Study Accountancy in New Zealand. Our IDP counsellors can help you find the best accounting course that fit your background, and career and migration goals.
Thinking about studying accountancy in New Zealand?
You can choose from undergraduate and postgraduate courses that can prepare you for careers in accounting, auditing, tax, financial management and business advisory.
New Zealand also offers pathways towards professional accounting qualifications and opportunities to gain work experience after graduation.
In this guide, compare accountancy courses, universities, entry requirements and fees. We’ll also look at where your qualification could take you after graduation.
Studying accounting in New Zealand can prepare you for careers across accounting, audit, tax, finance and business.
Flexible career options. Accounting skills are used across almost every industry.
Professional pathways. Selected courses can support pathways towards CA ANZ, CPA Australia and ACCA.
Different study levels. Build on your current qualification through undergraduate or postgraduate study.
Skilled residence options. Eligible accountants with recognised professional registration can use it towards the Skilled Migrant Category under the settings effective from 24 August 2026.
Good to know: Professional accreditation varies by course. If becoming a Chartered Accountant or CPA is your goal, check whether your specific accounting course meets the professional body's academic requirements before you enrol.
Accounting courses in New Zealand sit at different levels of the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF). Your starting point will depend on your previous study and whether you want an entry-level, undergraduate or postgraduate qualification.
Qualification | NZQCF level | Typical study length | Best suited for |
Certificate | Levels 1–5 | Varies | Building foundation skills before further study |
Diploma | Levels 5–6 | 1–2 years | Developing practical accounting and business skills |
Bachelor's degree | Level 7 | Usually 3 years | Starting a professional accounting career |
Graduate certificate or diploma | Level 7 | Around 6 months–1 year | Building on an existing degree or moving into accounting |
Postgraduate certificate or diploma | Level 8 | Around 6 months–1 year | Developing more advanced accounting knowledge |
Master's degree | Level 9 | Usually 1–2 years | Advanced study or gaining accounting expertise after a previous degree |
Auditing
Business analytics
Corporate finance
Financial accounting
Financial management
Forensic accounting
International finance
Management accounting
Policy analyst and advisor
Strategic management accounting
Tax accounting
Accounting skills are used across almost every industry, so your career does not have to be limited to an accounting firm.
You could work in:
Accounting and audit firms.
Banks and financial services.
Private companies.
Government agencies.
Consulting firms.
Law firms.
Education organisations.
Not-for-profit organisations.
Multinational companies.
You could also work in-house, managing the finances of one organisation, or in an accounting practice, working with different businesses and clients.
To study a bachelor's degree in accounting, you generally need to meet the university's academic and English language requirements. Your exact requirements will depend on your current qualification and previous study.
You may qualify through:
NCEA or another recognised secondary qualification.
A foundation or pathway programme.
Previous tertiary study in New Zealand or overseas.
An equivalent international qualification.
For English, many undergraduate accounting courses require IELTS Academic 6.0 overall, with no band below 5.5, or equivalent English evidence.
IDP tip: Your current studies may affect which accounting courses you can enter and whether any previous study can count towards your new qualification. An IDP counsellor can help you compare your options before you change courses or institutions.
You can study accounting at universities across New Zealand through a Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Business or dedicated accountancy degree. Most bachelor's pathways take three years of full-time study.
University | Accounting course | Duration | Indicative international tuition |
University of Auckland | Bachelor of Commerce – Accounting | 3 years | NZ$51,020/year |
Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington | Bachelor of Commerce – Accounting | 3 years | Check current fee |
University of Otago | Bachelor of Commerce – Accounting | 3 years | NZ$44,520/year |
Auckland University of Technology (AUT) | Bachelor of Business – Accounting | 3 years | NZ$39,960/year |
Massey University | Bachelor of Business – Accountancy | 3 years | NZ$39,230/year |
The University of Auckland offers Accounting as a major within its Bachelor of Commerce. The degree also gives you flexibility to combine Accounting with another major or complete it as part of a conjoint programme.
Accounting study options include:
Bachelor of Commerce – Accounting.
Bachelor of Commerce conjoint programmes.
Postgraduate study in Accounting.
At Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington, you can study Accounting through the Bachelor of Commerce and continue into postgraduate study.
This can be a good option if you want to combine accounting with another business subject and build towards professional accounting requirements.
At the University of Otago, you can major in Accounting through the three-year Bachelor of Commerce. You’ll study areas such as financial accounting, management accounting and accounting analytics, with practical learning through case studies, projects and accounting software.
Study options include:
Bachelor of Commerce – Accounting.
Accounting as a minor.
Combined Commerce degrees.
Diploma for Graduates.
Postgraduate study in Accounting.
Auckland University of Technology (AUT) offers an Accounting major through its Bachelor of Business. The programme stands out for its workplace experience in the final year, which can include a placement, virtual internship or research project.
The Accounting major is recognised by professional bodies including CA ANZ, CPA Australia, ACCA and CIMA.
Study options include:
Bachelor of Business – Accounting.
Master of Professional Accounting.
At Massey University, you can study a dedicated three-year Bachelor of Accountancy. The course covers financial and management accounting, auditing, taxation, business law and finance, with electives in areas such as forensic accounting and data analytics.
