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Western Sydney University

Graduate Certificate in Accounting

  • Delivery: Face to Face
  • Study Level: Postgraduate
  • Duration: 6 months
  • Course Type: Graduate Certificate

Designed to equip you with a solid understanding of basic accounting principles.

Course overview

Accounting is an increasingly critical function across industry and the professions. This program is designed to equip you with a solid understanding of basic accounting principles. It is your first step towards obtaining professional recognition in this field. It gives you the required entry criteria to pursue a Master of Accountancy or Master of Professional Accounting.

The Graduate Certificate in Accounting program is designed for those students who need to complete a minimum of four subjects to aid in achieving the educational requirements for admission to professional accounting bodies. It is also a program that is designed to allow students who do not meet the direct entry requirements into the Accounting Master's programs a pathway to progress to the Accounting Master's programs.

CSP Subsidised Fees Available

This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.

Key facts

Delivery
Face to Face
Course Type
Graduate Certificate
Duration
More Information
Can be studied part time
6 months (Full time)
Campus
Parramatta
Intake
5th January, 2026
30th March, 2026
22nd June, 2026
14th September, 2026
Units
4
Fees
More Information
HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.
HECS, CSP

What you will study

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 40 credit points, which consists of 30 credit points of core subjects and 10 credit points of alternate subjects. Each subject is valued at 10 credit points.

Core subjects

Students must complete the following:

  • Commercial Law
  • Introductory Accounting
  • Management Accounting

Alternate subjects

Select one of the following or any other business subject with the approval of the Director of the Academic Program:

  • Auditing
  • Company Accounting
  • Company Law
  • Corporate Finance
  • Economics
  • Information Systems for Accountants

Entry requirements

Applicants must meet one of the following:

  • Successfully completed an undergraduate degree, or higher, in any discipline.
  • Successfully completed an Associate Degree, or higher, in a business discipline.
  • Successfully completed an Advanced Diploma, or higher, in a business discipline and have a minimum of five (5) years of general work experience in a related field.
  • Have a minimum of three years full-time equivalent managerial/professional work experience in a related field.
  • Submitted other evidence of general and professional qualifications that demonstrate potential to pursue graduate studies.

Applicants seeking admission on the basis of work experience must support their application with a Statement of Service for all work experience listed on the application.

Outcomes

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

  • Communicate effectively using Business discipline-appropriate literacy and verbal skills that express complex ideas or contexts and are suited to the audience and context.
  • Collaborate effectively in teams in complex contexts.
  • Apply critical thinking and problem-solving to make informed decisions for enterprise futures within global Business contexts.
  • Apply numeracy and information literacy skills to make informed decisions for Business situations.
  • Identify discipline-appropriate cultural issues and make recommendations for improved Business practice.
  • Identify discipline-appropriate corporate socially responsible behaviour and make recommendations for improved Business practice.

Career outcomes

As a graduate of this degree, you can look forward to a broad range of exciting career opportunities in different sectors and industries. Below are some examples of the possible careers you can pursue with this degree:

  • Tax agent
  • Tax accountant
  • Accounting clerk

Fees and CSP

Indicative annual fee in 2026: $8,699 (Commonwealth Supported Place)

The fee estimates provided are indicative only and subject to change. These estimates are based on the current fee structures for a normal full-time study load. However, the final fees may vary depending on several factors, including the specific subjects chosen, the duration and timing of study and annual fee adjustments (subject to Commonwealth student contribution band rates). Please note that these estimates do not include the Student Services and Amenities Fee.

Commonwealth Supported Places

Studying in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) means that the Australian Government pays part of the fees towards your program, therefore reducing your tuition fees. The remaining amount that you pay is referred to as your Student Contribution.

Your student contribution amount is:

  • Calculated per subject you're enrolled in.
  • Dependent on the study areas they relate to.
  • Reviewed and adjusted each year.

HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.