Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting

Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting

POSTGRADUATE

Broaden your career prospects with this accounting course aimed at graduates of non-accounting disciplines.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 6 months
Part-time 1 year
Fees:

AU$17,280 (2025 total)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 6 months
Fees:

AU$23,040 (2025 total)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

Gain the core skills you need to launch a career in professional accounting.

Become a literate and analytical accounting practitioner with strong foundational skills in financial decision making and reporting, business and corporations law, and more. 

Designed for those without an accounting background, this immersive graduate certificate will give you the skills required to not only join this always-essential field, but to thrive in it.

Why study the Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting at RMIT?

Industry input

This course has been developed in consultation with high-profile industry executives.

Graduate job-ready

Build a foundation for your career, or be prepared for further study.

Professional association

Gain eligibility to join the Institute of Public Accountants.

In order to meet accreditation requirements, you will need to complete the Master of Professional Accounting, which includes compulsory curriculum areas designated by CPA Australia and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

Our course offers studies in the core areas of accounting and business and social, environmental, cultural and ethical issues that affect contemporary business environments.

Details

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Learning and teaching

RMIT offers a variety of learning and teaching approaches including lectures, seminars, studios, workshops, presentations, group discussions and syndicate work.

Assessment methods

Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes examinations, essays, reports, presentations, group projects, research projects, quizzes and tests, blog journals and practical assignments.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

Guiding the development of the College of Business and Law, both nationally and internationally, is an Industry Advisory Board of high-profile executives.

The Board creates a strategic bridge between the latest in technology and design thinking and business.

Postgraduate courses in accounting have been developed in consultation with stakeholders including: employers, professional bodies, alumni and students, the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), CPA Australia and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

The Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting comprises four subjects. 

In this course, you will explore accounting and accountability, business law, and financial decision making and integrated reporting.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting
Program code: GC119
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting
City Campus
0.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent
GC119
084995A
Location
City Campus
Duration
0.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Plan code
GC119
CRICOS
084995A
View plan
Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting
City Campus
0.5 years full-time
GC119
084995A
Location
City Campus
Duration
0.5 years full-time
Plan code
GC119
CRICOS
084995A
View plan

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

Graduates may work in public accounting practice or commercial and government organisations.

Graduates are encouraged to progress to the Master of Professional Accounting.

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Course accreditation or membership offered by professional bodies signals to employers the quality and relevance of RMIT's courses and opens up career pathways and networks.

Professional bodies accredit or recognise courses as meeting professional and academic standards deemed to be essential for a new graduate entering into that profession. An accredited course will either enable the graduate to enter directly into a professional qualifications program or provide the graduate with exemptions or credit towards a post university professional qualification.

Statutory accreditation

This type of accreditation is where a statutory body must approve a course of study in order for a graduate to practise in that profession.

Membership

Professional bodies or associations are representative organisations of professions that provide membership and other career development support to its members. Many professional bodies offer membership opportunities for students and new graduates with benefits such as career advice, networking within the profession and access to resources not available through the university. The aim of these benefits is to assist with your transition from university into the profession.

Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting

Current course accreditations and information about membership and development opportunities for students and graduates.

CPA Australia

Membership and opportunities
  • Students and graduates eligible to enrol in the CPA Australia Network

Institute of Public Accountants (IPA)

Membership and opportunities
  • Students eligible for membership category: Student

Entry requirements and admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following entry requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

An Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent), or higher level qualification, in any discipline from a recognised tertiary institution.

If you do not meet the above entry requirement for the Graduate Certificate you may be considered if you have a minimum of 5 years full-time equivalent work experience. Applicants will be required to submit a curriculum vitae (CV).

*If your qualification was completed more than 10 years ago you will need to provide evidence of ongoing professional work and/or professional development in the same discipline as the program for which you are seeking entry to be granted credit.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have successfully completed an Australian Bachelor degree, (or equivalent overseas qualification) or higher level qualification in any discipline.

You may also be considered if you have a minimum of 5 years full-time equivalent work experience. Applicants will be required to submit a curriculum vitae (CV).

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).

Pathways

You can gain entry to this graduate certificate from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs, if you meet the entry requirements.

Credit and recognition of prior learning

Applicants who have successfully completed postgraduate studies in a business or related discipline at another institution can have these assessed for credit or exemptions from this course consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

The Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting is a pathway to the Master of Professional Accounting.

Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting you can continue your studies in the Master of Professional Accounting and receive 48 credit points worth of credit (equivalent to one semester of full-time study) for courses completed in the Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting.

You can gain entry into this degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs.

Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.

When you successfully complete the Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting you are guaranteed entry into the Master of Professional Accounting or Master of Professional Accounting (CPA Australia Extension) with 1 semester of advanced standing (equivalent to 48 credit points).

Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry into other RMIT postgraduate programs.

Fees

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This program has full-fee places, with a limited number of Commonwealth supported places (CSP). 

Government financial assistance is available to eligible students regardless of the type of place you enrol in.

2025 indicative fees

  • Full-fee places: AU$17,280* (2025 total).

Commonwealth supported places

  • 2025 Commonwealth supported places (CSP) range from AU$4,627 to AU$16,992*. 

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$365 maximum fee for 2025*.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment*

Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.

*Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Defer your payment

This program is offered on a full-fee paying basis only. If you are offered a place, you will need to pay the full tuition costs of your program. However, eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

If you are offered a full-fee place, you will need to pay the full tuition costs of your program. However, eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government.

Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set on an annual basis by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual enrolled courses, not the overall program.

How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?

The Australian Government has introduced changes to university funding and student contribution fees under its Job-ready Graduates Package. 

The fees in the table below apply to students who commence their program in 2025. Fees for continuing students are available at fees for Commonwealth supported students.

Each course (subject) falls into a band. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.

Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.

You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at Fees for Commonwealth supported students.

Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2025 for commencing students

Student contribution band by course (subject)

Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2025
Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture $4,627 per standard year
$578 per standard (12 credit point) course
Allied Health, Other Health, Built Environment, Computing, Visual and Performing Arts, Professional Pathway Psychology, Professional Pathway Social Work, Engineering, Surveying, Environmental Studies, Science, Pathology $9,314 per standard year
$1,164 per standard (12 credit point) course
Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science $13,241 per standard year
$1,655 per standard (12 credit point) course
Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture $16,992 per standard year
$2,124 per standard (12 credit point) course

Student Learning Entitlement

On 1 January 2022, the Government implemented the Student Learning Entitlement (SLE).

  • The SLE allows students 7 years of full-time subsidised study in Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP).
  • Your total SLE amount will be reduced in accordance with your overall study load in a CSP. 
  • Once you have utilised all your SLE, you can not longer study in a CSP.

For more information about SLE, visit Study Assist.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.

FEE-HELP loans

Eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

SA-HELP Loans

You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.

How does a HELP loan work?

If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.

You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.

This program is approved for income support.

You may be eligible for student income support payments from the Commonwealth Government if you are undertaking a graduate certificate, graduate diploma or an approved professionally oriented masters by coursework program. For more information see Income support for Masters students.

If you are enrolled in an eligible program you will also need to satisfy all other student payment eligibility requirements. You can contact Centrelink or Services Australia for further information about student income support entitlements, your eligibility and how to apply.

You may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to your employment.

See the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for more information.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365. 

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information