Bachelor of Accounting
Degree Level Undergraduate
Year 2024
You're viewing degree information for Australian students
You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:
- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Entry Scores
2024 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 68.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): B,B,B
TAFE/RTO: DIP
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2023 Cut-Offs
Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 68.00
TAFE/RTO: Dip
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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 12-month 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
NoneAssumed Knowledge
None
This degree can be packaged with a masters degree. For more information and SATAC codes visit Fast-track to Masters.
Degree overview
- Develop the knowledge for a successful and rewarding career in accounting and business advisory with an accredited degree that allows you to work in any organisation or industry across the globe.
- Develop problem solving, decision-making, communication, teamwork, and technical skills, and learn about the economic, legal, and political influences that impact global business.
- Gain real-world experience and build your networks whilst you study through an internship or mentorship opportunity.
- Participate in an overseas study tour, in-person or virtual, learning about business practices in other regions.
- Under the supervision of qualified tax professionals, you can gain practical, hands-on experience by providing tax advice to members of the community and small businesses in our on-campus Tax Clinic.
- Develop career-ready skills employers are looking for once you graduate with enterprise skills embedded in all business courses within this program.
- Add a 1-year master's degree to your studies with our Fast-track to Masters package and complete an undergraduate and postgraduate degree in just four years.
- Receive a $1,000 grant towards a professional development opportunity plus a course substitution when you achieve a B+ or higher in SACE Stage 2 Accounting in Year 12.
- Study at a university recognised globally. UniSA Business is in the top one per cent worldwide1 and has been awarded an overall five stars for excellence in the QS Stars Ratings 2022.
- Study at a university ranked No. 1 in SA and Top 15 in Australia for Business and Economics2.
- UniSA Business is accredited by both AACSB International and EFMD (EQUIS) – the world’s leading accreditation bodies.
1UniSA Business is one of just 12 institutions in Australia and approximately 200 globally (from over 25,000 universities) to be EQUIS accredited. EFMD, March 2022. 22023 THE Subject Rankings.
Snapshot
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 learn about the current economic, legal and political influences affecting global business as well as develop critical problem solving, decision-making, communication, teamwork and technical 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.
Accounting Career Grant
Year 12 students interested in accounting can receive a $1,000 grant towards a professional industry development or global study experience, plus a course substitution through our Accounting Career Grant. To be eligible, you must achieve a B+ or higher in SACE Stage 2 Accounting in Year 12.
1UniSA Business is one of just 12 institutions in Australia and approximately 200 globally (from over 25,000 universities) to be EQUIS accredited. EFMD, March 2022.
UniSA ACCELERATE
Kickstart your business degree early through UniSA ACCELERATE. Study university courses while you’re in Year 12 and guarantee your place into UniSA with study credit. You can also choose to count study towards your SACE Stage 2.
What you'll learn
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.
Tertiary Transfer
If you have a Pass average or above from another eligible degree, you may be eligible to use this as entry into this program. Learn more.
Recognised Prior Learning (RPL)
If you have undertaken related Higher Education, TAFE, VET, Professional body or work experience, you may be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) and reduce the duration of the degree. Learn more.
You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.
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, as well as to 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
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
- contributions to the workplace and classroom.
Global opportunities
Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.
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.
Why Bachelor of 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 industry bodies. You will gain practical skills in 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.
UniSA Business is the only business school in South Australia accredited by both AACSB International (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) and EFMD (EQUIS) – the world’s leading accreditation bodies recognising excellence in business education and research at a global level. These dual accreditations demonstrate the high standards we hold across all areas such as teaching, student learning and research, as well as our commitment to continually improving the quality of our programs.
Fast-track to Masters
Want to gain a postgraduate degree with just one extra year of study? You can package the Bachelor of Accounting with a Master of Management or Master of Financial Planning and graduate with two qualifications in four years with our Fast-track to Masters packages. You’ll study a three-year bachelor's degree and a one-year master’s degree (which typically takes two years) by swapping selected undergraduate courses or electives for postgraduate courses, and set yourself up for career success, fast.
Combined degrees
We offer a wide range of combined degrees so you can specialise in two fields and expand your career prospects. Discover how you can pair this degree with another business degree, or a degree from another discipline, and tailor your qualifications to your interests.
More ways to study
Our flexible delivery and extracurricular opportunities are designed to suit your lifestyle, preferred learning style, and career interests. You can benefit from online and on-campus study, part-time or full-time learning, 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 by participating in the UniSA+ Award, or 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 also offer opportunities for you to connect with industry outside the classroom. There are a range of engagement opportunities available to you, including:
- Build your networks and career options by participating in the Business Career Mentor Program, which pairs you with an experienced business professional
- Undertake a Business Internship or complete an industry project, and apply the skills and knowledge gained from your studies in a real workplace setting
- Become a global citizen through our international exchange programs– we have more than 80 partner institutions worldwide, and study options that range from two weeks to one year
- Meet one-to-one with a senior business executive through our Executive in Residence program. You’ll receive expert guidance and gain workplace insights that will support your career development.
We host regular University-wide careers events and workshops, expos, and alumni events in Australia and overseas.
Online study
Part, or all, of this degree can be studied 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 an interactive online learning environment
- submit your assignments and get feedback online
- use discussion forums for team work and communication
Please note that for some degrees, 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.
This could be you
You'll graduate from UniSA prepared for a range of careers - see where an accounting degree could take you.
Your career
Our quality teaching and experiences beyond the classroom will ensure you graduate career ready.
