Study in Australia
Graduate Certificate Accounting Full Time

Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting

at Griffith University · Brisbane, Queensland

CRICOS course code

107421A

CRICOS provider code

00233E

This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. Verify it yourself at cricos.education.gov.au before paying any fee.

Duration

26 weeks

Tuition (whole course)

A$20,250 total

Per year

A$40,500/yr

Intake

Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul)

About this program

The Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting at Griffith University is a short postgraduate course based in Brisbane, developed to introduce students to fundamental concepts and practical skills in accounting. Students cover areas such as financial accounting, management accounting, and auditing principles, learning how these principles apply to business settings in Australia. The course is suited to those wanting to enter the accounting field or professionals needing a formal Australian accounting credential.

This qualification forms part of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), and typically consists of four units of study, each with an assigned number of credit points. Most graduate certificates in Australia take one semester of full-time study, but can also be taken part-time. Assessment tends to combine assignments, exams, and applied projects that reflect real tasks in accounting roles.

Through this course, students will build skills in analysing financial statements, interpreting accounting standards, and applying accounting principles to organisational decision-making. The content supports a pathway to further study, such as a Graduate Diploma or Master of Professional Accounting. The curriculum also reflects the standards needed for entry-level positions in Australia’s accounting sector, with links to local business practices and regulatory requirements.

The course is ideal for recent graduates from non-accounting degrees, international students needing Australian accounting study, or professionals seeking to meet formal requirements. Many students use this qualification as a stepping stone to meet entry requirements for graduate accounting bodies if they pursue further study. Griffith University provides a mix of academic knowledge and practical case studies, and students benefit from Brisbane’s connections to major Australian firms and professional associations. International students on a Student visa can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while studying. On completion, graduates may be eligible for post-study work rights via the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). Always check the official Griffith University website for current unit offerings and admission details.

Entry requirements

English: International applicants must evidence English proficiency. IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common undergraduate and coursework-postgraduate standard, rising to 7.0–7.5 for teaching, nursing, medicine, law and social work. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university’s own English programmes are accepted as equivalents; the Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself.
International students: Registered on CRICOS for international students. A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for this course supports a Student visa (subclass 500) application; Overseas Student Health Cover is required for the full duration.

Career outcomes

Career outcomes

  • Assistant accountant
  • Accounts clerk
  • Bookkeeper
  • Finance officer
  • Audit assistant
  • Banks and financial services
  • Accounting firms (public and private)
  • Small and medium enterprises
  • Government departments
  • Not-for-profit organisations

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting at Griffith University?

It typically takes 26 weeks, with intakes in Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul).

How much is the tuition?

Tuition is around A$20,250 total. Fees change yearly — confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Career outcomesAssistant accountantAccounts clerkBookkeeperFinance officerAudit assistantBanks and financial servicesAccounting firms (public and private)Small and medium enterprisesGovernment departmentsNot-for-profit organisations

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Guides for this subject and the application

All guides →
Study Guides Why Study in Australia? Rankings, Work Rights and Graduate Outcomes Seven Australian universities sit in the QS world top 100, degrees are taught entirely in English, and eligible graduates can stay and work on a Temporary Graduate visa — here is what studying in Australia actually involves. Application Guides How to Apply to an Australian University: ATAR, UAC and Direct Applications Domestic school leavers apply through a state admissions centre; international applicants apply directly to the university. This is the whole path, from entry requirements to Letter of Offer and Confirmation of Enrolment. Rankings & Comparisons Group of Eight or Technology University? Choosing the Right Australian Institution The Go8 research universities, the technology network, the regional universities and the private providers each suit a different student. How to tell which one suits you.

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