Our rankings
The University is ranked first in Australia and fourth in the world for graduate employability in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022.
Our Accounting and Finance subjects are ranked #21 in the world in the QS World Rankings by Subject 2021.
In response to COVID-19, the University of Sydney has reviewed the availability of courses to be delivered remotely.
This course will be available for students to study remotely whilst the Australian border remains closed due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Please note that some units of study that are not essential to completing the degree may not be available to be studied remotely.
About this course
Our Master of Professional Accounting will help you develop the skills and expertise you need for a rewarding career in accounting. You will develop the knowledge and expertise to future-proof your career. Undertake advanced learning in both theory and professional practice and learn to solve accounting and business problems in innovative ways.
The degree meets the requirements for professional accounting accreditation with the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ) and CPA Australia. The program offers graduates with a recognised bachelor's qualification in any field the opportunity to develop knowledge, understanding and expertise in the field of professional accountancy.
The program's foundation exposes students to the broad organisational, regulatory and market context in which accountants operate. Students then pursue advanced learning in accounting within the contexts of both professional practice and the theoretical paradigms that underpin such practice.
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) are available for this course for eligible domestic students. This means that your course fees are subsidised by the Australian Government and you pay a student contribution amount (SCA). CSPs are limited in number and are allocated based on academic merit.
Domestic students studying the Master of Professional Accounting may also be eligible to receive Youth Allowance, Austudy, or Pensioner Education Supplement. Visit Services Australia for more information.
For academic requirements check the ‘Admission requirements’ section on this page.
Apply online or for more information visit our how to apply page.
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) are available for this course for eligible domestic students. This means that your course fees are subsidised by the Australian Government and you pay a student contribution amount (SCA). CSPs are limited in number and are allocated based on academic merit.
Applying for a Commonwealth supported place (CSP)
There is no separate application required to apply for a CSP. Once you apply for admission, if you are successful in securing a CSP, you will receive notification via an offer of admission.
A Commonwealth supported place (CSP) is not guaranteed as there are a limited number of CSPs available for postgraduate courses. The number of available CSPs for a course can change each semester/year. CSPs are also not automatically awarded for course transfers and upgrades.
CSPs are awarded for the duration of a course based on academic merit determined by the University and eligibility criteria specified by the Australian Government. Learn more about CSPs. If you do not qualify for a CSP you may be offered a domestic fee-paying place.
Semester 1: 31 January of the commencing year
Semester 2: 15 July of the commencing year
We strongly encourage applicants to apply as early as possible. Separate scholarship deadlines may apply, check the scholarships website for details.
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
Apply online or for more information visit our how to apply page.
Semester 1: 15 January of the commencing year
Semester 2: 25 June of the commencing year
We strongly encourage applicants to apply as early as possible. Separate scholarship deadlines apply, check the scholarships website for details.
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
Foundational units:
Advanced units:
Capstone unit:
Completion of three electives is also a requirement of the degree. Electives are selected from a wide range of Business School units of study, set out in the Business School Handbook.
The Master of Professional Accounting requires the completion of 96 credit points comprising:
A candidate for the Master of Professional Accounting completes the core unit Accounting Principles in the first semester of enrolment. The capstone core unit, Corporate Governance and Accountability, is completed in the final semester of enrolment. The remaining units are completed in any order depending on prerequisite/corequisite requirements. Students should refer to the Business School Handbook for this degree for the recommended sequence of progression.
To be considered for admission, an applicant is required to have:
Units completed in the graduate diploma can be credited to the master's degree.
Any grade requirements listed are based on the University of Sydney guide to grades.
For more information about the University’s credit policy, please see the Credit for Previous Studies page.
The Master of Professional Accounting is accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), CPA Australia and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ).
You need to complete the compulsory units of study to satisfy professional accreditation requirements. For more detailed information download the Professional Accounting Accreditation Guide (pdf, 201KB).
Further information on professional accounting accreditation requirements:
Our Master of Professional Accounting graduates look forward to employment in or, the formation of their own accounting practices. Also to roles such as chief financial officers, chief information officers, financial controllers, company secretaries, financial analysts and planners, tax and estate advisers, financial and management accountants, auditors, system designers, investment advisors and managers.
There are many employment opportunities for accounting graduates across a range of industries, many of our graduates go on to work in finance, banking, insurance, consulting, manufacturing, medicine and health, construction and engineering, media, advertising, marketing, public relations, telecommunication s and technology, property and real estate, and law and legal services.
Some of our graduates have gone on to work at AMP, Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC, Microsoft, Huawei, Vodaphone and eHealth.
A postgraduate degree can open doors to further study, whether you are interested in pursuing a research degree, or expanding your postgraduate qualifications and skillset by embarking on a management degree, MBA or specialised business masters.
The Business School offers two research degrees, the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and the Master of Philosophy (MPhil), which may be studied full-time or part-time. Embarking on a PhD or masters by research is an opportunity to join a community of recognised leaders in scholarship and make a significant contribution to your area of study. We are home to many leading researchers and attract generous funding in support of our research projects, and the University of Sydney is consistently ranked among the best research universities in the world.
If you are interested in pursuing further postgraduate study, our postgraduate coursework business degrees cater to students from any background and career stage, with pre- and post-experience options available, to help you achieve the future you’ve imagined. Combine your interests and develop specialised skills to be well positioned in an increasingly competitive business environment.
Adam Aziz
Master of Professional Accounting | Auditor (Assurance), PwC Australia
“During my time at the University of Sydney Business School, I grew to understand the sheer scope of the accounting profession and I have a better appreciation of the role accountants play in society. My postgraduate study has also placed me in a strong position to pursue my entrepreneurial ambitions.
“I now have a greater knowledge of how companies operate and profit. With my blend of accounting and economics expertise and my passion for consumer behaviour, I am much better equipped to embark on my entrepreneurial pursuit.”
