Master of Professional Accounting
Master · 2 years
Designed specifically for graduates who didn’t study accounting at undergraduate level but want to enter the profession, the Master of Professional Accounting is one of the more direct conversion degrees available in Australia. Most programs are accredited by CPA Australia and Chartered Accountants ANZ, providing a route toward professional membership without needing to repeat an entire undergraduate degree.
What’s covered
- Financial and management accounting
- Auditing and assurance
- Taxation and business law
- Accounting information systems
- Corporate finance and governance
Visa pathway
A completed CRICOS-registered Master of Professional Accounting generally qualifies graduates for the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa. Accounting has historically featured on Australia’s skilled-occupation lists, though students should always check the current list before relying on it.
Career outcomes
Graduates typically move into entry-level accounting, audit or tax roles at firms ranging from small practices to the big four, and the professional accreditation pathway (CPA or CA ANZ) is usually the bigger draw than the degree title itself. Because the qualification is aimed at career changers, cohorts tend to include a mix of ages and backgrounds, from recent arts or science graduates to people with several years of unrelated work experience looking for a more stable profession. Accounting roles have a long track record of steady demand in Australia regardless of broader economic cycles, though this can vary by region and specialisation, so it’s worth researching the current job market in whichever city you plan to settle in rather than assuming national trends apply everywhere equally.
How to choose a provider
The single most important check for this degree is accreditation status: confirm directly with CPA Australia or CA ANZ that the specific program at the specific institution is currently accredited for entry into their programs, since accreditation is reviewed periodically and can lapse or change. Beyond that, look at how much of the program is delivered flexibly or online, since Deakin in particular is known for flexible delivery that suits students juggling part-time work. Macquarie and UTS both have long-standing reputations in the accounting profession and strong recruiter relationships in Sydney, while RMIT and Monash offer similar accredited pathways in Melbourne. As always, treat published tuition figures as indicative only and confirm current fees with the provider before enrolling.
Entry requirements
- A completed bachelor degree in any discipline
- IELTS 6.5 to 7.0 (institute-specific)