Study Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for International students.

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International students

Start date
February
August

Campus
City West

Duration
3 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus/Online

Program Code
DBCA

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Fees
2020: AUD$ 32,600 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL)

Admissions
Student Profile

English Language Requirements

IELTS total [6.0]
IELTS reading [6.0]
IELTS writing [6.0]

Equivalent English qualifications (PDF)

International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements

CRICOS Code
080917C

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.

Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.

Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:

Recent secondary education
Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
AND

Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points

Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.

OR
Higher education study

Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above

OR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV or above

OR
Work and life experience

Qualify for Special Entry, or
Complete a UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past

Essential requirements for admission

Prerequisites

None

Assumed Knowledge

None

English language entry requirements

In addition, international students who speak English as a foreign language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at the University of South Australia. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.

English language test

IELTS total [6.0]
IELTS reading [6.0]
IELTS writing [6.0]

See equivalence table for other qualifications and English Language tests accepted by UniSA (PDF)

Admission Requirements by Country

Kenya KCSE (average)	B+
Malaysia STPM (best 3)	6
Malaysia UEC	30
Norway GPA	3
Pakistan HSSC	85
Sri Lanka A Levels (best 3)	7
Sweden GPA	13
UK Board GCE A Levels/HK Board	7
Vietnam	7.5
Australia	70
IB (best 6)	26
USA SAT (1600)	1110
HKDSE	16
Nepal NEB	2.61
Bangladesh HSC	4
Canada High School (OSSD)	65
Eynesbury FSP	330
German Abitur	3
India (best 4)	65

View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

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This degree can be packaged with a masters degree. For more information and SATAC codes visit 3+1 Pathway to Masters

Degree overview

Join a university ranked in the Top 150 institutions in the world for Accounting and Finance¹.
Study at the No.1 Business School in South Australia for graduate careers².
Build a strong foundation of knowledge in accounting combined with business, taxation, auditing, finance and sustainability.
Develop strong problem solving, reporting, decision-making, communication and teamwork skills.
Learn about the economic, legal and political influences that impact global business.
Prepare for a rewarding career in accounting and business advisory with an industry-accredited degree.
Participate in an overseas study tour learning about business practices and political and cultural influences in other regions.
Benefit from fully-flexible learning options including online study.
Fast-track your studies and complete an undergraduate degree and masters degree in just four years with our 3+1 Pathway to Masters package.
The University of South Australia Business School is in the top one per cent worldwide³and has been awarded an overall five stars for excellence in the QS Stars Ratings 2019.
Study a curriculum informed by world-class research in Accounting⁴.

¹2019 QS Subject Rankings. ²QILT: Graduate Outcomes Survey Course Experience Questionnaire 2016-18 – Full-time Employment Indicator (Undergraduate and Postgraduate). Public SA-founded universities only. ³UniSA 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. ⁴2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).

Snapshot

Grace for Web.jpg Ranked in the top one per cent worldwide¹, we are one of the largest leading providers of accounting and finance education in Australia and Asia.

This industry-accredited degree will provide you with a strong foundation of knowledge in accounting combined with business, taxation, auditing, finance and sustainability. You will also learn about the current economic, legal and political influences affecting global business as well as develop critical problem solving, reporting, decision-making, communication and teamwork skills.

We know that employers value graduates with industry experience so there are opportunities to embed an internship, mentoring or work-integrated learning into your degree. You could even work on a business project overseas.

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.

What you'll learn

Business_Hub_images-38 copy.jpg You will start with core courses in business. These will give you a solid grounding in important areas including accounting and quantitative methods for business, business law, finance, business intelligence, data analysis, economics and management.

