Bachelor of Accounting
Course details
About the course
About the programme
Accredited byChartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ)and CPA Australia, this qualification is the first step towards your career as an accounting professional.
Employment opportunities for accountants are currently 'good' with accounting services becoming increasingly important. The current trend of strong demand from private businesses and government institutions (e.g. for more accounting professionals) is forecast to continue rising.
This degree path incorporates case studies, applied assignments, and a workplace-based industry project. These focus on the accounting field’s technical and professional competencies — the skills needed by employers. This qualification has industry collaboration and experience at its core and enables you to be work-ready.
After graduation, you'll be in the perfect position to complete the professional requirements for full CA or ACA membership with CAANZ or membership with CPA Australia.
Entry requirements
Entry
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
- You must be 16 years old by the start of this programme.
- You also need to meet one of the following requirements:
- NCEA Level 3
- 14 credits in three approved subjects at Level 3
- 10 Literacy credits at Level 2 or above (5 reading/5 writing)
- 10 Numeracy credits at Level 1 or above made up of specified achievement standards, or three numeracy unit standards (26623, 26626, 26627), OR
- A satisfactory equivalent from another secondary qualification, OR
- Successful completion of an approved qualification at Level 4 or above with a relevant pathway.
- If your are over 20 and do not meet the entry requirements, special admission may be possible.
- For all applicants who do not meet the entry requirements, discretionary admission may be possible.
- All applicants need to hold 10 NCEA Literacy credits at Level 2 or above (5 reading, 5 writing). If you cannot provide evidence of this, we may need you to demonstrate your capability using an approved proficiency test or an equivalent described in the NZQA rules.
International equivalence
To enter Otago Polytechnic's undergraduate certificates, diplomas and degrees, you need to have achieved a secondary school qualification that is equivalent to New Zealand's NCEA levels (National Certificate of Educational Achievement).
This information is available by country on our Equivalent academic entry requirements page.
English Language requirements
If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall Academic IELTS 6.0 with no individual band score lower than 5.5 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
- Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for internationally recognised proficiency tests and proficiency outcomes for international students).
If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.
Don't meet the entry requirements?
We offer a couple of different pathways into this programme.
You can either:
- Study our New Zealand Certificate in Business (Accounting Support Services) (Level 4) which will give you a solid understanding of the fundamentals of accounting, OR
- If you meet eligibility requirements, you can study our New Zealand Diploma in Business (Level 5) (Accounting), which will allow you to move seamlessly into the Bachelor degree.
About the provider
If you want to get a job and build a great career, Otago Polytechnic is a smart choice.
We’re known for offering the highest quality, hands-on training that helps students succeed. Our graduates are confident, skilled, and ready to work from day one. And, employers love that.
We’ve earned the highest ratings from the New Zealand Government for our teaching and support. Our flexible study options make it easier for you to learn in a way that suits your life.
At Otago Polytechnic, you’ll gain practical skills, real-world experience, and the confidence to make a real impact - in your career and in your community.