Master of Professional Accounting
This internationally recognised master's accounting degree prepares you to launch a career as a professional accountant with just 12 months of full-time study.
The 240-point MPAcct (CA Program) will no longer be offered at the University of Waikato after the January 2026 intake. The 180-point MPAcct qualification will continue to be offered. Students who wish to complete the CA Program on campus may enrol in either the Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Accounting (PGCertPA) (part-time study) or Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Accounting (PGDipPA) (full-time study), starting in either January 2026 or January 2027.
240 points, MPAcct (21 months study); OR 180 points MPAcct (12 months study)
Hamilton
January (H Semester) or November (G Semester)
Why study the Master of Professional Accounting?
Waikato's Master of Professional Accounting (MPAcct) is tailor-made for university graduates who already have a bachelor's degree in another area.
This internationally recognised qualification provides the ideal springboard to launch your career as a professional accountant. You don't need to have studied accounting before at school or university.
The 12-month programme (180 points) has two intakes each year, so you can start in either January or November. Please note this is an accelerated course with an intensive workload.
Waikato's MPAcct qualification is globally accredited by four of the world's largest industry accounting bodies - CAANZ, CPA Australia, CIMA, and ACCA. This means our graduates can join any one of these four organisations as a provisional member, opening the door to a huge range of benefits and job opportunities.
This degree is also respected by top employers, including the 'Big Four' professional services firms: Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG.
During the one-year programme, you will develop advanced knowledge and skills in all the core areas of accounting, business, law, economics and finance, and be able to apply them to practical accounting situations.
Topics covered include management and financial accounting, accounting information systems and processes, performance reporting, auditing, taxation, business law, strategic decision-making, quantitative skills for economics and finance, and economics for business.
Once you graduate, you will be ready to start work as an accountant in either a public practice, commercial firm or organisation.
Please note: You will still need to gain three years' work experience and pass your Professional Exams with one of the four organisations below before you can apply to become a fully qualified Chartered Accountant.
Career Opportunities
- Auditor
- Business analyst / consultant
- Chartered accountant
- Chief financial officer
- Financial manager
- Management accountant
- Tax accountant
240 points, MPAcct (21 months study); OR 180 points MPAcct (12 months study)
Hamilton
January (H Semester) or November (G Semester)
Degree information
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Plan your study -
Entry Requirements You can apply for the Master of Professional Accounting if you:
- Have a bachelor's degree in any subject area
- Have achieved at least a B-minus grade average in your final year of study
You can apply for the Master of Professional Accounting if you:
- Have a bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in any subject area
- Have achieved at least a B-minus grade average in your final year of study
International students must have an equivalent degree qualification from a recognised university, and meet the University of Waikato's English language requirements.
If you do not meet these requirements, you can enrol in an English language programme with our University of Waikato College.
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Fees and scholarships Estimated fees
$17,669 per programme
Relevant as of 17 October 2025.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees. View information about fees free study.
Estimated fees
$59,750 (180 points)
Relevant as of 17 October 2025.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees.
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Graduate outcomes Students graduating with a Master of Professional Accounting (MPAcct) will:
- Develop the accounting and business skills and competencies expected of professionals in their field.
- Be able to use advanced professional and research-led knowledge in accounting to understand and critically analyse information; and apply this knowledge in theoretical and practical situations.
- Be able to apply their knowledge in real-world situations; and apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to practical accounting situations to develop competence and confidence in a professional business environment.
- Develop effective communication skills and competencies, both orally and in written form, for a wide range of audiences.
You can apply for the Master of Professional Accounting if you:
- Have a bachelor's degree in any subject area
- Have achieved at least a B-minus grade average in your final year of study
You can apply for the Master of Professional Accounting if you:
- Have a bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in any subject area
- Have achieved at least a B-minus grade average in your final year of study
International students must have an equivalent degree qualification from a recognised university, and meet the University of Waikato's English language requirements.
If you do not meet these requirements, you can enrol in an English language programme with our University of Waikato College.
Estimated fees
$17,669 per programme
Relevant as of 17 October 2025.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees. View information about fees free study.
Estimated fees
$59,750 (180 points)
Relevant as of 17 October 2025.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees.
Students graduating with a Master of Professional Accounting (MPAcct) will:
- Develop the accounting and business skills and competencies expected of professionals in their field.
- Be able to use advanced professional and research-led knowledge in accounting to understand and critically analyse information; and apply this knowledge in theoretical and practical situations.
- Be able to apply their knowledge in real-world situations; and apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to practical accounting situations to develop competence and confidence in a professional business environment.
- Develop effective communication skills and competencies, both orally and in written form, for a wide range of audiences.
Why study at Waikato?
Internationally recognised
Waikato's Master of Professional Accounting (180 points) is endorsed by four of the world's largest industry accounting bodies - CAANZ, CPA Australia, CIMA, and ACCA, making it your passport to work overseas and access a huge range of benefits.
QS World University Rankings
QS has ranked Waikato in the world's top 201-250 universities for the subjects of Accounting & Finance. You have the option to start the 12-month Master of Professional Accounting in either January or November.
Top 1% globally
Waikato Management School sits in the top 1% of business schools globally thanks to our prestigious Triple Crown Accreditation (EQUIS, AMBA and AACSB), which we've held since 2005.