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    Study accounting abroad

    An in-depth guide to studying accounting as an international student.

    Find accounting programs

    Explore accounting programs abroad

    See other programs in accounting

    Accounting degrees abroad

    Accounting and accountancy is one of the most important subjects in modern international business. Skilled accountants are at the heart of every successful business, so it’s no surprise that accounting is considered one of the secure and most rewarding careers you can pursue.

    The study of accounting is all about the movement of money in and out of a business. It covers the measurement, processing and analysis of financial transactions, and how to display and present that information. It’s an ideal choice if you are highly organized, analytical and have a passion for numbers.

    Choosing to study accounting abroad gives you a great opportunity to study at universities and accounting schools from all over the world. It means you’ll have a larger choice of programs, and you’ll be able to learn while experiencing a whole new culture and way of life.

    Accounting program structure

    The program content, curriculum and structure of accounting degrees can differ depending on the university you’re attending. Some programs include elements of finance, or combine the two subjects in a joint degree.

    At undergraduate level you can study a BA or BSc - there is little difference between the two, but BSc degrees may have more focus on practical elements. In the US you can study for a Bachelor of Accounting, which you may need in order to work as an accountant.

    Undergraduate degrees last between three and four years, depending on the country and whether the course includes an additional year abroad. Master’s degrees are also available, and will usually last between one and two years, and a PhD in accounting will take up to five years to complete.

    There are topics and modules you can expect to study on any accounting program, including:

    • Financial reporting
    • Management accounting
    • Auditing theory and practice
    • Accounting information systems
    • Macroeconomics
    • Microeconomics
    • Business law
    • Principles of taxation
    Accounting program structure

    The program content, curriculum and structure of accounting degrees can differ depending on the university you’re attending. Some programs include elements of finance, or combine the two subjects in a joint degree.

    At undergraduate level you can study a BA or BSc - there is little difference between the two, but BSc degrees may have more focus on practical elements. In the US you can study for a Bachelor of Accounting, which you may need in order to work as an accountant.

    Undergraduate degrees last between three and four years, depending on the country and whether the course includes an additional year abroad. Master’s degrees are also available, and will usually last between one and two years, and a PhD in accounting will take up to five years to complete.

    There are topics and modules you can expect to study on any accounting program, including:

    • Financial reporting
    • Management accounting
    • Auditing theory and practice
    • Accounting information systems
    • Macroeconomics
    • Microeconomics
    • Business law
    • Principles of taxation

    Types of accounting degrees

    Best countries to study accounting

    Best universities to study accounting

    See all universities offering accounting programs

    How to study accounting abroad

    1. University & program search

      Find the right program for you and your career aspirations

    2. Application guidance

      We'll get you to the right place to start your application

    3. Visa & travel advice

      Get help after application, all the way to your first day at university

    Our team of advisors is ready to support you at every step of your study abroad journey.
    Our services are 100% free for students like you because we're funded by universities.

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    Accounting study abroad programs

    Accounting undergraduate programs

    Bachelor's in accounting

    • false

      Financial Planning / Accountancy - BBus RMIT University, Australia

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      26,729 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 34,560 AUD

      Start date
      February, July
      Show program overview about Financial Planning / Accountancy
    • false

      Accountancy - BSBA Auburn University, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      32,220 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 32,220 USD

      Start date
      August, May, January
      Show program overview about Accountancy
    • false

      Accountancy - BSc National University, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      15,912 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 15,912 USD

      Start date
      September, July, April, January
      Show program overview about Accountancy
    • false

      Accountancy - BSc (Hons) Edge Hill University, UK

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      16,946 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 12,250 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Accountancy
    • false

      Professional Accountancy - BA (Hons) University of Stirling, UK

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      17,223 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 12,450 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Professional Accountancy
    See all bachelor's degrees in accounting

    Associate in accounting

    • false

      Accounting - AASc Mohawk Valley Community College, USA

      Program type
      Associate
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      6,892 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 6,892 USD

      Start date
      September, January
      Show program overview about Accounting
    • false

      Banking and Financial Services - AASc Fox Valley Technical College, USA
      • Online

      Program type
      Associate
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      5,000 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 5,000 USD

      Start date
      January
      Show program overview about Banking and Financial Services
    • false

      Accounting - AASc St. Charles Community College, USA

      Program type
      Associate
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      5,520 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 5,520 USD

      Start date
      August, January
      Show program overview about Accounting
    • false

      Accounting - ASc Indiana Wesleyan University, USA

      Program type
      Associate
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      28,184 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 28,184 USD

