La Trobe University
Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 6 months
- Course Type: Graduate Certificate
Acquire the knowledge necessary to study advanced accounting topics. This can serve as a pathway to our Master of Professional Accounting and Master of Extended Professional Accounting programs.
Course overview
Designed as a direct pathway to further study in professional accounting, La Trobe's Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting will teach you essential fundamentals in this in-demand field.
Enjoy the opportunity for quick upskilling in this six-month program, where you'll learn from leading academics and hear guest lectures from industry experts. Explore a mix of accounting, finance, economics and other business-related studies.
Once you've completed this course, you'll have the knowledge you need to study advanced accounting topics. You can use this as a pathway to our Master of Professional Accounting and Master of Extended Professional Accounting. You'll be eligible for credit (also known as advanced standing) for the subjects you've already completed, taking you one step closer to your next qualification.
You'll learn:
Accounting principles and practices
- Learn how to record business transactions, prepare financial statements and assess performance. Develop your professional judgment through real-world business scenarios.
Economics
- Understand fundamental principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics. Explore the roles of individuals and businesses in different market structures and the impact of regulatory and political environments on business.
Finance
- Understand financial concepts and their application in business. Explore how organisations are financed, how they make investment decisions and how they develop dividend policies.
Business law or data analytics
- Develop general knowledge relating to businesses, such as their responsibilities and risks they face, or study how to apply data analytics methods and tools in a business context to support data-driven decision-making.
Key facts
Sydney
July, 2026
What you will study
To qualify for the award of Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting, students must complete a total of 60 credit points across one year. Each subject is valued at 15 credit points, unless otherwise indicated.
Core subjects
Complete the following:
- Academic Integrity Module
- Accounting Principles And Practices
- Principles Of Economics
- Principles Of Finance
Core choice subjects
Choose one of the following:
- Foundations Of Company And Commercial Law
- Statistics For Business And Finance
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
You are required to have a successful completion of an Australian bachelor's degree (or equivalent).
Meeting minimum prerequisites does not guarantee an offer of a place. Entry into all courses is based on competitive selection and there may be limited places available.
English language requirements
For international students, please get in touch with the university for further information regarding English language requirements.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Credit for previous study is the recognition of prior study or learning that can be counted towards a qualification. This can reduce the number of subjects required to complete your course. The amount of credit received depends on the level and relevance of your previous study and the number of subjects completed. Contact the university for more details.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
In this course, you'll gain key accounting and financial skills. You can use this course as a pathway to one of the university's accredited accounting degrees, or apply the foundational knowledge you build through your study to enhance your decision-making abilities in another career path.
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate general understanding of accounting and related knowledge for further learning in professional accounting practice.
- Apply general accounting and business knowledge and skills to solve practical business problems.
- Communicate business advice to various stakeholders from diverse cultural and language backgrounds.
Fees and FEE-HELP
Estimated fees per year 2026: $17,200 (domestic full-fee paying place).
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a full-time study load of 60 credit points for one year.
A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:
- The number of units studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of units.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.