Key facts

Domestic students course information.

Entry requirements

Entry is based on a bachelor qualification or 5 years of relevant work experience in the industry.

Entry is based on a bachelor qualification or 5 years of relevant work experience in the industry. English language requirements must also be met.

View full entry requirements
Duration
  • Up to 2 years part-time
Number of Units (Subjects)
  • 4 units (24 credit points)
View course structure
Fees
  • Commonwealth Supported Place (quotas apply)
  • Full Fee
  • International
View more fees information
CRICOS code
  • 062424G
Start Dates and Campus
Trimester 1 – February 2024Trimester 2 – June 2024Trimester 3 – October 2024
OnlineOfferedOfferedOffered
Armidale CampusNot OfferedNot OfferedNot Offered
Sydney CampusNot OfferedNot OfferedNot Offered
OnlineOfferedOfferedOffered
Armidale CampusNot OfferedNot OfferedNot Offered
Sydney CampusNot OfferedNot OfferedNot Offered

Course information

Download course brochure
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Accountants perform an essential role in just about every organisation around the world. As technology and business environments change, companies, governments and non-profits need skilled professionals to guide them in making financial and strategic decisions based on sound interpretations of accurate and reliable data and intelligence.

UNE's Graduate Certificate in Accounting will build on your skills and knowledge to allow you to lead the way towards making informed decisions in the workplace.

Completing this course will also set you on the path towards full accreditation with the peak professional accounting bodies.

Why study the Graduate Certificate in Accounting with UNE?

Whether you already have a bachelor degree but need four more units to gain accreditation with the professional accounting bodies or you don't have a degree but have at least five years of relevant work experience, our Graduate Certificate in Accounting is designed for you.

This course will also enable you to continue to high-level accounting studies such as the Graduate Diploma in Accounting and the Master of Professional Accounting.

What makes our course different?

Our Graduate Certificate in Accounting builds on your skills and knowledge and will set you on the path toward accounting accreditation. You will have opportunities to:

  • Hone your knowledge of the latest theories and practice in accounting, finance, economics and law.
  • Work towards recognition by the major Australian professional accounting bodies. By completing this course, you will be on your way to accreditation with the professional accounting bodies.
  • Progress on your pathway to becoming a tax practitioner.
  • Gain entry to the Master of Professional Accounting.
  • Choose when and where you study with this online-only program. UNE has the longest tradition of distance education of any university in Australia, so you can rest assured you'll receive high-quality education.
  • Attend option face-to-face weekend schools, available for some units.

Students award UNE 5-star ratings in The Good Universities Guide for Overall Experience and Student Support, so when you study with us, you know you are in good hands.

Units are drawn from the Master of Professional Accounting and may cover introductory as well as advanced units in accounting, finance, systems, law, auditing, economics and business statistics.

Study online

Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and bring valuable experience with them. They form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities and who bring their life and work experience together at UNE in order to become future-fit and better respond to a rapidly changing world.

Study on campus

Many of our students choose to take advantage of the on-campus lifestyle in Armidale, in the beautiful New England region, with access to unparalleled support, accommodation and sporting facilities. These students are often starting their first degree and have left school recently. Through access to academic and career support they get a fantastic start to their careers.

* 24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist you and help you to succeed.

Entry requirements

Select the option that best describes you.

This course is not currently available for this mode of study.

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

Intensive Schools

Some of the units in this course include optional intensive schools. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.

Visa Information

On-Campus study
If you would like to study full-time in Australia at one of UNE's campuses, you will need to have a visa that allows you to study. For most international students this visa will need to be a Student Visa. The Australian Department of Home Affairs has further information about visa eligibility and conditions.

If you are an international applicant who wants to study online (overseas or in Australia):

You will need to meet both the Academic and English Language Requirements to gain admission into this course. Meeting academic requirements means we review what you have already studied to see if you have the results needed for admission to your preferred course.

This course is offered under two admission rules.

Rule A: You have completed ONE of the following qualifications (or their overseas equivalents):

  • Bachelor (AQF Level 7)
  • Bachelor with Honours (AQF Level 8)
  • Graduate Certificate (AQF Level 8)
  • Graduate Diploma (AQF Level 8)
  • Masters (AQF Level 9)
  • Doctorate (AQF Level 10)

If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

Rule B: You have a minimum of five years of full-time (or part-time equivalent) relevant professional experience.*
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

* Relevant professional experience refers to a position of responsibility in any organizational or industry context.

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

Intensive Schools

Some of the units in this course include optional intensive schools. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.

Visa Information

Online study in your own country
If you would like to study online with UNE while you reside outside of Australia you do not need a Student Visa. If your course requires you to visit Australia to attend any mandatory study requirements, you would need to explore Visitor Visa options for a short-term stay.

Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:

  • If you are applying for admission under Rule A, you must provide a certified academic transcript of your completed Bachelor qualification.
  • If you are applying for admission under Rule B, you must provide a Statement of Service from your employer/s on company letterhead. Learn about our Statement of Service requirements.
  • Proof of identity and citizenship. This can be a certified/notarised copy of the photo page of your passport, or another form of official photo identification that lists your full personal details including name and date of birth; for example, a foreign government identity card.
  • Evidence of English Language Requirements satisfied. If you have completed a UNE-approved formal English test within the last two years, you must provide a copy of the test results with your application. Please see UNE’s English Language Requirements above for further information.

Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.

Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.

Please note: The maximum amount of Advanced Standing which can be granted towards this course is 12 credit points.

> Learn how to apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing

This course is offered under two admission rules.

Rule A: You have completed ONE of the following qualifications (or their overseas equivalents):

  • Bachelor (AQF Level 7)
  • Bachelor with Honours (AQF Level 8)
  • Graduate Certificate (AQF Level 8)
  • Graduate Diploma (AQF Level 8)
  • Masters (AQF Level 9)
  • Doctorate (AQF Level 10)

If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

Rule B: You have a minimum of five years of full-time (or part-time equivalent) relevant professional experience.*
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

* Relevant professional experience refers to a position of responsibility in any organizational or industry context.

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

English Language Requirements

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

Intensive Schools

Some of the units in this course include optional intensive schools. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.

Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:

  • If you are applying for admission under Rule A, you must provide a certified academic transcript of your completed Bachelor qualification.
  • If you are applying for admission under Rule B, you must provide a Statement of Service from your employer/s on company letterhead. Learn about our Statement of Service requirements.

Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.

Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.

Please note: The maximum amount of Advanced Standing which can be granted towards this course is 12 credit points.

> Learn how to apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing

Course structure

For students admitted through OUA and UNE:

To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 24 credit points including at least 18 credit points at 400-level and not more than 6 credit points at 500-level as approved by the course coordinator.

12 credit points

Complete the following units:

12 credit points

Complete 12 credit points from the following units, with not more than 6 credit points at 500-level.

See UNE Handbook for more details. The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course plans, exit awards, intensive schools, and work placement requirements.

Fees and scholarships

How much will it cost?

Estimated fees for your first year of study in this course are:

Fee typeCost
Full Fee
$14,236*
International
$16,127*
Commonwealth Supported Place (quotas apply)
$8,048*
Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time$351
*The costs will depend on the units you choose to study as the cost of individual units vary. “Estimated fees” are provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking a study load of 48 credit points in the first year of this course. For courses that require less than 48 credit points the fees indicated are based on the total credit points required for completion of that course. For more information, please see fees and costs.

*Annual course fees only cover the cost of tuition. They do not include other expenses associated with university study such as text books, accommodation and living expenses. If you are successful in gaining admission to study at UNE, the Offer of Admission will list the exact tuition fees you need to pay for your course. Fees quoted cover full-time tuition for two full-time trimesters only. For more information, please see fees and costs.

What are the course fee payment options?

Full Fee places are mostly in postgraduate coursework degrees. In a full fee place you pay the tuition fee set for your course, however you may be eligible for a FEE-HELP Loan to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.

If you are enrolled in a Full Fee place and there is a direct connection between your work and your study, you may be able to claim your tuition fees as a tax deduction.

A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a government subsidised place in a university course. The government pays part of your tuition fees, and you pay the remainder.

If you have a CSP in either an undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) degree, you may be eligible for a HECS-HELP Loan, which allows you to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.

UNE scholarships are open for all to apply and offer financial help while you are studying. There are scholarships for students with high academic achievement, from rural areas, studying specific degrees, in disadvantaged groups, experiencing financial hardship, who excel at sport or want to live in a UNE residential college.

UNE scholarship applications are free and confidential. You may apply for more than one scholarship.

Scholarships

UNE offers bursaries and scholarships that can help you with the costs of studying and living in Australia.

The UNE International Bursary reduces the published annual tuition fees for international students by up to 20%. These bursaries are available for international students commencing coursework studies at UNE in 2024. View detailed Bursary information.

UNE also offers a number of substantial research scholarships to postgraduate students studying research-based degrees.

Your career

Career outcomes

Use this course to future proof your career, enhance your career opportunities in accounting or to satisfy the entry requirements of the professional accounting organisations.

Careers you could consider include:

  • professional accountant
  • financial or budget analyst in a commercial enterprise
  • data analyst in a financial institution
  • entrepreneur or small business owner
  • agribusiness manager or consultant.
Professional recognition

If you require four or fewer units for accreditation with the professional accounting bodies this course is for you. Once the professional entry requirement is obtained you can pursue advanced professional development studies with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, CPA Australia or the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) to achieve full membership and further your accounting career. 

Course outcomes

The Graduate Certificate in Accounting is designed to meet the needs of non-graduates seeking entry into the Master of Professional Accounting course as well as graduates who need four or less units in accounting and finance to gain accreditation with the Professional Accounting Organisations. Students take four units from the Master of Professional Accounting at an introductory level (if entering the program) or at a more advanced level to complete requirements for accreditation with the Professional Accounting Organisations.
  1. demonstrate specialised knowledge within the accounting discipline to undertake professional work in accounting, and demonstrate the ability to communicate that knowledge;
  2. identify issues in accounting and finance, collect relevant data, critically evaluate a range of solutions to address complex problems and recommend the best course of action;
  3. communicate effectively with both accounting and non-accounting professionals on complex accounting and finance issues;
  4. make ethical decision on issues relevant to accounting and finance, and demonstrate clear knowledge of your responsibility and accountability for the decisions and those of others involved in its implementation; and
  5. integrate theoretical and technical accounting knowledge to demonstrate the ability to initiate, plan, implement and evaluate broad functions within specialised accounting contexts.
Knowledge of a Discipline

Demonstrate an awareness of the global and international developments within the accounting discipline, including international regulatory frameworks.

