Master of Professional Accounting in Australia: Fees , Top Colleges, Admissions, Placements & Salaries
Master of Professional Accounting in AustraliaThe Master of Professional Accounting in Australia is a postgraduate program designed for students aiming to build a career in accounting. It offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers key areas such as auditing, finance, economics, information systems, and tax law, providing the professional knowledge and skills needed for the field.
Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) is highly popular in Australia, with several international students applying to the course every year. Top universities that offer Master of Professional Accounting programs are the Australian National University, University of Sydney, Monash University, the University of New South Wales, RMIT University and many more. The duration of the MPA course for international students can be around 1.5 - 2 years.
The annual fee for the MPA program can range anywhere from AUD 36,403 - AUD 58,800 (₹19.67 lakhs - ₹31.77 lakhs). Top positions after completion of the MPA course are Cost Accountant, Corporate Controller, Forensic Accountant, Financial Controller, Accountant, Chief Operating Officer, Lecturer and many more.
Graduates with a Master of Professional Accounting degree in Australia typically earn an average annual salary of around AUD 68,000, which is roughly ₹36.75 lakhs. However, actual earnings can vary depending on factors like work experience, job role, location, and the size of the organisation.
A Master’s in Professional Accounting (MPA) is a postgraduate degree designed to help students become Certified Practicing Accountants (CPA). This program focuses more on practical skills and real-world applications of accounting principles and a Master of Accounting (MAcc) tends to be more theory-based, with a stronger emphasis on academic and conceptual understanding.
This blog will help you understand the Master of Professional Accounting degree in Australia.
Master of Professional Accounting in Australia: Quick Highlights
The table below represents the key highlights about the Master of Professional Accounting in Australia, which includes top universities in Australia, course duration, intake seasons, and average fees.
Feature | Details |
Program Name | Master of Professional Accounting |
Program Duration | 1.5 - 2 years |
Top Universities | Australian National University, University of Sydney, Monash University, the University of New South Wales, RMIT University and many more |
Average Tuition Fees | AUD 36,403 - AUD 58,800 (₹19.67 lakhs - ₹31.77 lakhs) |
Intake Seasons |
|
GPA | 3.0 |
Eligibility |
|
GMAT/GRE | A score of 600 - 650 may be required in some universities |
Professional Experience | 1-2 years |
Work Permit after Study | Up to 3 years |
Average Salary | AUD 68,000 (₹36.75 lakhs) |
Career Prospects | Cost Accountant, Corporate Controller, Forensic Accountant, Financial Controller, Accountant, Chief Operating Officer, Lecturer and many more |
Why Choose Master of Professional Accounting in Australia?
A good MPA degree from a reputable university is considered a gateway to success. There are numerous reasons to pursue an Master of Professional Accounting from Australia and acquire the skills and knowledge required to grow your career.
- Top-Ranked Business Schools: According to the QS World University Rankings 2024, many Australian universities offer QS-recognized MPA degree and the University of New South Wales ranks an impressive 20 globally for the MPA program.
- Post-Study Work Visa Opportunities: The Australian government offers the Subclass 500 Visa for students, which allows MPA graduates to work in the country for at least 4 years.
- GMAT Flexibility: GMAT requirements are flexible to get admission in an Master of Professional Accounting course in Australia. Some universities waive GMAT scores for admission to an MPA in Australia.
- High Employment chances for Graduates: Strong employment chances to get a job through an Master of Professional Accounting degree from Australia. Over 91% of MPA graduates in Australia secure full-time jobs and get a handsome amount.
