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Discipline info for International students
Interested in Accounting and Finance?
Develop the expertise to succeed in the fast-paced financial and accounting sectors with an internationally-recognised Business School. With access to industry knowledge and hands-on learning opportunities, you will graduate prepared for a global career in the dynamic business environment.
Learning from experienced academics and industry professionals, you will gain a desirable skillset recognised by employers including communication, teamwork, reporting and analytical skills. You will also understand how external and global markets can affect organisations and use state-of-the-art technologies to identify, analyse and interpret financial information.
An undergraduate double degree in accounting and finance will enable you to pursue multiple career paths, or roles that combine these complementary disciplines. You can graduate with two professionally accredited degrees in just four years and will also be eligible for membership with professional bodies, in both sectors.
Our professionally accredited Masters qualifications in accounting, finance, and FASEA-approved programs in financial planning will prepare you to advance your career. You will develop expertise in critical and strategic thinking within a highly-regulated industry framework and strengthen your research skills under the guidance of experienced professionals.
Key features
- Our Business School is in the top one per cent worldwide1 and has been awarded an overall five stars for excellence in the QS Stars Ratings 2019.
- UniSA is ranked in World Top 150 in Accounting and Finance2.
- Study at the No.1 Business School in South Australia for graduate careers3.
- Study a Financial Planning degree approved by the Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority (FASEA).
- Learn about the economic, legal and political influences that affect global business, and prepare for a career in accounting and business advisory.
- Gain a foundation of business knowledge combined with accounting, taxation, auditing, law and finance.
- Participate in an investigative study tour learning about the business practices in Hong Kong, China and Taiwan (undergraduate students).
- Participate in industry placements – we have more than 2,500 industry partners and over 60 university partners worldwide.
- Finance students can access our state-of-the-art Iress Trading Room on campus, which includes a market data feed and financial analysis tools - the same technology used by the world's leading banks and investment firms.
- Our range of undergraduate business degrees include common core courses in first year – you can then specialise in a chosen area, change your major, add a minor, or and pick and choose from professional electives so you graduate industry-ready.
1UniSA Business School is one of just ten institutions in Australia and 187 globally to be accredited by EQUIS (from over 16,500 worldwide). EFMD, October 2019. 22019 QS Subject Rankings. 3QILT: Graduate Outcomes Survey 2016-18 – Full-time Employment Indicator (Undergraduate). Public SA-founded universities only.
- UniSA is ranked in the World Top 150 in Accounting and Finance1, our Business School is in the top one per cent worldwide2 and we have been awarded an overall five stars for excellence in the QS Stars Ratings 2019.
- UniSA Business School is No.1 in South Australia for graduate careers3.
- Our strong real-world connections mean you can learn from researchers recognised as performing world standard in Accounting4.
- You can gain valuable industry experience before you graduate with access to internships, overseas exchange, study tours, professional development courses, Summer or Winter School intensives and more – plus we give you a longer break between semesters to make sure you have the time.
- Finance students can experience the first state-of-the-art university-based Iress Trading Room in South Australia, providing a range of financial analysis tools used by the world’s leading banks and investment firms.
- Our qualifications are accredited and approved by leading professional bodies and we work closely with industry to ensure our curriculum includes the very latest theories and trends.
- Engage in our mentor program and be paired with an experienced business professional to enhance your network and career.
- We are consistently recognised and awarded for our excellence in teaching, the quality of our degrees and satisfaction of our students – there's never been a better time to study at the UniSA Business School.
- As a high achieving student, you may be a lucky recipient of one of our prizes or awards.
12019 QS Subject Rankings. 2UniSA Business School is one of just ten institutions in Australia and 187 globally to be accredited by EQUIS (from over 16,500 worldwide). EFMD, October 2019. 3QILT: Graduate Outcomes Survey 2016-18 – Full-time Employment Indicator (Undergraduate). Public SA-founded universities only. 42018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
Tailor your degree
3+1 Pathway to Masters
For select degrees, you can complete a bachelor and masters qualification in just four years. This unique offering allows you to fast-track your studies and graduate with greater expertise and career opportunities. Learn more.
