Which accounting courses are best for international students in Australia?

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Are you a whizz with numbers? Accounting is one of the most in demand careers in Australia with the opportunity to work in a wide variety of industries around the country. 

So it comes as no surprise that international students choose to study down under with  Certificate IV of Accounting and Bookkeeping, Diploma of Accounting and Advanced Diploma of Accounting on offer in some of Australia’s most beautiful destinations.  

Whether you’re fresh to the industry or want to upskill, an accounting course will enable you to gain new skills, experience and knowledge. If you decide accounting isn’t for you, it’s still a brilliant gateway course which will enable you to study another topic such as business, law or marketing and communication.

From entry requirements to course fees, find out everything you need to know about studying accounting in Australia below.

Is accounting a good career in Australia?

A large number of international students choose to study accounting as it opens the doors to a wide variety of jobs. Studying will enable you to gain skills which employers value in the workplace from the ability to perform bookkeeping tasks to managing payroll.

No matter which industry you would like to explore, accountants will always be in demand around the world.

What are the entry requirements for Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping (FNS40217)?

In order to apply for Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping, you must meet the below criteria:

• A minimum Year 11 or 12 certificate or equivalent.
• An IELTS or equivalent score of 5.0- 5.5 with no less 5.0 in any band. An IELTS score requirement can vary from each educational institution. Leave it with us. We’ll advise you correctly.

What’s great about a number of education providers across Australia is that they offer a free English test on campus, online or through a partnership with an English school. You’ll have your results through within 24-28 hours too! 

Learn more about English courses available in Australia here or contact our expert team and we can organise an English test for you.

Please note: every course requires students to have access to a laptop or tablet in order to complete work in class and at home. ​

What will I learn while studying Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping (FNS40217)?

Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping will introduce students to the world of accounting and will prepare you for a career within the industry. Each course will vary depending upon the educational provider but Certificate IV offers a basic overview of the industry. 

For instance, students will learn how to prepare and lodge financial reports, how to create operational budgets, how to provide advice on behalf of the taxpayer and how to perform financial calculations.

Below, find some of the skills you will acquire whilst studying Certificate IV of Accounting and Bookkeeping:

• How to deliver and monitor a service to customers
• How to design and produce business documents
• How to perform financial calculations
• How to prepare operational budgets
• How to process salary packaging arrangements and additional allowances in payroll

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What career path can I take after studying Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping (FNS40217)?

Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping will provide students with the basics in order to enable them to venture into the accounting industry. 

Career opportunities can include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Accounts Clerk
  
• Accounts Administrator
  
• Accounts Receivable and Payable Clerk
  
• Financial Planner’s Assistant
  
• Payroll Clerk
  
• Bookkeeper
  
• Banking Officer
  
• Insurance Officer
  
• Life Insurance Officer
  
• Superannuation Fund Administrator ​
  

What are the entry requirements for a Diploma in Accounting (FNS50217)?

In order to apply for a Diploma in Accounting, you must meet the below criteria:

• A minimum Year 12 certificate or equivalent.
• An IELTS or equivalent score of 5.5 with no less 5.0 in any band.
• The completion of your Certificate IV in Accounting or Bookkeeping. Alternatively, you must have completed the Accounting Principles Skill Set.

What will I learn while studying for a Diploma in Accounting (FNS50217)?

Students who choose to study Diploma of Accounting tend to have a background in the subject or are currently working in the field and wish to further strengthen their skill set.

Skills you will acquire whilst studying Diploma of Accounting:

• How to provide financial and business performance information
  
• How to manage budgets and forecasts
  
• How to prepare tax documentation for individuals and businesses
  
• How to lead effective workplace relationships
  
• How to evaluate business performance
  
• How to establish and maintain accounting information systems    ​
  

What career path can I take after studying a Diploma in Accounting (FNS50217)?

A Diploma in Accounting is for students who would like to gain further skills and a deeper understanding of the industry. In turn, this will lead to bigger job opportunities.

