Diploma of Accounting

Diploma of Accounting - FNS50222

VOCATIONAL

Extend your accounting skills in our simulated practice firm environment and explore a range of specialisations. 

Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus and Online
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 6 months
Part-time 1 year
Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 6 months
Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

Expand your accounting knowledge and build specialist skills.

The Diploma of Accounting builds on the small business accounting and bookkeeping knowledge obtained from previous studies or work within this industry and introduces a range of corporate accounting specialisations designed to broaden your career prospects. 

Through your studies in this diploma, you’ll develop foundational skills in:

  • financial management
  • management accounting
  • corporate financial accounting
  • preparation of individual tax returns 
  • budgeting
  • accounting systems and internal controls
  • advanced spreadsheeting.

You will also gain the core employment skills you require to thrive in the workplace, including effective communication, building professional relationships, and ethical decision-making.

Study options for this diploma include full-time and part-time blended delivery.

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.
*This is a Free TAFE priority course. Check your eligibility.

Details

Learning and teaching

In this diploma you will undertake structured learning activities and authentic assessments within a practice firm environment that simulates real-world job roles.

We offer a blended learning model with opportunities for both face-to-face and online classes. In addition to the simulated business environment, RMIT offers a variety of other learning and teaching approaches including seminars, workshops, presentations, group discussions and project work.

Assessment methods

Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes supervised tests, reports, oral presentations, role plays, group projects and practical assignments.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

RMIT Capabilities

The world is constantly changing, and there are universal skills that can help you adapt to the evolving nature of work and global engagement.

As part of your study experience at RMIT, we provide 6 future-focused RMIT Capabilities:

  • Ethical Global Citizens
  • Connected
  • Adaptive
  • Digitally Adept
  • Expert
  • Critically Engaged.

RMIT Capabilities are built into your course as well as some of our extracurricular experiences. They inform the design and delivery of your learning activities and assessments, so by the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to apply these capabilities in your life and work.

RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.

In addition to industry events, industry guest speakers are invited to speak about current issues and will provide you with an experienced perspective on study topics and work-simulated scenarios.

The Industry Advisory Committee includes representatives of major accounting and bookkeeping professional bodies (Association of Accounting Technicians, Institute of Certified Bookkeepers, Institute of Public Accountants, Chartered Accountants [Australia and New Zealand] and CPA Australia) as well as high-profile industry practitioners from a broad cross-section of small and large organisations.

This course is competency-based and has been designed to help you develop the practical skills and knowledge necessary to work effectively in your chosen field. You will learn and be assessed by practising and demonstrating your capabilities, all of which can be readily applied in the workplace.

In addition to the specific vocational skills you build throughout this course, you will also develop a set of essential employability skills, including communication, planning, organising, and problem solving, self-management, initiative and teamwork. These foundational skills will enable you to navigate the world of work, collaborate effectively with others, and successfully get the job done.

This course offers on-campus and online modes of study. The days and hours of your study will vary according to your study load and the units you undertake.

Note: Timetabled days and times may vary from one semester to the next depending on staffing and facility availability.

On-campus

Full-time | Daytime
  • Classes are typically scheduled on weekdays (Monday to Friday) between 8.30am and 5.30pm.
  • You can expect approximately 22 hours per week of structured learning, plus additional self-study time.
Part-time | Daytime
  • Classes are typically scheduled over one full day and one half day per week.
  • You can expect approximately 10-12 hours per week of structured learning, plus additional self-study time, depending on your individual study load.

Online

Full-time | Daytime
  • The full-time online course is delivered through live, teacher-led virtual classes.
  • Classes are typically scheduled on weekdays (Monday to Friday) between 8.30am and 5.30pm.
  • You can expect approximately 20 hours per week of structured online learning, plus additional self-study time.
Part-time | Evening
  • The part-time online course is designed for students balancing study with work or other commitments.
  • Classes are delivered through live, teacher-led virtual sessions, and are generally scheduled on 3 weekdays, typically from 5.30pm to 9.30pm.
  • You should expect approximately 10 hours of structured learning per week, plus additional self-study time.

This diploma comprises 11 subjects, including 7 core and 4 elective subjects.

Major areas of study include: 

  • Leadership and ethics
  • Taxation for individuals
  • Financial management
  • Budgeting and management accounting
  • Corporate financial accounting
  • Accounting systems and internal controls
  • Advanced spreadsheeting.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Diploma of Accounting
Program code: C5424
National curriculum code: FNS50222

Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Diploma of Accounting
City Campus
Full Time 6 Years
C5424
113125C
Location
City Campus
Duration
Full Time 6 Years
Plan code
C5424
CRICOS
113125C
Diploma of Accounting
City Campus
Full-time 6 Years
C5424
113125C
Location
City Campus
Duration
Full-time 6 Years
Plan code
C5424
CRICOS
113125C

Important information for international students

International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

Designed for those who have already completed entry-level studies in accounting, completion of this diploma will equip you with specialised skills to advance your accounting career or set you up for further study. 

Those gaining employment at the conclusion of this diploma are likely to work as bookkeepers/BAS agents, assistant accountants, payroll officers or accounts clerks. 

