About Graduate Diploma In Accounting in Ara Institute of Canterbury

Complement your degree with accountany skills and experience applicable to many business situations and commercial pursuits.

Our qualification equips you with the skills and knowledge in peak demand and builds on your basic accounting skills and provides detailed study in taxation and compliance, as well as advanced financial and management accounting.

You will be capable of identifying opportunities for cost efficiencies, savings and future growth, and helping business leaders understand fiscal risk. In addition, you will also complete work experience on a business project. You will need to have current knowledge of accounting at an introductory level to enrol in this programme.

Career opportunities

With this qualification you will have developed competencies in advanced accounting concepts relating to finance, tax, financial and management accounting. You will be eligible for support roles within chartered accountant offices, or within businesses in the public, private and not for profit sectors. This graduate diploma is also useful for strengthening your prospects when considering other business or management career positions.

Study pathways

You can continue to study for the ACCA, or the CPA Australia Professional or Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand professional pathway.

Recommended school subjects

• English
• Mathematics
• Computing / ICT
• Economics

Academic requirements

• A bachelor's degree in any field excluding Accounting, however some previous study in Accounting or equivalent knowledge is required.

Alternative requirements

• Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?

  If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.

  Note: The number of courses you have to complete for this qualification may be reduced where you have relevant credits from previous study, or evidence of similar learning or experience in the workplace. Contact Ara for advice.

Additional requirements

English requirements

• What if English is not my first Language?

  If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study. Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives English Proficiency Outcomes Chart .

  OR

  • If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
  • If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, book an IELTS, Pearson or other test through the Ara Examination Centre or in your home country.

  IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS test report form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.

Ara Institute of Canterbury Tuition Fees

New Zealand Living Expenses

You'll require between $20,000 and $25,000 a year ($380–480 per week) for housing/rent, food, transportation, phone bills, internet usage, and entertainment, in addition to your tuition and insurance fees. The average living expense will be the same for everyone, regardless of their tuition or course price. Please keep in mind that these are only suggestions; the Immigration New Zealand requirement is $15,000 per year including return travel or an additional $2,000.