      Start date
      September, May, January
      Show program overview about Accounting
    • false

      Accounting - AASc Elgin Community College, USA

      Program type
      Associate
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      9,510 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 9,510 USD

      Start date
      September, August, June, February
      Show program overview about Accounting
    See all associate degrees in accounting

    Diploma in accounting

    • false

      Accounting - AdvDip RMIT University, Australia

      Program type
      Undergraduate diploma
      Duration
      6 months
      Annual tuition fee
      8,121 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 10,500 AUD

      Start date
      July, February
      Show program overview about Accounting
    • false

      Post-Baccalaureate in Accounting - UGDip Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Canada

      Program type
      Undergraduate diploma
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      10,277 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 12,853 CAD

      Start date
      May
      Show program overview about Post-Baccalaureate in Accounting
    • false

      Business Administration: Accounting (Salmon Arm Campus) - Dip Okanagan College, Canada

      Program type
      Undergraduate diploma
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      11,546 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 14,440 CAD

      Start date
      January
      Show program overview about Business Administration: Accounting (Salmon Arm Campus)
    • false

      Accounting - UGDip Douglas College, Canada

      Program type
      Undergraduate diploma
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      14,393 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 18,000 CAD

      Start date
      May, January, September
      Show program overview about Accounting
    • false

      Accounting and Finance with Co-op - UGDip Institute of Technology Development of Canada, Canada

      Program type
      Undergraduate diploma
      Duration
      22 months
      Annual tuition fee
      8,276 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 10,350 CAD

      Start date
      April, October, July, January
      Show program overview about Accounting and Finance with Co-op
    See all undergraduate diplomas in accounting

    Certificate in accounting

    • false

      Accounting - Cert/AA Merritt College, USA

      Program type
      Undergraduate certificate/Associate
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      7,950 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 7,950 USD

      Start date
      August, June
      Show program overview about Accounting
    • false

      Accounting - Cert Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Canada

      Program type
      Undergraduate certificate
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      8,572 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 10,720 CAD

      Start date
      September, May, January
      Show program overview about Accounting
    • false

      Accounting - Cert Berkeley City College, USA

      Program type
      Undergraduate certificate
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      7,950 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 7,950 USD

      Start date
      August
      Show program overview about Accounting
    • false

      Accounting - Cert (Arts)/Cert St. Charles Community College, USA

      Program type
      Undergraduate certificate
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      5,520 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 5,520 USD

      Start date
      January, August
      Show program overview about Accounting
    • false

      Accounting - Cert College of Alameda, USA

      Program type
      Undergraduate certificate
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      7,950 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 7,950 USD

      Start date
      January, June, August
      Show program overview about Accounting
    See all undergraduate certificates in accounting

    Pathway in accounting

    • false

      Accounting and Finance (Foundation) - FD Leeds Beckett University, UK

      Program type
      Undergraduate pathway
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      15,079 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 10,900 GBP

      Start date
      September, January
      Show program overview about Accounting and Finance (Foundation)
    • false

      Finance and Accounting - International Year One - UGP University of Sussex, UK

      Program type
      Undergraduate pathway
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      23,794 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 17,200 GBP

      Start date
      January, September
      Show program overview about Finance and Accounting - International Year One
    See all undergraduate pathways in accounting

    Accounting graduate programs

    Master's in accounting

    • false

      Accountancy - MAcc Saint Martin's University, USA

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      19,800 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 19,800 USD

      Start date
      August, January
      Show program overview about Accountancy
    • false

      Accountancy - MBA DePaul University, USA

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      34,560 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 34,560 USD

      Start date
      March, September, January
      Show program overview about Accountancy
    • false

      Accountancy - MAcc National University, USA
      • Online

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      15,912 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 15,912 USD

      Start date
      April, March, February, January
      Show program overview about Accountancy
    • false

      Accountancy - MSc California State University, Sacramento, USA

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      15,800 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 15,800 USD

      Start date
      January
      Show program overview about Accountancy
    • false

      Accountancy - MSc California State University, East Bay, USA

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      17 months
      Annual tuition fee
      18,120 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 18,120 USD

      Start date
      August
      Show program overview about Accountancy
    See all master's degrees in accounting

    Doctorate in accounting

    • false

      Accountancy - PhD RMIT University, Australia

      Program type
      Doctorate
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      26,729 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 34,560 AUD

      Start date
      July, February
      Show program overview about Accountancy
    • false

      Accounting and Finance - PhD London South Bank University, UK

      Program type
      Doctorate
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      19,063 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 13,780 GBP

