Overview

Upgrade your existing accounting skills and solve complex financial problems. Our Diploma of Accounting (delivered online) teaches you to prepare corporate reports, tax documentation and skills in budget management. After completion, 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

Location options

  • Online

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

Successful completion of Australian Year 12, or equivalent overseas qualification.

Other requirements

Students need a headphone/microphone and camera through a computer connected to the internet to use audio video conferencing within the CANVAS learning management system.  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.

English language requirements

Satisfactory completion of one of the following:

Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?

A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.

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.

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.

The part-time course will be delivered in 12 to 18 months.

7
Core units
+
4
Elective units
=
Diploma
Course hours are estimated and may change based on study mode, unit choice, credits, or enrolment adjustments, total indicative nominal hours: 610

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.

  • Portrait   Female Nurse  Scrubs  Hospital Work  Smiling  Happy  Clipboard

    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!

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.

Representatives and agents
FNS50222
Search for agents

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.

Start dates
Location
Last date to apply
Start dates
February Intake
Location
Online
Last date to apply
12-February-2025
Start dates
17-February-2025
April Intake
Location
Online
Last date to apply
23-April-2025
Start dates
28-April-2025
August Intake
Location
Online
Last date to apply
30-July-2025
Start dates
04-August-2025
October Intake
Location
Online
Last date to apply
01-October-2025
Start dates
06-October-2025
Start dates
Location
Start dates
February Intake
Location
Online
Start dates
17-February-2025
April Intake
Location
Online
Start dates
28-April-2025
August Intake
Location
Online
Start dates
04-August-2025
October Intake
Location
Online
Start dates
06-October-2025
Upcoming events
Change of Preference Expo 2024
13-December-2024