New Financial Planning degrees
The University of South Australia is one of the first institutions nation-wide to offer financial planning programs approved by the Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority (FASEA).
The financial planning profession has recently introduced new education standards, making it more important than ever to hold a recognised qualification.
All financial advisers currently working in industry will need to complete a FASEA-approved program by 2026 to continue practising. If you're looking to enter the industry, you'll now need to complete a FASEA-approved program to start your career.
Our suite of degrees are designed to meet industry requirements and cater to all levels of experience and learning options, with the flexibility to study how it best suits you.
- Bachelor of Business (Financial Planning): This degree is best suited if you do not hold a prior qualification or industry experience. This program is FASEA-approved and can be completed in 3 years full-time through a mix of on-campus and online study, or 100% online.
- Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning: If you do not hold a relevant prior qualification but have industry experience in a related financial services role, this program can be used as a direct entry pathway into our FASEA-approved master's program. The graduate certificate can be completed in 6 months of full-time study.
From 2020, this program will also embed FASEA-approved bridging courses that will be available as an option for existing financial advisers who only need to study a selection of courses to meet new education requirements. - Bridging courses: From 2020, these will also be available to study as standalone courses for existing financial advisers who may only need to complete between 1-3 courses to meet FASEA requirements.
- Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning: This degree is best suited to existing financial advisers who need to study a FASEA-approved program to meet new education requirements, and professionals with a relevant degree seeking a career change. This program is FASEA-approved and can be completed in 1 year of full-time study.
- Master of Finance (Financial Planning): This degree is best suited to professionals who hold a prior qualification and are seeking a career change in the financial services sector. This program is FASEA-approved and can be completed in 1.5-2 years of full-time study.
You can also choose to study the bachelor, graduate certificate or graduate diploma 100% online through UniSA Online.
We also offer the option to study a bachelor or master's degree in financial planning as part of our 3+1 Pathway to Masters packaged programs, enabling you to fast-track your studies and enhance your career opportunities in just four years.
UniSA offers 21 Accounting and Finance degrees
Choose your level of study
World-class partners for a world-class university
We are a globally connected university with over 2,500 industry and professional relationships that support student internships, research and community engagement.
As the No.1 Business School in South Australia for graduate careers1, our quality teaching and experiences beyond the classroom will ensure you graduate career-ready.
Between now and 2020 the availability of accounting and finance-related roles in Australia is expected to increase by:
- 17.1 per cent (accountants, auditors and company secretaries)
- 16.6 per cent (accountants)
- 22.3 per cent (auditors, company secretaries and corporate treasurers)
- 19 per cent (financial broker and dealer, and investment advisers)
- 21.9 per cent (financial investment advisers and managers)2
Careers to consider in accounting include:
- Auditor: ensuring financial and operational integrity and compliance; evaluating and reporting on financial, operational and managerial processes and systems; working on business process reviews and risk assessments.
- Business adviser: working with new or established businesses; analysing business plans and financial statements; advising on investments, marketing, funding and financial trends; understanding consumer needs and how to improve profitability; problem solving with clients
- Forensic accountant: working in a corporate or regulatory environment to investigate fraud and similar crimes; researching, analysis and preparing forensic reports for court; presenting findings; working closely with clients and colleagues
- Practicing accountant: working for private sector, government or individuals; preparing tax returns; keeping accounting systems up-to-date; maintaining financial records; advising on business structures
- Tax accountant: processing tax returns; completing Business Activity Statements (BAS) and company tax returns; providing tax planning advice and strategies
Careers to consider in finance include:
- Business adviser: working with new or established businesses; analysing business plans and financial statements; advising on investments, marketing, funding and financial trends; understanding consumer needs and how to improve profitability
- Investment fund manager: providing financial advice about investment matters such as buying and selling of trusts, shares and bonds; analysing data and available information to make decisions and recommendations about investments.
