New Zealand Diploma in Business – Accounting
Course details
About the course
If you enjoy problem-solving, working with numbers, and understanding how businesses operate, this programme is an ideal place to begin.
You’ll learn the core accounting and business concepts that support decision-making in real workplaces, while building confidence to take on junior roles or continue into advanced study.
You’ll benefit from:
- Fast-track your accounting career with a qualification that supports the CA ANZ Accounting Technician pathway.
- Build professional credibility by becoming eligible for provisional CA ANZ membership after graduating.
- Learn through real business scenarios that prepare you for day-one performance in accounting support roles.
- Use industry tools like Xero and gain practical experience with modern accounting software.
- Get wrap-around support from experienced tutors and Unitec’s student services throughout your study.
What You’ll Learn
By the end of this programme, you’ll be able to:
- Prepare financial statements and reports
- Complete balance-day adjustments and accounting systems tasks
- Apply management accounting techniques to support business decisions
- Understand New Zealand tax fundamentals
- Use accounting software and digital tools used in industry
- Communicate clearly in business settings
- Apply ethical standards and professional conduct expected in the workplace
Your pathway to becoming a chartered accountant
This programme is the first year of our Bachelor of Accounting (Level 7) programme – it’s the qualification you’ll need to work as a chartered accountant. Once you’ve successfully completed this qualification, you’ll have the admission requirements and preparedness to take on the higher-level study.
Career Options
- Accounts assistant
- Payroll assistant
- Accounts receivable/payable clerk
- Credit administrator
- Entry-level financial administration roles
Annual Tuition Fees
Domestic/NZ students
$6,700
(Approximate fees only - includes GST but excludes the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy. Your final study costs depends on a number of factors including the courses you select to study. View options for funding your study and fees-free eligibility)
International students
$26,415 (NZD) (approximate fees for 120 credits) Save up to $2,000 (NZD) with the Unitec International Study Grant 2026. Terms and conditions apply.
Semester Dates
Sem 1 2026: 23 Feb – 28 Jun
Sem 2 2026: 20 Jul – 22 Nov
For course and class timings, refer to the specific course webpage.
For StudyLink purposes, please ensure your application states your earliest course start date.
Downloads and resources
Programme regulations - New Zealand Diploma in Business – Accounting Order a personalised brochure Scholarships and awardsStudent LifeFor Māori studentsFor Pacific studentsFor International students
Entry requirements
To be admitted to this programme all applicants must be at least 16 years of age on the date of the programme’s commencement, and meet one of the following requirements:
- Achievement of NCEA Level 2 including Or:
- 8 Literacy credits at Level 2 or above; and
- 14 Numeracy credits at Level 1 or above
- An equivalent of the above; Or
- Successful completion of an approved qualification at Level 3 or above with a relevant pathway.
And meet one of the English entry requirements;
- 8 NCEA literacy credits at Level 2 or above; Or
- Evidence of English language proficiency as outlined in the NZQA Rules on the Unitec English Language Requirements for International Students Web-page.
Don’t meet these Academic requirements?
- If you don’t meet the academic criteria, our Bridging Education Programmes can help you qualify. Applyonline, and we’ll discuss your next steps.
- If you don’t meet the above criteria, special or discretionary admission may apply (PDF, 611KB); your eligibility will be determined at the interview.
About the provider
Unitec is New Zealand’s largest institute of technology offering a wide range of work-oriented programmes and short courses. We offer leading employment-focused education at our two campuses in Mt. Albert, and Waitākere. At Unitec we think the traditional view of spending hours in a lecture theatre is out-dated. And that's why we approach learning differently. With our unique combination of world-class theory and hands-on experience, you'll get the skills to meet the changing needs of employers. And because our tutors are industry-based, they know what it takes to make it in the real world. We offer a friendly and diverse learning environment with flexible study programmes, lots of support, and hands-on experience to build the skills you need for your career and your future.