You’ll then branch out into your accounting specialisation, learning cutting edge knowledge and skills in:

financial and management accounting
taxation and company law
auditing
sustainability accounting
global and contemporary accounting issues
strategic financial analysis

Degree structure

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Quantitative Methods for Business	MATH 1053	4.5
Accounting for Business	ACCT 1008	4.5	Note(s): 2
Career Development for Professionals	BUSS 1060	4.5	Note(s): 1
Marketing Principles: Trading and Exchange	MARK 1010	4.5	Note(s): 1
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Financial Accounting 1	ACCT 1006	4.5
Business and Society	BUSS 1057	4.5	Note(s): 1
OR
International Study Tour		4.5	Note(s): 4
OR
Elective		4.5	Note(s): 3
Principles of Economics	ECON 1008	4.5
Business Law	LAWS 1018	4.5
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Financial Accounting 2	ACCT 2005	4.5
Management Accounting	ACCT 2006	4.5
Business Finance	BANK 2007	4.5		Rule(s): 2
Business Intelligence	INFS 2036	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Companies and Partnership Law	COML 2005	4.5
Cost Management and Control Systems	ACCT 2013	4.5
OR
Elective		4.5	Note(s): 1,3	Rule(s): 4
Management and Organisation	BUSS 2068	4.5	Note(s): 1
Financial Accounting 3	ACCT 3007	4.5
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Elective		4.5	Note(s): 1,3	Rule(s): 1,2,4
Taxation Law 1	ACCT 3002	4.5
Sustainability Accounting and Reporting	ACCT 3010	4.5
Elective		4.5	Note(s): 1,3	Rule(s): 1,2,4
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Auditing Theory and Practice	ACCT 3005	4.5
Contemporary Issues in Accounting	ACCT 3003	4.5
Strategic Financial Analysis	BUSS 3083	4.5
Elective		4.5	Note(s): 1,3	Rule(s): 1,2,4

Electives

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units
Experiential Electives
Business Internship 30 Days	BUSS 3010	9
Business Decision Making Simulation	BUSS 3074	4.5
Business Internship 45 Days	BUSS 3088	18
International Business Project	BUSS 2063	4.5
NEXT Ignite	BUSS 2074	4.5
Commerce Practicum	BUSS 3100	4.5
Social Enterprise Case Competition	BUSS 2087	4.5
Tax Clinic	ACCT 3017	4.5
Suggested Electives
Community Service Learning Project 1	EDUC 4186	4.5
CPA Contemporary Business Issues	BUSS 3105	4.5
Entrepreneurship for Social and Market Impact	BUSS 2085	4.5
International Business Environments	BUSS 3103	4.5
CPA Ethics and Governance	BUSS 3099	4.5
Creativity and Innovation	BUSS 2066	4.5
Undergraduate Study Tour - Commerce	BUSS 2070	4.5
Project Management: Principles and Strategies	INFS 2022	4.5
Strategic Management	BUSS 3023	4.5
Studies in Small Enterprise	BUSS 3001	4.5
Transition to Master of Finance
Corporate Finance	BUSS 5233	4.5
Financial Theory and Financial Markets	BANK 5014	4.5
Investment Management	BANK 5013	4.5
International Finance	BANK 5028	4.5
Transition to Master of Finance (Financial Planning)
Investment Management	BANK 5013	4.5
Financial Theory and Financial Markets	BANK 5014	4.5
Corporate Finance	BUSS 5233	4.5
Financial Advice Regulatory and Legal Obligations	COML 5017	4.5
Transition to Master of Management (Marketing) or (Advertising and Brand Management) specialisation
Business Analytics and the Data-driven Organisation	INFS 5117	4.5
People, Leadership and Performance	BUSS 5114	4.5
Marketing Management	MARK 5025	4.5
Business Ethics	BUSS 5384	4.5
Transition to Masters in all other Master of Management specialisations
Business Ethics	BUSS 5384	4.5
Managing Change	BUSS 5065	4.5
People, Leadership and Performance	BUSS 5114	4.5
Business Analytics and the Data-driven Organisation	INFS 5117	4.5

Rules & notes

Rules

1. One elective in the final year must be at an Advanced Level.

2. Students who have been approved to undertake the Transition to Masters pathway between the Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) and the Master of Finance (Financial Planning) or the Master of Finance program should complete the Masters electives in place of this course. See Transition to Masters pathway electives list.

3. Students who have received 36 unit block credit will not be eligible to undertake the transition to Masters pathway.

4. Students who have been approved to undertake the Transition to Masters pathway between the Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) and the Master of Management (all streams) program should complete the Masters electives in place of this course. See Transition to Masters pathway electives list.

