Top 200 worldwide for accounting and finance
#2 business school in Melbourne for career impact
Top 3 business school in Melbourne
Why choose professional accounting at Deakin
Build accounting foundations and develop the skills and knowledge to help inform business decision-making across a wide range of organisations. Study at the #1 university in the state of Victoria for graduate business employment and learn core accounting principles in areas such as financial reporting, management accounting, finance, and business law.
Led by industry-experienced academics you will build technical, analytical and problem-solving skills valued by employers. With a flexible choice of units, you can align your study to your background and goals, whether you’re aiming for professional accreditation or applying accounting knowledge in your current job.
Graduate with the foundational capability to support accounting and financial decision-making and the opportunity to progress into the Graduate Diploma and Master of Professional Accounting.
-
Pathway to professional accounting
Build foundational accounting knowledge aligned with global standards and start your pathway towards CPA Australia, CA ANZ and ACCA professional programs.
-
Develop core accounting skills
Gain practical capabilities in financial reporting, management accounting and finance to support business and financial decision-making.
-
Study at a globally recognised university
Study online at Deakin University, Australia, a globally accredited business school with AACSB and EQUIS accreditation.
-
Pathways to further study
This course provides a pathway into the Graduate Diploma and Master of Professional Accounting.
Connected to industry
Deakin’s strong industry connections help shape your learning. Build practical experience in real workplace contexts through work-integrated learning, mentoring and networking opportunities. Industry advisory boards also help shape our degrees, which means what you study is current, relevant and aligned to what your future employers need.
Deakin puts employability first
Career outcomes
Build core accounting and reporting skills, offering a practical entry point into finance-support roles across small businesses, government and industry.
Assistant accountant
Support accounting teams by processing transactions, reconciling accounts and preparing financial records, building the foundations for a career in accounting.
- $80k
Typical Australian annual salary
- 9.2%
Projected job growth in 5 years
- 3.9/5
Job satisfaction
Payroll officer
Manage the accurate and timely payment of employees, processing wages, entitlements and compliance requirements to keep an organisation's payroll running smoothly.
- $90k
Typical Australian annual salary
- 8%
Projected job growth in 5 years
- 3.9/5
Job satisfaction
Other jobs
- Accounts payable/receivable clerk
- Payroll and finance administrator
- Small business financial officer
- Tax assistant
- Budget and reporting assistant
- Accounting systems operator
FAQs
The cost of studying at Deakin depends on your degree, units and study load – tuition fees are listed on degree pages under the fees and scholarships tab. Beyond tuition, you will need to budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), accommodation, transport, groceries and textbooks. Find out more about the cost of living in Australia, use the Study Australia calculator to estimate living expenses and explore international scholarships which may help to reduce your tuition costs.
Deakin offers a range of merit-based scholarships that can reduce your postgraduate tuition fees by 20%, 25%, 50% or 100% for the duration of your degree. Eligibility varies by scholarship and the degree you choose, but you will automatically be considered for most scholarships when you apply to Deakin. Use the Find a scholarship tool and filter by 'citizenship' to see what is available to you, or explore Australia Awards scholarships if you are from an eligible country.
It depends on the degree and how you study. Graduate certificates typically take six months full time or one year part time. Graduate diplomas usually take one year full time and masters degrees typically take one to two years full time. Recognition of prior learning can reduce your study time. Check the degree page for full details.
Australia is widely regarded as one of the safest and most welcoming countries in the world for students, with strong legal protections, reliable public services and a multicultural community. In fact, Melbourne is ranked the #4 student city in the world! At Deakin, you will be part of a supportive community, with 24/7 help, dedicated campus security and practical tools to help you feel safe, confident and connected. Deakin’s SafeZone app also connects you directly to campus security and support services if you ever need help. Find out more about studying in Australia.
We value your experience and qualifications. That is why every new degree application at Deakin is assessed for recognition of prior learning (RPL). Through RPL, Deakin can assess your previous study and life experience and may award course credit that could reduce your study duration, as well as the cost of your study. Qualifications from universities and private tertiary institutions worldwide are considered, as is informal learning related to your degree. Use the RPL calculator to see how much credit you may be eligible for.
Deakin offers a wide range of support to help you settle in and succeed throughout your studies – we are ranked the #1 university in Melbourne for student support. You can access 1:1 study support, English language support, career planning help, disability services and free counselling, as well as financial assistance if you need it. On campus, the SafeZone app and 24/7 security services mean help is always within reach. You can explore the full range of support services for international students or start an online chat with a student ambassador before you arrive.
To enrol in a postgraduate degree at Deakin, many degrees require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent). Some degrees require higher scores, so check the entry requirements tab on the degree page for details. You may also meet the requirement through recent secondary or university study completed in English, or by demonstrating five or more years of living and working in an English-speaking country. Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis. If you do not yet meet the requirement, the Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) offers pathway programs to help develop your English reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Completion of DUELI’s English for Academic Purposes can give you the minimum English language requirements for most Deakin degrees.