Master of Professional Accounting in Australia: Best Universities/Colleges
The list of the best MPA colleges in Australia is given below in the table:
QS World University Rankings 2025 | University | Annual Fees |
- | Melbourne Institute of Technology | AUD 30,456 (₹16.7 Lakhs) |
1001-1200 | University of the Sunshine Coast | AUD 32,420 (₹17.7 Lakhs) |
901-950 | Australian Catholic University | AUD 33,128 (₹18.1 Lakhs) |
621-630 | Charles Darwin University | AUD 34,720 (₹19 Lakhs) |
741-750 | Victoria University | AUD 36,400 (₹19.9 Lakhs) |
293 | University of Tasmania | AUD 36,450 (₹19.9 Lakhs) |
384 | Western Sydney University | AUD 37,464 (₹20 Lakhs) |
445 | James Cook University | AUD 38,008 (₹20.8 Lakhs) |
- | Kaplan Business School | AUD 39,000 (₹21.3 Lakhs) |
Master of Professional Accounting in Australia: Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for an MPA in Australia, candidates must meet specific academic, professional, and financial requirements. Here's a simplified table.
Criteria | Details |
Academic Background | A bachelor's degree, preferably in a finance-related subject |
Work Experience | 1-2 years of relevant professional experience |
GMAT Score | 600-650 |
English Proficiency | IELTS: 6.5–7.0 or TOEFL: 79 to 100 |
PTE | 50-65 |
Freshers | Some universities accept 0–2 years of work experience |
Supporting Documents | SOP, 2–3 LORs, updated resume/CV, Official Transcripts, Admission Essays. |
Financial Proof | Evidence of funds or scholarships to cover tuition and living costs. |
Statement of Purpose | Brief essay on goals and reasons for choosing Marketing Management. |
Master of Professional Accounting in Australia: Application Process
To get admission in the MPA program in Australia for international students, include a bachelor's degree, preferably in a finance-related subject, a minimum of 1-2 years of work experience and English language proficiency scores.
The table represents the GPA, GMAT score and work experience for various universities:
Step | Details |
1. Research & Shortlist | Explore universities, check diploma details, deadlines, and eligibility. |
2. Take Required Tests | Attempt IELTS/TOEFL |
3. Prepare Documents | Collect transcripts, SOP, LORs, resume, and test scores. |
4. Apply Online | Submit applications via official university portals |
5. Pay Application Fee | CAD 75- CAD 150 (Amount varies by university) |
6. Wait for the Offer Letter | If shortlisted, receive an admission offer. |
7. Accept Offer & Pay Deposit | Confirm your seat by paying the initial deposit (if required). |
8. Apply for a Visa | Start your Australia student visa process (apply at least 3–4 months in advance). |
Master of Professional Accounting in Australia: GMAT/GRE Requirements
Many top universities in Australia offering a Master of Professional Accounting prefer GMAT or GRE scores, and some may offer waivers based on work experience or academic performance.
Test | Score Range | Note |
GMAT | 600–650 | Preferred by many top business schools |
GRE | NA | NA |
Waiver | Available at some universities | Based on experience or strong academics |
Master of Professional Accounting in Australia: SOP, LOR, and Resume
For an MPA in Australia, your application must include strong supporting documents that reflect your goals, background, and potential.
Document | Details |
SOP | Clearly explain your career goals, why you chose this Master of Professional Accounting, and why Australia. |
LOR | Usually, 2 letters from academic or professional references. |
Resume | Highlight education, work experience, internships, and key projects. |
Master of Professional Accounting in Australia: Visa Application Timeline
If you are planning to study for an MPA in Australia, starting your visa process on time is very important. Below is a simple timeline to guide you about upcoming events.
Step | Recommended Time |
Apply to Universities | 8–10 months before intake |
Receive the Offer Letter | 5–6 months before intake |
Get Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) | 4–5 months before intake |
Apply for Student Visa (Subclass 500) | 3–4 months before intake |
Visa Fee | AUD 2000 (From 1 July 2025) |
Visa Processing Time | Around 4–6 weeks |
Master of Professional Accounting in Australia: Entrance Exams
To get into an MPA in Australia, candidates need to meet the following requirements.
Requirement | Details |
GMAT | A minimum GMAT score of 600 - 650 may be required in some universities |
GRE | Not Required |
GMAT/GRE Waiver | Possible if you have 3–8 years of strong, relevant work experience. |
English Proficiency | IELTS (6.5–7.0) or TOEFL (79-100) |
Master of Professional Accounting in Australia: GMAT Preparation Strategy
The table below represents some useful tips for GMAT preparation.