Notes

1. Students that have been assessed as completing a qualification in a business discipline at AQF Diploma level or equivalent and have received 36 units of block credit aren't required to complete this course.

2. Students who have received an AAFP Grant for completion of SACE Stage 2 Accounting* with a B+ or higher do not need to complete this course but may undertake a professional development elective approved by their program director within three years of commencement of their program, as outlined in their grant letter of offer. *or interstate equivalent to be determined by the School of Commerce.

3. Electives may be used to: complete an Experiential Elective (refer to Experiential Electives listing); undertake an international student exchange up to 18 units; to study other courses of interest offered by the UniSA Business School including the options provided in the Suggested Electives list; or complete a language study option. One elective may be chosen from outside the Business School unless otherwise approved by the Program Director. Course pre-requisites must be satisfied. In completing any elective identified as a "CPA subject" you will not qualify as a CPA. To qualify as a CPA, you must meet ALL the requirements of the CPA Program as set by CPA Australia. Students completing "CPA subjects" will incur additional fees from CPA Australia in order to sit CPA Australia's exam.

4. View available International Study Tours at http://i.unisa.edu.au/students/business/exchange/study-tours/ or contact business.mobility@unisa.edu.au

Study hours

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects and contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12 – 26 hours of study when at university and 14 – 28 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

Business_Hub_images-35 copy.jpg Your studies at UniSA will incorporate both practical, professionally-focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

reports, project documentation, case studies and presentations
assignments
examinations
industry-relevant, research-based projects
practicals and team-based projects
participation in the workplace and in class

Global opportunities

International exchanges and intensive study-tours open doors to new possibilities and experiences, and our Business School has strong connections with prestigious universities in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Travelling and studying with leading academic staff and your peers is a wonderful opportunity to develop first-hand knowledge of the international business environment. You’ll find the experience invaluable for your personal and professional development, giving you a global perspective.

UniSA has links with universities worldwide. You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests. Take a look at the global opportunities available.

Once you are a current student, you will be able to explore various study tours and exchanges and take advantage of Student Mobility Grants to make going on an overseas exchange or study tour achievable.

Why Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting)

This is a globally competitive degree respected for its quality and relevance to industry.

As a graduate, you will be eligible for membership with leading industry bodies such as CPA Australia, and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

As a student, you'll benefit from our strong links with the accounting profession and professional industry bodies, as well as gain practical skills with computer simulation software using state-of-the-art technologies. You'll also have the opportunity to participate in a study tour learning about business practices, as well as political and cultural influences in other regions.

3+1 Pathway to Masters

Want to gain a postgraduate degree with just one extra year of study? You can package the Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) with the Master of Finance, Master of Finance (Financial Planning) or Master of Management (various specialisations) and graduate with two qualifications in just four years with our 3+1 Pathway to Masters program. This unique offering allows you to fast-track your studies, develop greater expertise and broaden your career opportunities. You will study a three-year bachelor degree and a one year master’s degree (typically two years) in four years by using undergraduate electives or select courses. Learn more.

More ways to study

Our program delivery and extra-curricular opportunities are designed to suit your lifestyle, preferred way of learning and career interests. You can benefit from Summer and Winter School intensive courses, mentoring and networking opportunities with industry, and accelerated learning pathways. Plus, you can make the most of professional development courses endorsed by industry, build leadership skills employers value through UniSA+ and seek support at our on-campus Business Student Hub.

Real-world connections

In addition to learning from teachers with professional experience as part of your studies, we offer opportunities for you to connect with industry outside the classroom:

Complete an internship or industry project
Become a global citizen with our overseas exchange program – we have more than 60 partner universities worldwide, and study options that range from two weeks to one year
Build your network and career by participating in our Business Career Mentor Program which pairs you with an experienced business professional

We also host regular University-wide employee master classes and employment expos, and alumni events in Australia and overseas.

This could be you

Take a glimpse into Accounting and Finance at the UniSA Business School with graduate, Lilian.