Career opportunities can include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Tax Accountant
  
• Cost Accountant
  
• Financial Planner
  
• Government Finance Services
  
• Risk Management Coordinator
  
• Assistant Accountant
  
• Management Accountant
  
• Operational Accountant
  
• Superannuation Adviser and Manager
  
• Workplace Insurance Claims Manager  
  
• Banking Services Manager
  

What are the entry requirements for an Advanced Diploma in Accounting (FNS60217)?

In order to apply for an Advanced Diploma in Accounting, you must meet the below criteria:

• A minimum Year 12 certificate or equivalent.
• An IELTS or equivalent score of 5.5 with no less 5.0 in any band.
  
• The completion of your Diploma in Accounting.

What will I learn while studying an Advanced Diploma in Accounting (FNS60217)?

An Advanced Diploma of Accounting will delve deeper into the subject matter in order to give students the skills, knowledge and experience necessary to apply for more senior roles. The topics covered will vary depending upon the location and educational institution. 

Skills you will acquire whilst studying Advanced Diploma of Accounting:

• How to use and interpret financial statistics and tools
• How to monitor corporate governance activities
• How to prepare and administer tax documentation for legal entities
• How to develop and implement a business plan
• How to support the selection, recruitment and induction of staff

What career path can I take after studying an Advanced Diploma in Accounting (FNS60217)?

An Advanced Diploma in Accounting is designed for students who already have experience working in the industry and want to upskill or move into a more senior role.  

Career opportunities can include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Tax Advisor
• Risk Manager
• Financial Advisor 
• Credit Manager and Advisor
• Disability Insurance Advisor
• Insurance Advisor
• Financial Planner
• Financial Analyst
• Business Analyst
• Financial Services Advisor

Which accounting course is best in Australia?

There are cheap accounting courses across Australia from Melbourne and Perth to Sydney. You can find the right education provider, course and location for you using the CRICOS search tool.

If you need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact our expert team for free advice and information on the best accounting courses in Australia.

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How much does it cost to study accounting?

The cost of studying accounting in Australia will vary depending upon location, education provider and certificate or diploma level.

If you are interested in studying accounting and would like to find out more, please get in touch with our expert team for student fee information.

How long does it take to study accounting in Australia?

It depends on location, education provider and which level of accounting you would like to study. Below, find a rough estimate to how long each course will take: 

• Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping (38 - 52 weeks; including holidays)

 

• Diploma of Accounting (26-78 weeks; including holidays)

 

• Advanced Diploma of Accounting (26-78 weeks; including holidays)

Possible accounting and bookkeeping course packages:

• Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping + Diploma for Accounting = 66 weeks to 130 weeks including holidays
  
  
• Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping + Diploma of Accounting + Advanced Diploma of Accounting = 90 weeks to 208 weeks including holidays

Possible accounting and bookkeeping course packages with different courses:

• Certificate III in Business (30 weeks) + Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping ( 52 weeks) = 82 weeks including holidays

 

• Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping (52 weeks) + Diploma of Business / Diploma of Leadership & Management / Diploma of Project Management  (52 weeks) = 2 years study including holidays

 

• Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping (52 weeks) + Diploma of Accounting (78 weeks) + Advanced Diploma in Business / Project Management / Leadership & Management (52 weeks) = Over 3 years study including holidays

There is also the option to package your accounting course or diploma with different subjects such as business or marketing.

If you need assistance choosing a package, please contact us today for free advice and support.

​If you decide to study your Advanced Diploma in Accounting at the West Australian Institute of Further Studies (WAIFS), you will gain membership with the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) upon completion.

What’s more, WAIFS has a pathway program with Murdoch University. So if you decide to study their Diploma of Accounting and Advanced Diploma of Accounting, you will have the opportunity to study a Bachelor of Business majoring in Accounting at Murdoch University in two years instead of three.

The Study Online Australia team were all international students once too so we know what we’re talking about! If you are interested in studying accounting, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our expert team for free advice and information.

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Thank you,

The Study Online Australia team