Careers to consider include:
- 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
- Management accountant: preparing forecasts, budgets and risk analysis; advising managers about the financial implications of business decisions
- Practising accountant: working for professional services firms, small and medium sized practice, government or in commerce; keeping accounting systems up-to-date; maintaining financial records; advising clients on risks, business structures, end of period results and performance strategies
- Tax accountant/Corporate tax consultant: compiling company and other business tax returns, and individual tax returns; providing tax planning advice and strategies.
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.
Industry facts
Applying to study with us:
- go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
- you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application
Alternative Pathways
Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
- UniSA College Diploma in Business
- UniSA College Undergraduate Certificate in University Studies (Business)
- 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
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
Deferment
This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.
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.
UniSA Excellence Scholarships
$5,000 scholarship for South Australian students with an ATAR of 99 who enrol to study a UniSA undergraduate degree.
UniSA Outstanding Achievement Scholarship
Up to $10,000 per annum (full time) for South Australian students who obtain an ATAR of 99.95 or IB equivalent and enrol to study at UniSA.
Your study experience and support
Our campuses are home to fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. 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 loads more.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal 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 dedicated and convenient support service for business students, from first year right through to graduation. The team provides expert advice on study options, elective choices and any academic difficulties, and can help 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.
You can also access a range of other student services, including:
- academic counselling
- personal counselling
- social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
- common rooms
- prayer rooms
- security officers
- Wirringka Student Services, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a supportive place to study
UniSA’s Student Association, USASA, also provides a range of other services. For example, you can also join the Commerce Student Society – an independent body that provides educational and vocational support, as well as a variety of social and networking events.
We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers who you can work with face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies.
When you become a UniSA student you can contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They can help you with your ID card, fees and any other questions you might have.
24/7 digital environment
With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle. You can:
- access 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 program director
Studying accounting at UniSA provided me with diverse and rewarding professional opportunities I never dreamed possible. It is a profession that touches on every business, in every industry in the world – so the opportunities for a successful career are vast and wide. But importantly, UniSA accounting graduates are respected and trusted in practice and commerce, and their opinions matter in decision-making that affects our economy, community and environment.
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How do I apply?
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
Applications for admission into the University of South Australia’s undergraduate and most postgraduate degrees are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Visit satac.edu.au and follow the links.
For the MBA degrees please apply through the UniSA MBA Application Portal. Applications for a small number of degrees are submitted direct to UniSA through our Apply Online portal. It will be noted on the degree page if you need to apply via Apply Online.
Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Master of Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit unisa.edu.au/resdegrees. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Undergraduate
Yes. The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be given equal consideration is in early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers (mid January). Some degrees will not make any offers after the main offer round. Please click here find all of the key dates for applications here.Postgraduate
Most postgraduate degrees do not have a closing date for applications. However, there are exceptions, so it is best to check – either on the SATAC website, Apply Online or the degree homepage. Postgraduate offers are normally ‘rolling’, meaning they may be sent out at any time up until the program starts. This also means that applications may close at any time without warning, if the quota is filled earlier. For this reason, postgraduate applications should be submitted without delay. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquiries team on (08) 8302 2376 or via the online enquiry form. -
What credit can I receive for previous studies?
Credit transfer or advanced standing
You may be eligible to receive a credit transfer 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 a credit transfer will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
Recognised prior learning
If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning for this experience. Receiving recognised prior learning will normally reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and can reduce the duration of the degree.
How do I get credit?
Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director who will discuss your prior learning and experience with you to ascertain what credit you may be eligible for.
Many of our credit transfer arrangements are listed on our online Credit Assessor.
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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.
If you are interested in studying an MBA please contact admissions@unisa.edu.au and our Future Student Enquiries team will contact you regarding your enquiry.
Alternatively, you can complete a MyCareerMatch career profile. MyCareerMatch is an online career profiling tool that you can use free-of-charge through UniSA. MyCareerMatch specialises in career profiles and provides you with a personalised career report outlining information about your personality style and a list of career options, which are complementary to your natural strengths and talents.
We have many events throughout the year where you can speak with a lecturer or tutor about your degrees of interest. You can find out what is happening at UniSA by visiting our events page or by signing up to our mailing list, so you're the first to know about careers events, information sessions, degree requirements, scholarships and more!
There are also many career counsellors external to the University that you can discuss your career options with. If you are unsure where to start your search, you can contact the Government's Work Ready team (formally Skills for All). Visit skills.sa.gov.au or call 1800 506 266.
You may also find Job Outlook a helpful resource in your decision-making.
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Where can I get further information?
It can be difficult to decide what degree you would like to do and where. You might find information from government organisations will help to weigh up your degree and provider options.
Find a course or a provider
TEQSA is a regulatory body for higher education providers. Use the TEQSA national register of higher education providers to search for a course or a provider. Compare courses and providers for undergraduates and postgraduates using the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) online comparison tool.
More information on university admission
Visit the SATAC website to find out important news, events and information on applying to university in South Australia. Visit Study with Us to find out everything you need to know about studying at UniSA, admissions and the application process.
Questions about your application
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your application you should contact the Future Students Enquiries team in the first instance.
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)
Accountant, Accru Harris Orchard
My qualification in accounting, and applied knowledge, helped me to successfully elevate myself through the finance industry and enjoy a rewarding career in management; which in turn afforded me the chance to take my life into a very different direction during midlife. My master degree in art provided both direction and clarification to my emerging professional arts practice along with supportive networks and connections.
Janice Lane
Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting), Master of Visual Art and Creative Practice
UniSA opened up my opportunities; I was a mature-age student and a single mother. In offering flexibility in study, the University opened up the new beginnings for my future. After working for a mid-sized accounting firm I started my own accounting business, providing specialist tax and accounting services for rental property investors.
Margaret Duncan
Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting)
Owner and Director | Margaret Duncan Consulting Services