Step | Key Point |
Set a Target Score | Research average scores |
Create a Study Plan | Make a schedule and focus on weak areas. |
Master Basics | Build math and grammar foundations |
Take Mock Tests | Practice full-length tests |
Time Management | Set a timer for each section |
Master of Professional Accounting in Australia: IELTS/TOEFL Tips
The table below highlights simple tips to help you score well in English tests for the Master of Professional Accounting in Australia.
Test Section | Tips to Improve |
Reading | Read newspapers and business articles daily. Focus on understanding tone and structure. |
Listening | Watch lectures, podcasts, or TED Talks in English |
Writing | Practice writing short essays |
Speaking | Speak English with friends or record yourself. Focus on fluency, not accent. |
Master of Professional Accounting in Australia: Cutoff
The table below shows the GRE, GPA, IELTS and TOEFL score requirements for the Master of Professional Accounting in Australia at top universities.
Exam | Typical Cutoff/Range |
IELTS | 6.5–7.0 |
TOEFL | 70–100 |
GPA | 3.0 |
PTE Academic | 50–65 |
Master of Professional Accounting in Australia: Syllabus
The table below represents the Master of Professional Accounting in Australia syllabus.
Core Subjects | Topics Covered |
Accounting Principles | Financial statements, accounting cycle, accruals, adjustments |
Corporate Accounting | Consolidations, mergers & acquisitions, share capital, retained earnings |
Management Accounting | Cost behaviour, budgeting, performance measurement, decision making |
Business & Company Law | Contract law, company structure, directors' duties, corporate governance |
Economics for Managers | Micro and macroeconomics, demand and supply, fiscal/monetary policy |
Financial Management | Time value of money, capital budgeting, risk and return, working capital management |
Taxation Law | Australian tax system, GST, income tax assessment, deductions, fringe benefits |
Auditing and Assurance | Audit planning, risk assessment, internal controls, and audit reports |
Accounting Information Systems | ERP systems, data flow diagrams, database design, and internal control |
Ethics & Governance | Corporate social responsibility, ethical reasoning, and corporate governance frameworks |
Capstone / Research / Internship | Industry-linked research or professional internship to apply accounting knowledge in real-world contexts |
Master of Professional Accounting in Australia: Electives & Specializations
There are some electives given below:
- Forensic Accounting
- Business Analytics in Accounting
- International Accounting
- Strategic Cost Management
- Accounting for Sustainability
- Data Visualisation for Accountants
Master of Professional Accounting in Australia: Scholarships
There are three types of scholarships given below in the table:
Scholarship Type | Details |
Merit-Based Scholarships | Awarded for academic excellence (e.g., high GPA, distinction in undergraduate degree). |
Need-Based Scholarships | For students demonstrating financial hardship. |
International Student Grants | Specific to international students, often automatic upon application |
Master of Professional Accounting in Australia: Cost of Living
As per the Australian Government’s guidelines, international students need to arrange a good budget for living expenses, in addition to their university tuition fees.
When it comes to accommodation, costs can vary widely from as little as per week, depending on the type of housing and the city you’re living in. Some expenses of living as a percentage of the total cost are given below in the table:
Category | AUD (per month) | ₹(per month) |
Accommodation | 600 - 1,500 | ₹33,690 - ₹84,225 |
Food & Groceries | 300 - 600 | ₹16,845 - ₹33,690 |
Transportation | 80 - 150 | ₹4,492 - ₹8,423 |
Household Bills | 50 - 100 | ₹2,808 - ₹5,616 |
Shopping | 200 - 400 | ₹11,232 - ₹22,464 |
Miscellaneous | 100 - 200 | ₹5,616 - ₹11,232 |
Total (approx.) | 1,330 - 2,950 | ₹74,683 - ₹1.6 lakh |
Master of Professional Accounting in Australia: Career Scope
Accounting offers a strong foundation for a successful and rewarding business career. With an MPA degree, graduates aren’t just limited to traditional accounting roles, they can move into more strategic and senior positions like General Manager, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), or even Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Many of our MPA graduates go on to become some of Australia’s top professionals, with strong job prospects and high employability. The program opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities, including:
- Chief Financial/Accounting Officer
- External auditor and assurance specialist
- Financial accountant
- Financial analyst
- Business risk manager
- Internal auditor
- Management accountant
- Management consultant
- Taxation specialist
- Treasurer
- Insolvency and reconstruction specialist
- Investment advisor
- Forensic accountant
Master of Professional Accounting in Australia: Salary Package
Once you complete the Master of Professional Accounting, you'll be eligible for a wide range of accounting and finance roles in Australia. On average, MPA graduates can earn around AUD 68,000 per year (approximately ₹36.75 lakhs), depending on their experience and job profile.
