Qualification Level
AQF Level 9
Australian Master's Degrees generally sit at AQF Level 9.
Study in Australia
Master of Accounting in Australia
Compare Australian accounting master's programs by professional accreditation, entry background, curriculum, duration, tuition fees and professional-study pathways.
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Explore Master of Accounting Courses in Australia
Compare accounting master's programs, including Master of Professional Accounting courses, by university, location, tuition fees, scholarships and intake.
Field Guide
Master of Accounting in Australia: Quick Guide
Common Course Names
Accounting postgraduate programs may be called:
- Master of Accounting
- Master of Professional Accounting
- Master of Professional Accounting Advanced
or similar variations.
The course title alone does not confirm professional recognition.
What You May Study
Programs may include:
- financial accounting
- management accounting
- audit
- taxation
- business law
- economics
- finance
- accounting information systems
- business analytics
- ethics
- technology
Conversion Programs
Many Master of Professional Accounting programs are designed for students whose first degree was not in accounting.
Students who already hold a substantial accounting qualification should check whether a different postgraduate program would offer more advanced or specialised study.
Professional Accreditation
Professional accreditation can be particularly important for students who plan to pursue pathways associated with organisations such as:
- CPA Australia
- Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand
These bodies publish recognised or accredited tertiary programs.
Students should check the exact course and current recognition status.
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Expert Context
Professional Accreditation Is More Important Than the Course Name
“Professional Accounting” Does Not Automatically Mean Professional Membership
A university can name a course Master of Professional Accounting, but students should still check the exact curriculum against the current requirements of the relevant professional body.
Accreditation Is Only One Stage
Completing an accredited accounting course does not automatically make a graduate a CPA or Chartered Accountant.
Professional bodies apply their own requirements, which may include:
- professional study
- practical experience
- ethics requirements
- membership criteria
Compare Required Competency Areas
Professional accounting pathways commonly require study covering areas such as:
- financial accounting
- management accounting
- audit
- taxation
- business law
- economics
- finance
- information technology
Students should compare the subjects included in the degree rather than assuming all accounting programs contain the same professional foundation.
Technology Is Increasingly Relevant to Accounting
Accounting careers increasingly interact with:
- automation
- data analytics
- cloud accounting systems
- business intelligence
- digital reporting
Courses that integrate technology and data skills may provide a broader modern accounting education than programs focused exclusively on traditional reporting.
Existing Accounting Students Should Check for Duplication
If your Bachelor Degree already covered the major professional accounting foundation subjects, another general accounting degree may duplicate prior study.
Compare advanced accounting, analytics, finance or specialist programs before deciding.
Questions, answered
Frequently asked
What is the difference between Master of Accounting and Master of Professional Accounting?
Course names vary by university. Curriculum and professional recognition are more important than the name.
Do I need an accounting bachelor degree?
Not always. Many programs are designed specifically for graduates from other disciplines.
Are all Australian accounting Master's Degrees CPA or CA accredited?
No. Accreditation or recognition should be checked for the specific program.
Does an accredited Master's Degree automatically make me a CPA or CA?
No. Professional bodies have additional requirements.
How long does a Master of Accounting take?
Duration depends on the program, your prior study and any recognised credit.
What should I compare between accounting programs?
Look at professional accreditation, required accounting subjects, technology content, tuition, duration and entry background.
Find an Accounting Master's Program That Supports Your Goal
Compare professional recognition, curriculum, entry background and total study requirements before choosing a degree.