Accounting Courses in New Zealand

Accounting is the study of analysing and recording finance-based data, organising internal audits, and maintaining the financial records of a business. It plays a significant role as accounting contributes to the seamless functioning of an organisation.

Specialised areas of accounting include tax accounting, cost accounting, auditing, and forensic accounting, among others.

There are many accounting courses in New Zealand covering all these aspects. Here’s everything you should know about accounting courses in New Zealand.

Accounting courses in New Zealand: Key highlights

Data updated as of February 2024

Accounting: An overview

• Accounting provides a systematic way to track the flow of money, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and accountability in financial reporting. 
• Accounting analyses and tracks a company’s income, profit, expenditure, and other financial aspects.
• It provides insights into the cost, performance, and efficiency of various business operations, helping management allocate resources effectively and achieve objectives.
• With the advent of technology, accounting has undergone significant changes, with the widespread adoption of accounting software, automation, and analytics tools. 

Why study accounting courses in New Zealand?

Studying accounting courses in New Zealand can offer several benefits. Here are three compelling reasons:

• Studying accounting in New Zealand provides access to top-notch faculty, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience. This allows students to be part of a global academic community, providing international exposure.
• Many universities in New Zealand have close ties with industry leaders and offer internships and networking events. It enables students to gain practical experience, connect with industry professionals, and increase their chances of securing internships and full-time job roles.
• Graduates with an accounting degree can pursue careers as Chartered Accountants, External Auditors, Forensic Accountants, Business Development Managers, Company Secretaries, Data Analysts, Tax Accountants, Chartered Management Accountants, among other job profiles.

Best accounting courses in New Zealand for international students 

• New Zealand Certificate in Business (Accounting Support Services) (Level 4)
• New Zealand Diploma in Business (Level 5) (Accounting)
• New Zealand Certificate in Business (Accounting Support Services) (Level 4)
• New Zealand Diploma in Business (Accounting Strand) (Level 5)
• Graduate Diploma in Professional Accounting (Level 7)
• AS Business - Accounting
• CA Business - Accounting
• Graduate Diploma in Professional Accounting (Level 7)
• New Zealand Diploma in Business (Level 5), Accounting Strand
• Bachelor of Applied Management (Accounting)

Best universities for accounting courses in New Zealand

Some of the top universities for accounting courses in New Zealand are:

• The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand
• Manukau Institute of Technology
• Southern Institute of Technology
• Los Medanos College
• Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology
• Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology

Different study levels for accounting in New Zealand

• Undergraduate accounting courses
• Master’s accounting courses

Eligibility criteria to study accounting courses in New Zealand

When applying for a course, your profile should satisfy the eligibility criteria for the specific field of study. Here are the basic eligibility requirements for international students studying accounting courses in New Zealand.

Eligibility criteria for pursuing accounting courses in New Zealand

Data updated as of February 2024

Note: The minimum grades and educational requirements differ with every university. Make sure to check if your scores meet the institution’s standards.

Student requirements to study accounting courses in New Zealand

Once you satisfy the eligibility criteria, universities will request you to provide documents to proceed with your application. Check if you have the documents below to proceed with the application.

• Academic transcripts
• Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Passport
• Admissions test results
• English language proficiency test scores
• Proof of funds
• Visa

Visa requirements for international students to study accounting courses in New Zealand

You need a student visa to study accounting courses in New Zealand. 

Data updated as of February 2024

Documents required for international students to apply for a visa

• Your passport
• A letter of acceptance from your course provider
• Proof of financial support
• Letter of explanation (explain your purpose and requirement for visa)
• Necessary medical test results

Average fees to study accounting courses in New Zealand

Data updated as of February 2024

Cost of living for international students in New Zealand

The average annual cost of living for an international student in New Zealand is around NZ$20,000-25,000.

Data updated as of February 2024

Scholarships to study accounting courses in New Zealand

A scholarship is a financial aid that grants a certain amount of tuition fees for students and reduces their expenses while studying abroad. Edvoy has partnered with institutions worldwide to offer scholarships for international students pursuing higher education. The scholarships are:

Academic scholarships

Academic scholarships award international students with remarkable academic performance. Institutions choose student profiles with good scores and provide scholarships based on their grades.

Government-funded scholarships

Government-funded scholarships are awarded to international students who accept the institution’s offer and pay a certain amount of tuition fees. These scholarships reduce student expenses by waiving a certain amount of tuition fees.

Note: Edvoy acts as a platform for you during the application process. Only the university deems your profile eligible and determines the final amount.

Job opportunities for accounting graduates in New Zealand

There is a high demand for accounting graduates in New Zealand, increasing the job opportunities for international students.

How much does an accounting professional earn in New Zealand?

The average annual salary for accounting professionals in New Zealand ranges from NZ$70,000 - 100,000.

(The above salary range is approximate and is taken from various sources.

Sources: Talent.com, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn)

Top career options for accounting graduates in New Zealand

After completing accounting courses in New Zealand, there are a lot of career opportunities that you can take up. Some of the job roles available are: 

• Chartered Accountant
• Chartered Certified Accountant
• External Auditor
• Forensic Accountant
• Business Development Manager
• Company Secretary
• Data Analyst
• Tax Accountant
• Chartered Management Accountant

(Sources: Talent.com, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn)

Post-study work permit after completing accounting courses in New Zealand

Data updated as of February 2024

Related accounting courses