Below is an overview of common job roles and average salaries for MPA graduates in Australia:
Job Title | Average Annual Salary (AUD) |
Accountant | AUD 60,000 |
Assistant Accountant | AUD 58,000 |
Finance Manager | AUD 93,000 |
Financial Controller | AUD 107,000 |
Payroll Manager | AUD 87,000 |
Payroll Officer | AUD 60,000 |
Auditor | AUD 63,000 |
Commercial Analyst | AUD 93,000 |
Finance Analyst | AUD 78,000 |
Difference Between Master of Professional Accounting in Australia & Master of Accounting in Australia
If you’re an international student considering a career in accounting, it’s easy to get confused between the Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) and the Master of Accounting (MAcc) programs in Australia. While both are postgraduate degrees in accounting, they serve slightly different purposes.
Here’s a simple breakdown of how MPA and MAcc differ:
Parameter | MAcc(Master of Accounting) | MPA (Master of Professional Accounting) |
Duration | 2 years | 1.5–2 years |
Annual Course Fees | AUD 34,900 – AUD 58,800 | AUD 36,403 – AUD 58,800 |
Entry Requirements | Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline (relevant experience preferred) |
Course Focus | Management skills in applied accounting environment | Specialized accounting practices |
Average Annual Salary | AUD 71,000 | AUD 68,000 |
Career Options | Senior roles in Accounting, Finance, and Business | Roles in Financial Accounting, Taxation, and Accounting Systems |
Course Curriculum | More theoretical approach | More practical and application-based approach |
Frequently Asked Questions
Que 1: What is the difference between Masters in Accounting (MAcc) and Masters in Professional Accounting (MPA) in Australia?
Ans: A Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) is a postgraduate degree designed to help students qualify as Certified Practicing Accountants (CPA) in Australia. While MPA programs tend to focus on practical, hands-on skills needed in the accounting profession, Master of Accounting (MAcc) programs are generally more theoretical and academically focused.
Que 2: What are the eligibility criteria for pursuing a Master of Professional Accounting in Australia?
Ans: If you're planning to pursue a Master of Professional Accounting in Australia, you'll typically need a bachelor’s degree in a related field with a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of around 60–65%. As an international student, you’ll also need to meet English language requirements, which usually means scoring at least 6.5 on the IELTS or 79 on the TOEFL iBT.
Que 3: What is the average salary after the course Master of Professional Accounting in Australia?
Ans: The average salary after the course Master of Professional Accounting in Australia is around AUD 68,000, which is roughly ₹36.75 lakhs per annum.
Que 4: What is the Career Scope after the Master of Professional Accounting in Australia?
Ans: The Career opportunities after the Master of Professional Accounting in Australia are given below:
- Chief Financial/Accounting Officer
- External auditor and assurance specialist
- Financial accountant
- Financial analyst
- Business risk manager
- Internal auditor
- Management accountant
- Management consultant
- Taxation specialist
- Treasurer
- Insolvency and reconstruction specialist
- Investment advisor
- Forensic accountant
Que 5: What is the average fee for the course Master of Professional Accounting in Australia?
Ans: The average fee for the course Master of Professional Accounting in Australia is AUD 36,403 - AUD 58,800 (₹19.67 lakhs - ₹31.77 lakhs).