Deakin’s postgraduate degrees are designed to advance your career, whether you want to deepen expertise in your field, move into a specialist role or shift direction entirely. All our degrees are shaped by industry partners, so what you learn reflects what employers need now and into the future. We’re proud to be the #1 university in Melbourne for international student graduate employment. With flexible study options and financial support available, Deakin helps you gain the skills, recognition and confidence to reach your next professional goal.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
What will I study in the Graduate Certificate of Professional Accounting?
The Graduate Certificate of Professional Accounting builds your understanding of core accounting principles and how they support business decision-making.
Accounting foundations and financial decision-making
Understand core accounting principles
Learn financial accounting and management accounting concepts used to support organisational performance.
Build financial capability
Explore finance fundamentals and how financial decisions impact business outcomes.
Tailor your learning
Select from areas such as auditing, taxation, business law or accounting systems and analytics to align with your goals.
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Professional Accounting, you must pass 4 credit points.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements
Units
Select a minimum of 2 credit points of units from:
Select a maximum of 2 credit points of units from:
Or any unit(s) not previously studied as listed in the Graduate Certificate of Professional Accounting.
Or other postgraduate units with prior written approval of the Course Director.
Notes:
1 Required by CPA Australia for Associate (foundation level) Membership.
2 Required by the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) for entry to the CA Program.
3 For candidates who have completed an accredited degree in Australia, this unit may be taken as part of the CPA program. Other students must complete the unit before becoming an Associate Member of CPA Australia.
4 For candidates who would like to obtain exemptions to the ACCA program.
Students should carefully note the trimesters when units are offered to ensure that all required units can be completed in the appropriate time frame.
Professional recognition
Students who wish to enter the:
CA Program of the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ)
Associate Membership for the CPA Program, CPA Australia
IPA Program of the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) and
Exemptions may apply for the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
are advised that it is their responsibility to ensure that they take the appropriate units required for entry.
Students who have completed prior undergraduate or graduate units in accounting or other core knowledge areas are advised to have their qualifications assessed by their preferred professional organisation to ensure they complete the correct units.
Please note: The eligibility of students for membership of any of the accounting accrediting bodies is subject to meeting the requirements of that body and that Deakin makes no representations that individuals will meet those requirements.
What to expect while studying
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
Recognition of prior learning into the Graduate Certificate of Professional Accounting may be granted to students who have successfully completed appropriate postgraduate studies. There are negotiated Recognition of prior learning arrangements in place for CPA members.
Units which contain work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, working with children check or other check. These requirements will be detailed in unit guides upon enrolment.
You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, online interactions, or professional experiences for Work Integrated Learning (WIL) units. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
Units in this course may have participation requirements that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning, collaborative online international learning arrangements or collaborative research training arrangements.
Placement can occur at any time, including during standard holiday breaks. Learn about key dates at Deakin.
This course does not require students to complete compulsory work integrated learning units.
Deakin offers many courses which can be studied by distance education overseas.
However, international students living in Australia on a student visa, in each compulsory trimester (that is, Trimesters 1 and 2), must enrol in at least one unit that is offered as a Campus located unit and can, in addition enrol in units offered online. International students may undertake a maximum of up to one third (or equivalent) of their study as online study. Please note enrolment in one face to face unit in compulsory study periods is only allowed if the student is completing their final unit of study and will not exceed maximum one third (or equivalent) online requirement.
At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.
If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
When can I start?
When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.
Students who have commenced prior to T1 2019, please refer to the 2018 handbook, or the handbook archives, for the relevant course structure.
This course is available for part-time study only in Trimester 3
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Demonstrate conceptual knowledge on basic accounting, and techniques in auditing and financial management including simplified applications to real world problems |
| Draft user-friendly reports that clarifies the merits of alternate solutions and makes simple recommendations |
| Identify potential alternative solutions and evaluate the financial costs and benefits of such solutions |
| Determine ways to resolve a firm’s financial constraints through appropriate match with the theoretical solutions |
- Award granted
- Graduate Certificate of Professional Accounting
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- M506
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 073433D Burwood (Melbourne)
- Level
- Postgraduate (Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$24,000
AUD
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical enrolment of 4 credit points undertaken within the same academic year and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees are determined by your course and unit enrolment. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning.
Scholarships
Deakin scholarships recognise your hard work and achievements. Our support can ease the financial pressure of studying in Australia so you stay focused on your success. Numbers are limited, so apply early for the best chance.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.
We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the application.
Recognition of prior learning
We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.
Pathways
This course can be a pathway to:
Graduate Diploma of Professional Accounting (M696)
Master of Professional Accounting (M742)