Graduate Diploma of Professional Accounting (CRICOS course code 073434C) is a Graduate Diploma delivered by Deakin University (Deakin) over 1 year. This AQF Level 8 qualification in the field of Management and Commerce (Accounting) prepares international students for professional accounting roles in Australia and globally. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider code 00113B), it meets the rigorous standards of the Australian Government, ensuring quality education and student protections under the ESOS Act. Deakin University is a well-known Australian public university with campuses in Victoria. With over 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers offering 26,433 courses across Australia, finding the right course is crucial. This page provides all essential information for prospective international students, including fees, entry requirements, delivery location at Melbourne Burwood Campus, and visa guidance. HeadStart Academy is a free, independent resource that sources data directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) to help you make informed decisions about your study journey in Australia.
Graduate Diploma of Professional Accounting (CRICOS 073434C) is an AQF Level 8 qualification offered by Deakin University (CRICOS 00113B). This course is classified under the field of Management and Commerce, specifically Accounting (080101). It is designed for international students who hold a bachelor degree and wish to deepen their accounting knowledge or meet professional accreditation requirements. Deakin University is a public Australian university with a strong reputation in business education. The course is delivered entirely in English and is a single qualification, with no dual or foundation studies component. As a CRICOS-registered course, it guarantees adherence to Australian quality standards and student welfare protections under the ESOS Act. For the most current information, always refer to Deakin University's official website.
Students in the Graduate Diploma of Professional Accounting typically study core accounting disciplines such as financial accounting, management accounting, auditing, taxation, and business law. The curriculum is designed to build advanced skills in financial analysis, reporting, and ethical decision-making. While the exact syllabus may vary, graduates are prepared for roles such as accountant, financial analyst, or auditor in diverse settings including public practice, corporate finance, and government. The course also emphasises the practical application of accounting standards and frameworks used in Australia, making it relevant for those seeking to work locally or internationally. As a graduate diploma, it offers a pathway to further study, such as a master's degree, and can help meet the educational requirements for professional accounting bodies in Australia.
According to the CRICOS register, the Graduate Diploma of Professional Accounting has a duration of 1 year (52 weeks). It is delivered full-time, with English as the language of instruction. This is a single qualification course, meaning it does not lead to an additional award alongside another program. There is no foundation studies component or VET national code, as it is a higher education graduate diploma. Students should expect a full-time study load of approximately 40 hours per week including classes and independent study. Part-time options may be available, but international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) must maintain a full-time enrolment. Always confirm study mode availability directly with Deakin University, as schedules can change.
The indicative tuition fee for the Graduate Diploma of Professional Accounting at Deakin University is A$48,000 (per year). Non-tuition fees are listed as A$0, bringing the estimated total to A$48,000. Please note that these figures are sourced from the CRICOS register (April 2026) and are subject to change by the institution. Important additional costs not included are: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory for international students (approximately A$600–$800 per year); living expenses in Melbourne – indicative weekly costs of A$350–$500 for rent, A$80–$120 for groceries, and A$30–$50 for public transport; and the Student visa (Subclass 500) application charge (currently A$710). HeadStart Academy recommends checking the latest fees on Deakin University's website before applying.
International students applying for the Graduate Diploma of Professional Accounting must meet English language proficiency and academic requirements. The indicative English requirement is an IELTS overall score of 5.5–6.0 (or equivalent in tests like TOEFL or PTE). Typically, applicants are expected to hold a bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) from a recognised institution, though relevant work experience may be considered. Some students may need to complete a pathway program if they do not meet direct entry criteria – Deakin University offers foundation and diploma pathways for those requiring additional preparation. Entry requirements are set by the institution and may vary, so always confirm with Deakin's admissions office. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance, as places are competitive.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. There is no requirement for work placement, internships, or professional experience as part of the Graduate Diploma of Professional Accounting curriculum. However, international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) can undertake part-time work alongside their studies, subject to visa conditions. Students may also choose to engage in voluntary internships or casual work to enhance their practical skills, but these are not formally assessed or counted towards course requirements. For information on any optional work opportunities offered by Deakin University, contact the university's careers service.
The Graduate Diploma of Professional Accounting is delivered at Deakin University's Melbourne Burwood Campus, located in Burwood, a suburb of Melbourne, Victoria. Melbourne is Australia's second-largest city and a leading international student destination, home to over 200,000 international students from diverse backgrounds. The city offers excellent public transport (trains, trams, buses), a thriving job market, and a rich cultural scene. Burwood itself is a residential area with affordable housing relative to the city centre. Victoria has over 200 CRICOS-registered providers offering thousands of courses, and Melbourne is consistently ranked as one of the world's most liveable cities. Students choosing this location can enjoy a balanced lifestyle while pursuing their studies.
International students enrolled in this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to study full-time in Australia and includes work rights: up to 48 hours per fortnight during the academic term and unlimited work during scheduled university breaks. To obtain the visa, you must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement – demonstrating that you intend to stay temporarily for study – and provide evidence of financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC. The mandatory Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) must be arranged for the duration of your stay. Visa conditions also require you to maintain satisfactory academic progress and not engage in work that interferes with your studies. HeadStart Academy recommends consulting a registered migration agent (MARA) for personalised advice, as visa regulations can change.
Victoria is a premier destination for accounting students, thanks to its strong economy, concentration of multinational corporations, and vibrant financial services sector. Melbourne, the state capital, is home to the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) offices and many accounting firms offering graduate opportunities. The state boasts over 20 universities and numerous private colleges, providing a competitive educational environment. Students benefit from a multicultural community, with over 30% of residents born overseas, making integration easier. Additionally, Victoria offers a relatively high standard of living with diverse cultural festivals, outdoor activities, and a renowned food scene. The cost of living in Melbourne is moderate compared to Sydney, with indicative weekly expenses around A$500–$700 for a single person. Studying accounting in Victoria can open doors to professional networks and career pathways across Australia and internationally.
Applying for the Graduate Diploma of Professional Accounting (073434C) at Deakin University involves three key steps. Step 1: Research CRICOS-registered providers – use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level, field, and city to confirm Deakin University meets your needs. Step 2: Apply directly to Deakin University – submit your application through the university's international admissions portal, providing academic transcripts, English test results (e.g., IELTS 5.5–6.0), and any other required documents. Be mindful of application deadlines, which typically occur several months before the course start date. Step 3: Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) – once Deakin issues a CoE, you can lodge a visa application with the Department of Home Affairs, including evidence of financial capacity, OSHC, and GTE statement. HeadStart Academy recommends starting the process early to allow time for visa processing.
Start your application today – visit Deakin University's official course page for the most up-to-date information.
Graduate Diploma of Professional Accounting is a CRICOS-registered programme at Deakin University (Deakin). Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.