Graduate Diploma of Professional and Practicing Accounting (CRICOS course code 083133M) is a Graduate Diploma delivered by Melbourne Polytechnic over 1 year. This CRICOS-registered course (provider 00724G) is designed for international students who want to deepen their accounting expertise under the ESOS Act protections. Melbourne Polytechnic, a government-owned TAFE institute, offers this AQF Level 8 qualification at its Preston campus in Melbourne's northern suburbs. With an indicative tuition of A$26,000, the course provides a pathway to professional accounting roles. As a HeadStart Academy resource, we source all data from the official CRICOS register (April 2026), helping you compare over 26,000 courses across 1,556 providers. Whether you're aiming for a career in accounting or seeking to meet professional body requirements, this program gives you the foundational knowledge and skills. Read on for full details on entry requirements, fees, and how to apply.
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The Graduate Diploma of Professional and Practicing Accounting (CRICOS 083133M) is a 1-year program at Melbourne Polytechnic, focusing on advanced accounting principles and practices. As an AQF Level 8 qualification, it builds on prior undergraduate study, preparing graduates for roles in financial management, auditing, and taxation. The course is delivered at the Preston Campus, a hub for vocational and higher education in Melbourne. Melbourne Polytechnic, as a CRICOS-registered provider (00724G), ensures quality standards under the ESOS Act. This program is ideal for international students seeking to enhance their accounting knowledge while benefiting from Australia's strong regulatory framework for education.
This Graduate Diploma falls under the field of Management and Commerce (08), specifically Accounting (080101). Students typically learn advanced financial accounting, management accounting, taxation law, auditing, and corporate finance. The curriculum is designed to develop analytical and problem-solving skills relevant to the accounting profession. While specific syllabus details are set by Melbourne Polytechnic, graduates can expect to gain a thorough understanding of accounting standards and practices. This level of study is suitable for those who already hold a bachelor's degree and wish to specialise or meet membership requirements of professional accounting bodies.
The course duration is 1 year (52 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification (no dual qualification or foundation studies component). Students are expected to study full-time. Melbourne Polytechnic may offer different study modes; contact the provider for current delivery options. Given the 52-week duration, international students should plan their visa accordingly, as student visa holders must maintain full-time enrolment.
The indicative tuition fee for the Graduate Diploma of Professional and Practicing Accounting is A$26,000, with non-tuition fees listed as A$0 on the CRICOS register. Therefore, the estimated total is A$26,000. However, this does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. For current fee information, always check Melbourne Polytechnic's website: http://www.melbournepolytechnic.edu.au/. Fees are set by the institution and subject to change. As a guide, international students in Melbourne should budget approximately A$20,000–A$25,000 per year for living expenses, including rent, groceries, and transport. ESOS Act protections ensure your tuition is safeguarded.
International students typically need an IELTS overall score of 5.5–6.0 or equivalent for this level. Applicants are expected to hold a prior bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification. Specific academic requirements may vary; check with Melbourne Polytechnic for detailed entry criteria. Foundation or pathway options may be available if you do not meet direct entry requirements — consult the provider. All applicants must satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for the student visa. HeadStart Academy recommends contacting Melbourne Polytechnic directly for the most accurate and up-to-date requirements.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, as a student visa (Subclass 500) holder, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. This can help offset living costs, but your primary purpose must be study. Remember that work rights are subject to visa conditions and are not a guaranteed pathway to work.
This course is delivered at the Preston Campus, located at 77-91 St Georges Rd, Preston, Victoria 3072. Preston is a suburb in Melbourne's north, well-connected by public transport including trains, trams, and buses. Melbourne has a large student population with over 200 CRICOS-registered providers. Living costs in Melbourne are estimated at A$20,000–A$25,000 per year for a single student. The campus is close to shopping centres and amenities. For international students, the area offers a welcoming community with diverse services.
International students must hold a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course. Key conditions include: maintain full-time enrolment, meet course progress requirements, hold valid OSHC, and satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion. Work rights are as above. Your visa will be tied to the CRICOS course code 083133M. ESOS Act protections apply, including the Tuition Protection Service (TPS). For visa applications, it's essential to consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.
Melbourne is Australia's second-largest city and a major education hub with over 200 CRICOS-registered providers offering thousands of courses. The city has a vibrant student community, strong accounting industry links, and a high quality of life. Living costs are generally lower than Sydney but higher than smaller cities. Public transport is extensive, and the Preston campus is easily accessible. Consider your personal preferences for lifestyle, climate, and career opportunities when choosing Melbourne. This course, being a Graduate Diploma, provides a pathway to professional accounting roles in a city with strong demand for accountants.
Follow these three steps to enrol in the Graduate Diploma of Professional and Practicing Accounting at Melbourne Polytechnic: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Graduate Diploma), field (Accounting), and location (Victoria) to find this course and others. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit Melbourne Polytechnic's website to check entry requirements, English test scores needed, and application deadlines. Submit your application with all required documents. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, you'll get a CoE. Then lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs, including proof of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE statement.
Ready to apply? Start by researching CRICOS-registered accounting courses on HeadStart Academy. Then visit Melbourne Polytechnic's website for application details.
Graduate Diploma of Professional and Practicing Accounting is a CRICOS-registered programme at Melbourne Polytechnic. 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.