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What is Accounting?
Quick read
- Accounting degrees teach financial reporting, management accounting, audit, tax and business law.
- Many degrees abroad carry exemptions from professional exams such as ACCA, ICAEW, CPA Australia or CA ANZ.
- A master's in accounting abroad usually takes 1 year in the UK and Ireland and 1.5–2 years in Australia and Canada.
- Graduate salaries in the UK start around £25,000–£30,000 for trainee chartered accountants (Prospects, 2025).
- If you plan to work in India later, check how your degree and any professional exemptions are treated by ICAI.
Accounting is the study of how organisations record, report and analyse money. You learn to prepare financial statements, cost products and services, audit accounts, plan tax and explain numbers to managers and investors.
Abroad, accounting is taught as a bachelor's (often with finance), as a specialist master's for students with a commerce background, and as a conversion master's for graduates from other subjects. Most programmes are built around the syllabus of professional bodies, which is why exemptions matter when you compare them.
Why study Accounting abroad
Exemptions from professional exams
Accredited degrees can exempt you from several papers of ACCA, ICAEW, CPA Australia or CA ANZ, which shortens the route to a professional qualification.
International reporting standards
Courses in the UK, Ireland, Australia and Europe teach IFRS, the standards used in more than 140 jurisdictions, which is useful for multinational employers.
Short master's options
One-year master's in the UK and Ireland let you finish quickly and move into the post-study work period.
Demand across sectors
Every sector needs accountants, so graduates are not tied to one industry or one city.
Specialisations you can choose
- Financial reporting
- Audit and assurance
- Taxation
- Management accounting
- Forensic accounting
- Accounting and finance
- Accounting analytics
- Public sector accounting
Degree options
| Programme | Duration | Typical entry | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's (BSc/BA/BCom Accounting) | 3–4 years | Class 12 with good marks; maths at Class 10 or 12 for many universities | Students who want a professional accounting career from the start |
| MSc / MAcc (specialist) | 1–2 years | Bachelor's in commerce, accounting or finance | BCom graduates who want exemptions and international exposure |
| Conversion master's (e.g. MPA / MProfAcc) | 1.5–2 years | Bachelor's in any subject | Graduates from other fields moving into accounting |
| Graduate diploma | 1 year | Bachelor's degree | A shorter route to the core accounting subjects |
Best countries to study Accounting
United KingdomHome of ACCA and ICAEW; one-year MSc programmes and many accredited degrees.Study in the UK
AustraliaDegrees accredited by CPA Australia and CA ANZ, including conversion master's for non-commerce graduates.Study in Australia
IrelandBig Four and fund-administration employers in Dublin; one-year master's.Study in Ireland
CanadaStrong demand for accounting staff; CPA Canada route after study.Study in Canada
New ZealandCA ANZ accredited degrees and a post-study work visa of up to 3 years after a master's.Study in New Zealand
Accounting: costs and work rights in 13 countries
The table compares typical international tuition per year in each country (a range across subjects, from our country guides), how long a master's usually takes, and the post-study work route. Notes specific to Accounting are added where they matter.