You can also choose subjects that support pathways towards professional qualifications with CA ANZ, CPA Australia, ACCA and CIMA.
If you want to combine accounting with broader business study, Massey also offers a Bachelor of Business (Accountancy).
Yes. International students studying accounting may be eligible for university scholarships, business school awards and international student grants. Most are not accounting-specific, so eligibility usually depends on your university, study level, academic results and current student status.
Some current options include:
Scholarship | University | Value | Who may be eligible |
Undergraduate International Study Grant | Massey University | NZ$15,000 | New international undergraduate students, including Bachelor of Accountancy students |
Massey Business School Promising Student Assistance Bursary | Massey University | Up to NZ$2,000 | Eligible business students experiencing financial hardship |
International School Leaver Scholarship | University of Auckland | Up to NZ$20,000 | Eligible international students who completed secondary school in New Zealand |
Entrance scholarships | University of Otago | Varies | Eligible students entering undergraduate study, including some international students who studied in New Zealand |
International scholarships | Auckland University of Technology (AUT) | Varies | Eligible international students, with some awards available through the Faculty of Business, Economics and Law |
Scholarships change by intake, study level and eligibility, so check the current requirements and closing dates before applying.
IDP tip: Your course search doesn't have to stop at tuition fees. An IDP counsellor can help you compare accounting courses, check available scholarships and explore your application options based on your current studies in New Zealand.
Yes. Accountants remain in demand in New Zealand, particularly at the intermediate level. Hays lists accountants among its in-demand roles for 2026, with demand for financial accountants, management accountants, finance managers and other accounting professionals.
Skills in commercial finance, business partnering, data and AI are also becoming increasingly valuable in the accounting and finance sector.
Good to know: Demand varies by role and experience. Studying accounting can open different career paths, so consider the areas you may want to specialise in when choosing your course.
According to the Hays Salary Guide FY26/27, graduate accountants typically earn around NZ55,000–NZ70,000 per year. Salaries increase as you gain experience and move into specialised roles.
Accounting role | Indicative annual salary |
Graduate accountant | NZ55,000–70,000 |
Assistant accountant | NZ70,000–95,000 |
Financial accountant | NZ105,000–135,000 |
Management accountant | NZ110,000–145,000 |
Group accountant | NZ115,000–145,000 |
These figures are in New Zealand dollars and exclude KiwiSaver. Your salary can vary depending on your experience, location, specialisation, employer and professional qualifications.
IDP tip: Think beyond your first accounting job when choosing a course. IDP can help you compare accounting programmes based on the specialisations and professional pathways that fit your career goals.
Yes. Accountants may be able to apply for residence through the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC). From 24 August 2026, the SMC specifically recognises eligible professional accounting registrations.
There are several ways your accounting career or qualification could support the points-based pathway:
Professional registration: A CA ANZ Chartered Accountant or qualifying CPA Australia membership can provide 6 points.
New Zealand bachelor's degree: An eligible Level 7 New Zealand bachelor's degree can provide 5 points. You would need additional eligible skilled work experience in New Zealand to reach 6 points.
Higher qualifications: Some eligible postgraduate qualifications can provide 5 or 6 points, depending on the qualification and where you studied.
Income: You may also claim points based on your pay if your eligible job or job offer meets the required SMC income threshold.
Good to know: You cannot combine points from your qualification, professional registration and income. You choose one skill category and, if needed, add eligible skilled work experience in New Zealand to reach 6 points. You will also need to meet the other SMC requirements, including having an eligible New Zealand job or job offer.
From choosing the right course to exploring your visa and PR options, IDP brings 57+ years of international education experience and migration experts to support your next steps.
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Most universities have their main intake in February or March, with some accounting courses also available in July. Intakes vary by university and course.
For a bachelor's degree, you will generally need IELTS Academic 6.0 overall, with no band below 5.5.
Postgraduate courses commonly require 6.5 overall, with no band below 6.0. Check the exact requirement for your chosen course.
International tuition for a bachelor's degree in accounting is generally around NZ39,000–NZ51,000 per year.
Your total cost will depend on your university, course and living expenses.
Yes. You may be eligible for international student scholarships, university grants or business school awards.
Scholarship amounts and eligibility vary by university and intake.
Yes. You can change to an accounting course if you meet its entry requirements.
Changing your course, qualification level or education provider may affect your student visa, so check your visa requirements before making the change.
Yes, if your accounting qualification and study meet the eligibility requirements.
For example, a degree-level 7 qualification studied full-time in New Zealand for at least 30 weeks can qualify for a Post-Study Work Visa.
From 16 November 2026, eligible graduates who do not qualify for the Post-Study Work Visa may be able to apply for a Short-Term Graduate Work Visa.
It provides up to six months of open work rights to look for work and explore your next work visa options.
Potentially. Accounting is not currently a Green List occupation, but you may have a pathway through the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC).
From 24 August 2026, eligible professional accounting registrations can provide 6 SMC points. You will still need to meet the other residence requirements.
No. You can work in many accounting and finance roles without becoming a Chartered Accountant.
However, if you want to pursue CA ANZ, CPA Australia, ACCA or another professional qualification, choose a course that meets the academic requirements of that professional body.
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