Diploma of Accounting
Overview
Upgrade your existing accounting skills and solve complex financial problems. Our Diploma of Accounting teaches you how to manage a budget, prepare corporate reports, and tax documentation. Upon graduating, you can take your career even further with a Bachelor of Accounting.
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
Change of Preference Expo
Looking for your #1 VTAC preference? Explore your options and get personalised advice from course experts, based on your Year 12 results. Friday 13 December, Hawthorn campus.
Skills you’ll learn
- Preparing tax documentation
- Budget forecasting
- Corporate reporting
- Financial management
- Advanced spreadsheeting
Your career opportunities
- Financial services
- Accountant
- Financial reporting
Key codes
International student visa
International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.
Professional accreditation
This qualification includes units that comprise an approved Tax Practitioner Board (TPB) course in Australian taxation law and commercial law, which are relevant for registration as a tax agent. Persons seeking registration with the TPB should check current registration requirements with the TPB, as registration requirements are reviewed regularly.
Admissions
Students are required to complete the FNS40222 Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping prior to commencement of the FNS50222 Diploma of Accounting, or complete the following units of competency:
- FNSACC321 Process financial transactions and extract interim reports
- FNSACC322 Administer subsidiary accounts and ledgers
- FNSACC418 Work effectively in the accounting and bookkeeping industry
- FNSACC421 Prepare financial reports (this unit is the equivalent version of BSBFIA401 Prepare financial reports).
These competencies may have been achieved through completion of the following (or their equivalent):
- FNSSS00014 Accounting Principles Skill Set
- FNS40222 Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping
Other Requirements
Textbooks are required to be purchased and a booklist will be issued upon commencement.
Admission requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.
Successful completion of Australian Year 12, or equivalent overseas qualification.
Admissions
Students are required to complete the FNS40222 Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping prior to commencement of the FNS50222 Diploma of Accounting.
Admission requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.
Successful completion of Australian Year 12, or equivalent overseas qualification.
Credit transfer
Credit transfer is the recognition of academic credits gained through formal study (i.e. units of competency) completed either at another institute or in another qualification. The total amount of credit will vary from individual to individual, based on the unit/s that have been successfully completed.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process of transferring the skills and knowledge that you have acquired over your lifetime (irrespective of how they were obtained) against the requirements of the unit.
RPL is an assessment process that requires you to provide evidence that demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the unit/s. The amount and types of evidence you will need to provide will depend on the unit requirements.
Finding your fit
At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.
-
Diploma of Accounting (Online delivery)
-
Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping
-
Diploma of Business
Course structure
To obtain this qualification, students must satisfy the entry requirements and complete 11 units, including 7 core and 4 elective units. Two elective units are available to be credited from FNS40222 Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping or equivalent training package.
Your units
Units of study | Unit code |
---|---|
Core units | |
Design and produce complex spreadsheets
Core unit |
BSBTEC402 |
Provide financial and business performance information
Core unit |
FNSACC521 |
Prepare tax documentation for individuals
Core unit |
FNSACC522 |
Manage budgets and forecasts
Core unit |
FNSACC523 |
Prepare financial reports for corporate entities
Core unit |
FNSACC524 |
Implement and maintain internal control procedures
Core unit |
FNSACC526 |
Provide management accounting information
Core unit |
FNSACC527 |
Elective units | |
Apply legal principles in contract and consumer law
Elective unit |
FNSTPB503 |
Complete business activity and instalment activity statements
Elective unit |
FNSTPB411 |
Establish and maintain payroll systems
Elective unit |
FNSTPB412 |
Interpret and apply knowledge of taxation systems relevant to payroll
Elective unit |
FNSPAY515 |
2025 fees
Full fee* ($AUD)
$11,060
Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)
$6,560
2025 fees
Fees are estimates only
Fees published on this page are estimates only and are subject to change depending on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. The above fees apply for units studied in 2025 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.
Fees are estimates only
The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
Skills first government-subsidised place
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. To qualify for a government-subsidised place, you must meet various eligibility criteria. The course you’ve applied for must also be offering government-subsidised places. Swinburne will determine your eligibility by conducting a full assessment of your eligibility during the course application process.
How do I pay my fees?
You can pay your Swinburne fees in person, via credit card, BPAY, or at Australia Post. Check to see if loans and employer sponsored training are also available.
International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.
To pay your fees:
- log in to My Financials
- check your Australian bank account details are correct
- check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
- pay using your preferred payment method.
Eligibility for VET student loans (VSL)
If you apply for a VET Student Loan, Swinburne must first verify your identity. If you are eligible, we will provide your enrolment information to the government so you can complete the application within their eCAF system.
The VET Student Loan amount for this course is capped. You must start repaying this loan once you earn above the compulsory repayment threshold.
Concessions rates for vocational students
Concession rates for Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs are also available if you self-identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and qualify for a government-subsidised training place under the Indigenous Completions Initiative.
The eligibility criteria are set by the Victorian Government and assessed by Swinburne in accordance with government directives, which are subject to change at any time.
-
Study this course for free in 2024
You could have your tuition fees covered in 2024 thanks to the Victorian Government's Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative.
Free TAFE for Priority Courses is available to any Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen.
There are other factors, too. The best way to find out if you’re eligible is to apply!
Student services and amenities fee
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
From 1 January 2024, all Diploma level and above courses will contribute to the Student Services and Amenities fee. Below is the capped amount for 2025 as a guide ahead of fees for 2024 being announced.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown is the capped amount for 2025.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$365.00
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$365.00
Scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2025 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals.
Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.
When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 30 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.
Apply through an agent
Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.
Apply directly
Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.
Apply through VTAC
International students currently studying Year 12 in Australia must apply through VTAC. VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.
VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.