Western Sydney University
Graduate Certificate in Accounting
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 6 months
- Course Type: Graduate Certificate
Develop foundational knowledge across accounting, commercial law and management accounting, with an elective that supports your next step in postgraduate study.
Course overview
Western Sydney University's Graduate Certificate in Accounting is designed for graduates and experienced professionals seeking a focused introduction to accounting or a pathway towards further postgraduate accounting study. It may also suit applicants who need to complete particular subjects towards the educational requirements of a professional accounting body.
You will complete Introductory Accounting, Management Accounting and Commercial Law, then select one elective. Current options include Auditing, Company Accounting, Company Law, Corporate Finance, Economics and Information Systems for Accountants, or another business subject approved by the Director of Academic Program.
The qualification can support progression to further accounting study, including the Master of Professional Accounting, subject to meeting admission requirements. Students seeking professional recognition via additional study should confirm their subject requirements directly with the relevant body.
CSP Subsidised Fees Available
This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.
Key facts
29th March, 2027
21st June, 2027
14th September, 2026
What you will study
Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 40 credit points, which consists of 30 credit points of core subjects and 10 credit points of alternate subjects. Each subject is valued at 10 credit points.
Core subjects
Students must complete the following:
- Commercial Law
- Introductory Accounting
- Management Accounting
Alternate subjects
Select one of the following or any other business subject with the approval of the Director of the Academic Program:
- Auditing
- Company Accounting
- Company Law
- Corporate Finance
- Economics
- Information Systems for Accountants
Entry requirements
Applicants must meet one of the following:
- Successfully completed an undergraduate degree or higher in any discipline.
- Successfully completed an Associate Degree or higher in a business discipline.
- Successfully completed an Advanced Diploma or higher in a business discipline and have a minimum of five (5) years of general work experience in a related field.
- Have a minimum of three years full-time equivalent managerial/professional work experience in a related field.
- Submitted other evidence of general and professional qualifications that demonstrate potential to pursue graduate studies.
Work experience
Applicants seeking admission on the basis of work experience must support their application with a Statement of Service for all work experience listed on the application.
Contact the university or visit its website for more information.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Communicate effectively using Business discipline-appropriate literacy and verbal skills that express complex ideas or contexts and are suited to the audience and context.
- Collaborate effectively in teams in complex contexts.
- Apply critical thinking and problem-solving to make informed decisions for enterprise futures within global Business contexts.
- Apply numeracy and information literacy skills to make informed decisions for Business situations.
- Identify discipline-appropriate cultural issues and make recommendations for improved Business practice.
- Identify discipline-appropriate corporate socially responsible behaviour and make recommendations for improved Business practice.
Career outcomes
Graduates may pursue accounting support roles such as accounts clerk, accounts payable or receivable clerk, audit clerk or accounting administration officer. The course can also strengthen accounting capability for professionals working in broader business, management or administrative roles.
Depending on your previous qualifications and experience, the course may help address specific educational gaps identified by a professional accounting body or provide a pathway towards further study through the Master of Professional Accounting.
Additional study, professional assessment and relevant experience are required for professional accounting recognition or registration as a tax agent.
Fees and CSP
Estimated first-year tuition fee in 2026: $8,699 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of 40 credit points (normally four subjects) per semester or year.
Student fees may vary in accordance with:
- The number of subjects studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of subjects.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
Commonwealth Supported Places
The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.
If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you'll only need to pay a portion of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.
Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.
Your student contribution amount is:
- Calculated per the course you're enrolled in.
- Dependent on the study areas they relate to.
- Reviewed and adjusted each year.
HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.