| Country | Bachelor's / year | Master's / year | Post-study work | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £15,000–40,000≈ ₹18.3 lakh – ₹48.8 lakh | £17,000–36,000≈ ₹20.7 lakh – ₹43.9 lakh1–2 years | Graduate visa: 2 years (18 months if you apply from 1 January 2027) Details | Check which ACCA/ICAEW exemptions each course carries. | |
| A$30,000–50,000≈ ₹19.5 lakh – ₹32.5 lakh | A$32,000–55,000≈ ₹20.8 lakh – ₹35.8 lakh1–2 years | Temporary Graduate visa (485): usually 2–3 years; Indian graduates up to 3 years after a master's Details | Look for CPA Australia / CA ANZ accreditation. | |
| C$20,000–60,000≈ ₹13.4 lakh – ₹40.2 lakh | C$10,000–50,000≈ ₹6.7 lakh – ₹33.5 lakh1–2 years | PGWP: up to 3 years, depending on programme length Details | Colleges also offer postgraduate diplomas; check the field-of-study rule for PGWP. | |
| €16,000–30,000≈ ₹17 lakh – ₹31.8 lakh | €16,000–30,000≈ ₹17 lakh – ₹31.8 lakh1–2 years | Stamp 1G: 12 months, up to 24 months after a master's Details | Most taught master's take 1 year. | |
| Up to €20,000up to ≈ ₹21.2 lakh | Up to €25,000up to ≈ ₹26.5 lakh1.5–2 years | 18-month job-seeker residence permit Details | Few English-taught accounting master's; usually taught as part of finance or management. | |
| NZ$36,000–55,000≈ ₹19.4 lakh – ₹29.7 lakh | NZ$40,000–60,000≈ ₹21.6 lakh – ₹32.4 lakh1–2 years | Post Study Work Visa: up to 3 years after a master's Details | Includes 1-year and 1.5–2 year master's. | |
| €9,000–20,000≈ ₹9.5 lakh – ₹21.2 lakh | €12,000–30,000≈ ₹12.7 lakh – ₹31.8 lakh1–2 years | Orientation year: 1 year Details | Research universities and universities of applied sciences both teach in English. | |
| AED 44,000–165,000≈ ₹11 lakh – ₹41.3 lakh | AED 42,000–181,000≈ ₹10.5 lakh – ₹45.3 lakh1–2 years | No dedicated route: employer work visa or a 60–120 day Job Seeker visa Details | Branch campuses award the parent university's degree. | |
| €1,000–27,000≈ ₹1.1 lakh – ₹28.6 lakh | €2,700–43,000≈ ₹2.9 lakh – ₹45.6 lakh1–2 years | Job-search authorisation: 24 months Details | Public universities teach mostly in Spanish; English-taught options are mainly at private schools. | |
| €7,000–15,000≈ ₹7.4 lakh – ₹15.9 lakh | €8,000–20,000≈ ₹8.5 lakh – ₹21.2 lakh1–2 years | Post-study permit: up to 9 months Details | English is an official language; small universities and colleges. | |
| €6,800–12,000≈ ₹7.2 lakh – ₹12.7 lakh | €4,000–18,000≈ ₹4.2 lakh – ₹19.1 lakh1–2 years | Up to 12 months after a master's; none after a bachelor's Details | Public universities teach mainly in Greek; private universities teach in English. | |
| €3,000–10,000≈ ₹3.2 lakh – ₹10.6 lakh | €3,500–12,000≈ ₹3.7 lakh – ₹12.7 lakh1–2 years | Up to 9 months after a master's or PhD Details | English-taught programmes at state and private universities. | |
| €2,500–10,000≈ ₹2.6 lakh – ₹10.6 lakh | €2,300–12,000≈ ₹2.4 lakh – ₹12.7 lakh1.5–2 years | 12-month job-search permit Details | English-taught programmes at state and private universities. |
Ranges are typical yearly international tuition across subjects; lab-based and professional courses often sit at the upper end. Living costs, visa and health cover are extra. Approximate exchange rates (based on ECB reference rates, March 2026). Actual rates on your payment date will differ.
Not sure which country suits Accounting?Share your marks, budget and goals and we'll compare countries and universities for you.
Universities to consider for Accounting
Universities on our list known for Finance & Accounting, ordered by global ranking, with no more than two per country. Entry rules and fees differ by course, so check the university page or ask us.