Career outcomes

Your career

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-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)²

Careers to consider:

Auditor/Risk consultant: 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 and preparing forensic reports for courts; providing expert evidence
Insolvency and reconstruction adviser: working with and achieving the best possible results for stakeholders in cases of personal and business financial distress; administrations and liquidations; restructuring under performing businesses and turnarounds
Management accountant: assisting senior management make critical business decisions; preparing forecasts, budgets and risk analysis; advising managers about the financial implications of business decisions
Practising 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/Corporate tax consultant: compiling company and other business tax returns, and individual tax returns; providing tax planning advice and strategies

¹QILT: Graduate Outcomes Survey Course Experience Questionnaire 2016-18 – Full-time Employment Indicator (Undergraduate and Postgraduate). Public SA-founded universities only. ²Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2015.

Professional accreditation and recognition

The program is accredited by Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and satisfies the educational requirements for entry into the Chartered Accountants Program.

The program is accredited by CPA Australia and satisfies the educational requirements for entry into the CPA Program.

The program is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and recognised for maximum exemptions for an accelerated pathway into CIMA's professional qualification.

This program is recognised for maximum exemptions toward the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants' (ACCA) professional programs of study.

This program is recognised for maximum exemptions toward the Association of International Accountants' (AIA) professional examinations.

Industry facts

Employment for auditors, company secretaries and corporate treasurers in Australia is projected to increase by 4,400 (or 22.3 per cent) by November 2020¹.

¹Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2015.

Between now and 2020 employment for accountants, auditors and company secretaries in Australia is projected to increase by 17.1 per cent¹.

¹Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2015.

How to apply

How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.

Alternative Pathways

Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

UniSA College Diploma in Business
UniSA College Foundation Studies
SAIBT Diploma of Business - if you complete this two year Diploma, you can apply to enter the 2nd year of this degree
see the full list of entry pathways that may apply

International
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

SAIBT Diploma of Business - if you complete this two year Diploma, you can apply to enter the 2nd year of this degree
see the full list of entry pathways that may apply

Credit transfer

You could be eligible for credit for previous studies you have undertaken. Find out online.

Go to credit assessor

Life in Adelaide

Current international students talk about living in Adelaide and studying at UniSA.

Hear from our students

Scholarships

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.

More scholarships

Vice Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship

Recipients can get a 50% reduction on tuition fees for up to four years of full-time study for selected degrees.

Learn more

International Merit Scholarship

Recipients can get a 25% reduction on tuition fees for their first year of study for selected degrees.

Learn more

Your study experience and support

As a student at the University of South Australia you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.

Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also have access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, law and psychology. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and lots more.

Adelaide has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation or private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages for plenty of options. If you need somewhere to live, our new student accommodation by urbanest is on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, a perfect location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Student services

The Business Student Hub is a convenient, central support service for Business School students, from first year through to graduation. The team provides expert advice on study options, elective choices and any academic difficulties. It also helps with referrals to support services across the University. The Business Student Hub is there to facilitate your life at university, so you get the most out of your UniSA experience.

International Student Services will make your life at university easier. We want you to be successful, and if you need help we will be there to assist. Support services include:

careers advice
help with student visas and health cover
personal counselling
academic counselling
fees and finance help
common rooms
prayer rooms
security officers
services offered through our student association, USASA
accommodation services

We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers. You can work with them face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies. They also offer help with the English language.

When you become a UniSA student you can contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and any other questions you might have.

24/7 digital environment

This degree is offered online. With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle. You can:

study online, including accessing videos and course resources
participate in virtual classrooms
submit your assignments and get feedback online
use forums and discussion boards for team work and communication

Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

Please note some on-campus attendance (such as to attend seminars, workshops or examinations) and/or placements may apply. Any requirements like this are detailed on individual course pages.

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with advanced facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments.

Your program director

I worked as a practising accountant and now bring this experience to our programs working alongside an outstanding team of academics, educators, professional staff, alumni and the accounting industry. Our programs develop students with the skills and knowledge to become the next generation of accountants and business leaders.

Dr Gerard Stone

Program Director

Enquire

Dr Gerard Stone

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

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.
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.
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.

More FAQs

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)