Communication Skills

Communicate to a range of stakeholders using appropriate methods to present technical information and build rapport, whilst recognising the particular importance of adequate disclosure of information and transparency in the accounting profession.

Problem Solving

Apply logical, critical and creative thinking to a range of problems; identify critical issues in the discipline or professional area; conceptualise problems and formulate a range of solutions that are appropriate to the national or cultural context of the problem; collect, collate and analyse relevant information to assist problem solving.

Information Literacy

Recognise the need for information and the nature and extent of information required; collect information effectively and efficiently; critically evaluate information; use appropriate technology, methods and techniques to collect and evaluate information; and present information in formats relevant to the accounting discipline.

Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility

Demonstrate ethical action and social responsibility in their personal, professional and community lives; demonstrate respect for, and acknowledgement of, ideas and knowledge of others; acknowledge the social and ethical implications of their actions; recognise social justice issues relevant to their discipline and professional area; understand the international implications of local decisions and the local implications of international decisions; appreciate the importance of sustainable development; identify occupational risk and apply duty of care principles.

Lifelong Learning

Reflect on limitations of, and have the capacity to, evaluate their current knowledge; identify, evaluate and implement personal learning strategies for lifelong personal and professional development; practice critical thinking; learn both independently and cooperatively; learn new skills and apply learning to new and unexpected situations; recognise opportunities for further learning in both familiar and unfamiliar national or cultural settings.

Independence and Collaboration

Work in a team or collaboratively within a multidisciplinary group to achieve common goals and to solve problems; contribute specialist knowledge as required; take responsibility and carry out agreed tasks; take initiative and lead others; operate in a range of supportive roles within teams; negotiate, assert their own values and respect the values and contributions of others; and evaluate team performance. Graduates also become aware of the multicultural environment, acting with dignity and showing respect to the fellow members of the group.

A five-star experience

2024 Overall Experience Good University Logo

Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience

Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
2024 Student Experience Good University Logo

No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience

QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience

QILT Student Experience Survey
2024 Teaching Quality Good University Logo

Five Stars for
Teaching Quality

UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality

Good Universities Guide 2024
Woman studying online at home

Studying online

At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.

We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*

*The Good Universities Guide

A five-star experience

2024 Overall Experience Good University Logo

Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience

Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
2024 Student Experience Good University Logo

No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience

QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience

QILT Student Experience Survey
2024 Teaching Quality Good University Logo

Five Stars for
Teaching Quality

UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality

Good Universities Guide 2024
Woman studying online at home

Studying online

At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian University.

As an international student you can take advantage of flexible online study from overseas or while you are studying in Australia on a visa other than a student visa. You can’t study fully online on a Student Visa.

To study online from overseas you need to consider that you may need to travel to Australia to attend a UNE campus for some mandatory intensive schools.

Studying on Campus

Whether you are an undergraduate student coming to study in Australia for the first time, a PhD student coming to live here with your family, or you only need short-stay accommodation whilst in Armidale for Intensive Schools, we have the perfect accommodation option for you.

Find out more about studying on campus

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Why study with us?

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I was recruited directly from campus into a 'big 4' accounting firm.

Hamish Shaw, General Manager, Bellata Gold Milling

Why study with us?

UNE Accounting graduate in graduation cap and gown

Studying at a distance requires quite a bit of discipline but the UNE experience was so rewarding that, although still working in East Timor, I enrolled in a Master's degree program.

Muhidin Abass, Graduate Certificate in Accounting

How to apply

Applying to UNE is quick and easy. If you are an
you can apply at any time. Apply now and we'll get you started in the next possible intake.

Preparing to apply

You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.

The kind of documents you need will depend on:

  • Your preferred course/s
  • Your personal circumstances
Applying to UNE is quick and easy. If you are applying as a
, the application process may be a little different depending on who you are and what you want to study.

Preparing to apply

You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.

The kind of documents you need will depend on:

  • Your preferred course/s
  • Your personal circumstances

Important Dates

Different application methods and courses can have different closing dates. To find your correct application method click the Apply Now button below. Please check the appropriate application website for opening and closing dates.

If you are applying online direct to UNE please see below for application dates.

IntakeApplication Closing DateTrimester Start Date
Trimester 116 February 202426 February 2024
Trimester 214 June 202424 June 2024
Trimester 311 October 202421 October 2024

Important Notice for Prospective Students

For accurate, up-to-date details on entry requirements, course structure, and other essential information, please consult the UNE Student Handbook before applying or enrolling. The Handbook provides comprehensive guidance to assist in your decision-making process. We apologise for any inconvenience.