UNSW SydneySydney, AustraliaQS 2027: 19
University College DublinDublin, IrelandQS 2027: =100
Erasmus University RotterdamRotterdam, NetherlandsQS 2027: 148
University of Wollongong in DubaiDubai, Dubai (UAE)QS (parent university) 2027: 195
University of WarwickCoventry, UK
Macquarie UniversitySydney, Australia
Seneca PolytechnicToronto, Canada
National College of IrelandDublin, Ireland
University of MannheimMannheim, Germany
Tilburg UniversityTilburg, Netherlands
Admission requirements
Bachelor's
- Class 12 pass with the university's minimum marks (often 60–80% depending on the university)
- Maths or accounts in Class 11–12 helps; some courses require maths
- English test or Class 12 English mark accepted by the university
Master's
- Bachelor's in commerce, accounting, finance or business for specialist master's; any subject for conversion master's
- A minimum grade, often 55–65% for Indian degrees at mid-ranked universities and higher at top universities
- English test score; GMAT or GRE is rarely required
Documents you will usually need
- Mark sheets and certificates
- Statement of purpose
- CV
- Two references
- Passport
- English test score report
English test scores
| Level | Typical requirement |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's | IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall with no band below 5.5–6.0 is typical |
| Master's | IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0 is typical; some top schools ask for 7.0 |
| Other tests | PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT and Duolingo English Test are widely accepted; check each university's list |
| Class 12 English | Some universities accept a high Class 12 English mark (often 70–80%+ from CBSE/ISC) instead of a test for some courses |
Typical ranges; each university and course sets its own scores. Prepare with our IELTS and PTE classes.
Professional recognition
ACCA
Many accounting degrees in the UK, Ireland and elsewhere give exemptions from some ACCA exams. Check the exemption list for your exact course.
CPA Australia and CA ANZ
Accredited Australian and New Zealand degrees meet the education requirement for these professional programmes.
Working in India
A foreign degree does not make you a Chartered Accountant in India; that needs ICAI's own route. Ask us how your plan fits.
Skills you will build
- Financial reporting (IFRS)
- Excel and spreadsheet modelling
- Accounting software such as Xero, SAP or Oracle
- Audit and risk thinking
- Tax rules
- Data analysis
- Clear writing for non-finance readers
- Attention to detail
Careers and salaries after Accounting
| Job role | UK salary guide | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Chartered accountant (trainee to qualified) | £25,000–£30,000 starting; up to about £65,000 once qualified | Prospects job profile (UK), 2025 (opens in a new tab) |
| External auditor | Around £28,000 for a graduate trainee; £32,000–£45,000 once qualified | Prospects job profile (UK), 2025 (opens in a new tab) |
| Tax adviser | £21,800–£40,000 as a trainee; £35,000–£65,000 once qualified (CTA) | Prospects job profile (UK), 2025 (opens in a new tab) |
UK salary guides are shown so all courses use the same comparison. Pay elsewhere differs, and a job offer abroad is never guaranteed.
Planning a career in Accounting?Our counsellor can map courses to the jobs and countries you're aiming for.
Study Accounting abroad: FAQs
Is accounting a good course to study abroad after BCom?
Yes, if you want a professional accounting or finance career. A specialist master's builds on your BCom, and accredited courses can cut the number of professional exams you sit later.
Can I study accounting abroad without a commerce background?
Yes. Conversion master's (often called Master of Professional Accounting) accept graduates from any subject but take longer, usually 1.5–2 years.
Do I need GMAT for an accounting master's?
Usually not. Most universities decide on your degree marks and English score. A few top business schools ask for GMAT or GRE.
Which country gives the most professional exemptions?
It depends on the course, not the country. UK and Irish degrees often carry ACCA or ICAEW exemptions; Australian degrees are accredited by CPA Australia and CA ANZ. Compare the exemption lists for each course.
Will an accounting degree from abroad be valid in India?
Degrees from recognised universities are generally accepted for jobs, and AIU equivalence can be needed for some purposes. Becoming a CA in India still requires ICAI's route.
Explore other courses
Business and finance
Computing and data
Engineering and architecture
Health and life sciences
Hospitality and social sciences
Sources
- Prospects: chartered accountant job profile (opens in a new tab)
- Prospects: external auditor job profile (opens in a new tab)
- Prospects: tax adviser job profile (opens in a new tab)
- ACCA (opens in a new tab)
- CPA Australia (opens in a new tab)
- Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) (opens in a new tab)
Researched 23 Oct 2026. Fees, rules and salaries change; confirm with the university or official source before you apply.