- Investment banker: raising capital for companies, governments and other entities; assisting with large, complicated financial transactions; providing advice in areas such as mergers and acquisitions, regulatory environments, and risk assessment
- Qualified financial planner or adviser: helping clients to meet short- and long-term financial goals; assisting with legal and financial documents, financial laws and legal restrictions; advising on investments and security planning, estate planning, tax planning, employee benefits planning and insurance planning
1QILT: Graduate Outcomes Survey 2016-18 – Full-time Employment Indicator (Undergraduate). Public SA-founded universities only. 2Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2015.
Global networks
We are a globally connected university, our staff and students come from over 90 countries. We have more than 2,500 industry and professional relationships that support student internships, research and community engagement.
Our Business School works with more than 200 companies, governments and organisations, and many of these are long-standing relationships built on common goals and shared values.
In the 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) rankings, our research in Accounting and Applied Economics was assessed as world-class. We have strong links, individually and collectively, with leading and like-minded research institutions in North America, Europe and the UK and are building equally exciting new relationships in Asia.
Industry facts
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How to apply?
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.
Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.
If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.
Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.
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What credit can I receive for previous studies? ?
You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.
The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.
Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.
We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.
Study at UniSA
Hear from some of our academics about what makes our Accounting degree unique and what opportunities you can make the most of as a UniSA student.
What others are saying
I was able to participate in the mentor program, Chartered Accountancy achiever program and networking events within the university and accounting organisations. It gave me an insight into the industry and the skills I need to have when I enter the workforce.
Damien Mcleod
Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting)
I enjoy studying at UniSA because of the world-class facilities, collections of quality study materials, student support services and quality lecturers, who hold a PhD, CPA, CA and more.
Phallika Chum
Master of Professional Accounting
The UniSA Business School provides you with the tools and education to prepare you for a career in your chosen field. I attended the Chartered Accountant Employment Evenings and participated in the Business Career Mentor Program which allowed me to learn first-hand from industry professionals who had previously walked in my shoes.
Nicholas Abela
Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting), Bachelor of Business (Finance)
Employment: Risk Advisor, Delloite Australia
The UniSA Business School's accounting degree has a strong emphasis on the importance of communication and teamwork. You need to be able to communicate technical concepts in terms that your clients can understand and action. Beyond the theoretical knowledge, I have found these skills to be useful when interacting and corresponding with clients and colleagues.
Lilian Te
Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting), Bachelor of Business (Finance)
Employment: Assistant Manager - Corporate Tax, BDO
As a financial planner, you must be prepared to work with a variety of people and be prepared to maintain your accreditation that allows you to compete with others in an industry growing and changing all the time.
Andrew McInerney
Employment: Chief Financial Officer, Jobs Statewide
Having a FASEA-approved qualification is now imperative to a successful career as a financial adviser. The new FASEA requirements will effectively reshape Australia’s network of financial advisers. Financial planners who are able to adapt to change, continually learn new things, possess good communication skills, and demonstrate flexibility and resilience will be the most successful in their career.
Louise Trevaskis
Employment: AMP Financial Services
Role: Academy and Education Manager
Why study at UniSA?
As one of the most innovative universities in Australia and Asia, there are many reasons to study with us. Here are just three:
Accessible, helpful and flexible
We have six campuses, a 24/7 online learning environment, and we offer flexible study options like online and evening courses.
Graduate success
UniSA is South Australia's number one university for graduate careers.*
*QILT: Graduate Outcomes Survey 2016-18 – Full-time Employment Indicator (Undergraduate). Public SA-founded universities only.
A five star university
Five stars for research, teaching, employability, internationalisation, facilities, social responsibility and inclusiveness.*
*QS Stars rankings 2017