Graduate Certificate in Accounting
This short course is a great introduction to the world of accounting, and provides a bridge to further study. Accountants are trusted business advisors who work closely with clients to help them make strategic financial decisions, and increase business revenue and profits.

If you enjoy working with numbers and want to help businesses grow, then accounting may be a good fit for you.
Professionally qualified accountants are paid attractive salaries and can find work in a wide range of industries.
They often work in high-level management positions where skills in financial control, decision making, legal compliance and leadership are essential.
In this subject, you'll learn how to prepare financial records to comply with professional reporting standards, and gain a better understanding of commercial and taxation laws that apply to businesses.
If you already have a degree but have never studied accounting before at university level, then you may be interested in the Master of Professional Accounting, a 14-month accelerated programme.
By following a specific programme of study, you can meet the academic requirements to join either Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ), CPA Australia, or the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA) once you graduate.
Waikato is ranked in the world's top 201-250 universities for Accounting & Finance in the prestigious QS Subject Rankings 2020. We're also ranked number one in the world for research in experimental accounting information systems (BYU Rankings).
You'll study at Waikato Management School, which is in the top 1% of all business schools globally with Triple Crown Accreditation from EQUIS, AMBA and AACSB.
Key information
Duration Of Study: | 4-8 months (full-time or part-time study) |
---|---|
Points: | 60 points |
GradCert(Acc) Study Locations: | Hamilton, Tauranga Papers offered differ by location. The Catalogue of Papers has full location info. |
Start Dates: | January (H Semester), March (A Trimester), July (B Trimester), November (G Semester) |
Estimated Fees* (Domestic): |
NZ$3,400 approx (2021 tuition fees) per programme
See if you're eligible for fees-free study in your first year |
Estimated Fees* (International): | NZ$15,132 approx (2021 tuition fees) per programme |
Entry Requirements: | Postgraduate International |
Area of Study: | |
*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. |
Degree Planner
Degree planner — Graduate Certificate in Accounting (60 points)
Students will complete four papers in total (60 points), worth 15 points each. This includes one introductory paper at 100 or 200-level, and three advanced papers (45 points) at 300-level.
You have the option to include one elective paper at 300-level in any subject.
Please contact the Management Student Centre (email [email protected]) for advice before you enrol in any papers.
Admission to each paper is at the discretion of the subject convenor. Some papers have prerequisites, or you may need to ask for a waiver.
Introductory paper (15 points)
Choose ONE of the following papers:
Advanced papers
Choose THREE advanced papers:
Advanced papers
300 Level
Elective paper in any subject
- Subject
- Explanatory note
- Elective
Students also have the option of transferring into the Graduate Diploma in Accounting (120 points).
This information is provisional and subject to change.
The whole student experience at Waikato was awesome; it creates a huge network after completing university too.
Read stories from other Graduate Certificate in Accounting students
Entry requirements
Expand to read entry requirements
To enrol for the Graduate Certificate in Marketing, applicants must have:
a) completed a bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification; OR
b) be able to demonstrate they have adequate training, experience, and ability to proceed with the programme.
Applicants who do not meet these requirements may still be considered for special admission, subject to completing some additional qualifying papers.
Admission to each paper is at the discretion of the subject convenor.
Scholarships and prizes
Visit our Scholarship Finder for information about possible scholarships
Graduate study options
- Graduate Diploma in Accounting
- Master of Management Studies in Accounting (research-based degree)
- Master of Professional Accounting, (14-month professional degree)
Contacts
Waikato Management School - Management Student Centre (MSC)
Phone:
Email: [email protected]
Have a chat with one of our friendly advisers to help you plan your degree.
Phone: +64 7 838 4610 Email: [email protected]
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