IPA |
| Knowledge areas | CPA: 7 mandatory areas for Accountant (General); 8 for Taxation Accountant and External Auditor |
| English for assessment | CPA: IELTS Academic 7.0 in each band, or PTE (tests from 7 Aug 2025) Listening 58, Reading 59, Writing 69, Speaking 76 |
| Professional Year | Accounting Professional Year worth 5 points, run by CPA, CA ANZ or IPA |
| After you graduate | Temporary Graduate visa (485), Post-Higher Education Work stream |
Course Options by Study Level
| Qualification | Level | Typical length | What it leads to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma of Accounting | AQF 5 (VET) | 1 to 2 years | Bookkeeping and accounts roles, or credit into a degree. Not enough on its own for an accountant skills assessment |
| Bachelor of Accounting or Commerce | AQF 7 | 3 years | Graduate accountant roles; CPA or CA ANZ assessment if the knowledge areas are covered |
| Master of Professional Accounting | AQF 9 | 1 to 2 years | A conversion route into accounting for graduates of other fields |
Accounting Skills Assessment
CPA Australia, CA ANZ and IPA each assess Accountant (General), Management Accountant, Taxation Accountant and External Auditor. CPA requires your degree to cover 7 mandatory knowledge areas for Accountant (General), and an extra area for Taxation Accountant (Australian taxation law) and External Auditor (audit and assurance). If a course is accredited by the assessing body, its units are designed to cover these areas.
CPA requires IELTS Academic 7.0 in each band (or an equivalent score). Completing the Accounting Professional Year is also accepted as English evidence by CPA.
The Accounting Professional Year
The Professional Year combines classes with an internship. Home Affairs gives 5 points for a Professional Year in accounting, ICT or engineering completed in Australia over at least 12 months in the 4 years before your invitation, in your nominated or a closely related occupation.
Employer sponsorship: for the 482 and 186 visas, accountant positions in a business with turnover under AUD 1 million or fewer than 5 employees are excluded, as are clerical and bookkeeping roles.
Careers and Skilled Occupation Lists
These occupations are linked to accounting degrees. List status is from our Occupation Finder data, checked 15 October 2026.
| Occupation | ANZSCO | Skilled lists (15 Oct 2026) | Skills assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accountant (General) | 221111 | MLTSSL, CSOL | CPA, CA ANZ or IPA |
| Management Accountant | 221112 | MLTSSL, CSOL | CPA, CA ANZ or IPA |
| Taxation Accountant | 221113 | MLTSSL, CSOL | CPA, CA ANZ or IPA |
| External Auditor | 221213 | MLTSSL, CSOL | CPA, CA ANZ or IPA |
| Finance Manager | 132211 | STSOL, CSOL | CPA, CA ANZ or IPA |
Lists: MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List), STSOL (Short-term Skilled Occupation List), ROL (Regional Occupation List), CSOL (Core Skills Occupation List for the 482 and 186 visas). Check any occupation in our Occupation Finder.
How to Start
- Choose your course and levelTell us your previous study, English results, budget and career goal. We shortlist courses and providers that fit.
- Check the knowledge areasChoose a degree accredited by CPA Australia or CA ANZ so your units cover the areas needed for the skills assessment.
- Check the provider on CRICOSInternational students must study a course registered on CRICOS. The CRICOS duration also matters for the 485 visa, which needs at least 2 academic years (92 weeks) of study in Australia over at least 16 months.
- Apply and accept your offerApply with your documents, accept the offer, pay the deposit and arrange Overseas Student Health Cover. The provider then issues your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
- Apply for your Student visaLodge your Student visa (subclass 500) with evidence of funds, English and the Genuine Student requirement. Since 2 October 2026 most applicants must apply from outside Australia. See our Student visa guide.
How Aussie ASEAN Can Help
We shortlist accredited accounting degrees, check whether your previous study gives credit, and help with your application and Student visa. Near graduation, our Registered Migration Agent can map out your 485, Professional Year and points options.
Free tools for students
Related courses and visas
Not sure which accounting course or provider suits your goals? Get free course advice, plus Student visa help from a Registered Migration Agent.
Get course adviceSources: CPA Australia migration assessment · CPA English requirements · CA ANZ English requirement · IPA migration assessments · Home Affairs points table
Frequently Asked Questions
Plain-English answers to the questions we are asked most often.
Is accounting still on the skilled occupation list?
Yes. As at 15 October 2026, Accountant (General), Management Accountant, Taxation Accountant and External Auditor are on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List and the Core Skills Occupation List. Accounting is very competitive for invitations, so points matter.
What IELTS score do I need for an accounting skills assessment?
CPA Australia requires IELTS Academic 7.0 in each band, or an equivalent score in another accepted test. CA ANZ also asks for IELTS 7.0 in each band. Your university entry requirement is usually lower, so plan your English early.
What is a Master of Professional Accounting?
It is a coursework master's degree for graduates of non-accounting degrees. It covers the core accounting knowledge areas, so graduates can apply for a skills assessment. Most providers run it over 1 to 2 years.
How many points does the Professional Year give?
5 points, if you complete an approved Professional Year in accounting in Australia over at least 12 months, in the 4 years before your invitation, and it relates to your nominated occupation.
Which body should assess me: CPA, CA ANZ or IPA?
All three assess the main accounting occupations. Requirements, fees and processing times differ. We can help you pick the body that suits your qualification and English results.
Can a diploma of accounting lead to PR?
Not on its own. Accountant skills assessments need a degree-level qualification covering the required knowledge areas. A diploma can give credit towards a bachelor degree.
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