      Start date
      April, December, November, October, September, June, May, March, February, January
      Show program overview about Accounting and Finance
    • false

      Accounting and Financial Management - PhD University of Portsmouth, UK

      Program type
      Doctorate
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      21,442 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 15,500 GBP

      Start date
      February, October
      Show program overview about Accounting and Financial Management
    See all doctorates in accounting

    Diploma in accounting

    • false

      Accounting - PGDip Charles Sturt University, Melbourne, Australia

      Program type
      Postgraduate diploma
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      24,699 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 31,936 AUD

      Start date
      November, July, March
      Show program overview about Accounting
    • false

      Accounting - PGDip Charles Sturt University, Sydney, Australia

      Program type
      Postgraduate diploma
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      24,699 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 31,936 AUD

      Start date
      March, November, July
      Show program overview about Accounting
    • false

      Accounting - PDip University of Otago, New Zealand
      • Online

      Program type
      Postgraduate diploma
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      22,185 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 31,056 NZD

      Start date
      February
      Show program overview about Accounting
    • false

      Accounting - PGDip Trinity College Dublin, Ireland

      Program type
      Postgraduate diploma
      Duration
      8 months
      Annual tuition fee
      19,171 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 16,000 EUR

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Accounting
    • false

      Accounting - GDip Douglas College, Canada

      Program type
      Postgraduate diploma
      Duration
      18 months
      Annual tuition fee
      14,393 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 18,000 CAD

      Start date
      September, May, January
      Show program overview about Accounting
    See all postgraduate diplomas in accounting

    Certificate in accounting

    • false

      Accounting and Financial Decision Making - PGCert Northeastern University, USA

      Program type
      Postgraduate certificate
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      24,000 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 24,000 USD

      Start date
      May, January
      Show program overview about Accounting and Financial Decision Making
    • false

      Professional Accounting - PGCert University of Newcastle, Australia

      Program type
      Postgraduate certificate
      Duration
      6 months
      Annual tuition fee
      11,555 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 14,940 AUD

      Start date
      September, July, February
      Show program overview about Professional Accounting
    • false

      Professional Accounting - PGCert RMIT University, Australia

      Program type
      Postgraduate certificate
      Duration
      6 months
      Annual tuition fee
      14,849 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 19,200 AUD

      Start date
      February, July
      Show program overview about Professional Accounting
    • false

      Professional Financial Services - OCGCert Fanshawe College, Canada

      Program type
      Postgraduate certificate
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      12,731 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 15,922 CAD

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Professional Financial Services
    • false

      Professional Accounting - PGCert Sheridan College, Canada

      Program type
      Postgraduate certificate
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      16,804 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 21,016 CAD

      Start date
      January, September
      Show program overview about Professional Accounting
    See all postgraduate certificates in accounting

    Pathway in accounting

    • false

      Accounting & Finance Pre-Master's - PGP Kingston University, UK

      Program type
      Postgraduate pathway
      Duration
      8 months
      Annual tuition fee
      13,142 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 9,500 GBP

      Start date
      January, April
      Show program overview about Accounting & Finance Pre-Master's
    • false

      Accounting and Finance, Pre-Masters - PGP University of Surrey, UK

      Program type
      Postgraduate pathway
      Duration
      6 months
      Annual tuition fee
      15,909 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 11,500 GBP

      Start date
      September, February
      Show program overview about Accounting and Finance, Pre-Masters
    • false

      Accounting and Financial Management, Pre-Masters - PGP Keele University, UK

      Program type
      Postgraduate pathway
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      12,381 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 8,950 GBP

      Start date
      April
      Show program overview about Accounting and Financial Management, Pre-Masters
    • false

      Business Economics Accounting and Finance, Pre-Masters - PGP Durham University, UK

      Program type
      Postgraduate pathway
      Duration
      3 months
      Annual tuition fee
      23,386 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 16,905 GBP

      Start date
      January, September
      Show program overview about Business Economics Accounting and Finance, Pre-Masters
    See all postgraduate pathways in accounting

    Future accounting careers

    Accounting is sometimes regarded as a vocational degree, with most graduates looking to become chartered accountants. However, there are several careers that are ideal for those with an accounting degree, including:

    • Accountant
    • Management accountant
    • Auditor
    • Tax adviser
    • Actuary
    • Insurance broker
    • Stockbroker

    If you choose to become a chartered accountant you will need to make sure the program you choose is accredited by the relevant authority. You can choose to work as an accountant in practice, where you’ll work for several different clients, or in-house as an accountant for a business.