To become an accredited accountant, you must successfully complete the Bachelor of Accounting.

This qualification includes one unit that is part of an approved Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) course in Australian taxation law, which is required as part of the academic requirements for registration as a Tax Agent. Those seeking registration as a Tax Agent with the TPB should check current registration requirements with the TPB as these requirements are reviewed regularly. Learn more.

Entry requirements and admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.

You must have :

  • Successfully completed FNS40222 Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping (or equivalent)

    OR

  • Successfully completed the following units of competency (or equivalent):
    • 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)

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this course.

You must have successfully completed the Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping at RMIT University, or an equivalent program at other institution.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 5.5 (with no individual band below 5.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT) for Australia: minimum overall score of 50 (with minimum of 5 in Reading, 5 in Listening, 14 in Speaking and 15 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 42 (with no communication band less than 36)
  • C1 Advanced: minimum of 162 with no less than 154 in any component.

Note: RMIT does not accept scores from 'at-home' or 'online' testing.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English Language Pathways (Academic English) Upper Intermediate at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).

Pathways and further study

A pathway is an alternative way to get into a course. RMIT's pathways can help you move through different levels of study to reach the qualification you're aiming for, even if you don't meet the requirements for your destination course.

Pathways into the Diploma of Accounting

This course has pathways available.

Further study

The Diploma of Accounting provides credit and guaranteed entry into further study.

You are guaranteed entry to the Diploma of Accounting when you successfully complete the Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping.

Successful completion of the Diploma of Accounting guarantees entry into one of the following RMIT programs. The major you choose to study may determine the amount of credit you will be eligible to receive:

  • Advanced Diploma of Accounting
  • Bachelor of Accounting - you will receive 96 credit points of exemptions (equivalent to 1-year full-time study)
  • Bachelor of Business- you will receive:
    • 96 credit points of exemptions (equivalent to 1-year full-time study) - any major (excluding Business Information Systems) or no major
    • 84 credit points of exemptions (equivalent to 0.5-year full-time study) - Business Information Systems major
  • Bachelor of Business Professional Practice - you will receive:
    • 96 credit points of exemptions (equivalent to 1-year full-time study) - any major (excluding Financial Planning (with accreditation) and Business Information Systems) or no major
    • 60 credit points of exemptions (equivalent to 0.5-year full-time study) - Financial Planning major (with accreditation)
    • 48 credit points of exemptions (equivalent to 0.5-year full-time study) - Business Information Systems major

Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry to other RMIT undergraduate study courses.

Credit and recognition of prior learning

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.

Fees

Fee Type

The tuition fees you will pay depends on your eligibility for government subsidies.

If you are not eligible for a government subsidised place, you are considered a full fee paying student.

Government-subsidised training for citizens, permanent residents and some visa holders.

Tuition fees fully covered for eligible students by the Victorian Government.

Tuition fees fully covered for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students and Youth Justice referrals in a government subsidised place..

Not sure which fee type applies to you? Learn more and check your eligibility.

Full fee fee summary

Course nameDiploma of Accounting
Plan codeC5424
National Curriculum code FNS50222
Duration0.5year(s)
Nominal hours600Nominal hours tooltip

Fees shown are indicative only based on 2026 commencement, and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.

Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

You may be eligible for a fee concession if you hold a valid Commonwealth Health Care Card, Pensioner Card, or Veteran's Gold Card, or are enrolled in the Asylum Seeker VET program. Find out more about fee concessions.

Fee details table
Item Description Cost (AUD)
Tuition fee student paystuition fee tooltip
The total tuition fee you will be charged for a full-fee place
The total tuition fee you will be charged for a full-fee place
$10,750.00
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)Student services and amenities fee
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
$312.00
Material feesmaterial fees tooltip
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
N/A
Estimated total cost to youEstimated total cost tooltip
Includes all fees listed above
$11,062.00

The tuition fees shown include the Victorian Government contribution. This amount is reflected in your fees and is paid directly to RMIT by the Government: $ per nominal hour ($ total).

Fee details table
Item Description Cost (AUD)
Tuition fee student paystuition fee tooltip
Tuition fees after government subsidy
Tuition fees after government subsidy
$7,250.00
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)Student services and amenities fee
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
$312.00
Material feesmaterial fees tooltip
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
N/A
Estimated total cost to youEstimated total cost tooltip
Includes all fees listed above
$7,562.00

The tuition fees shown include the Victorian Government contribution. This amount is reflected in your fees and is paid directly to RMIT by the Government: $7.15 per nominal hour ($4,290.00 total).

Fee details table
Item Description Cost (AUD)
Tuition fee student paystuition fee tooltip
Tuition fees fully subsidised under Free TAFE scheme
Tuition fees fully subsidised under Free TAFE scheme
$0.00
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)Student services and amenities fee
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
$312.00
Material feesmaterial fees tooltip
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
N/A
Estimated total cost to youEstimated total cost tooltip
Includes all fees listed above
$312.00

The tuition fees shown include the Victorian Government contribution. This amount is reflected in your fees and is paid directly to RMIT by the Government: $19.21 per nominal hour ($11,526.00 total).

Fee details table
Item Description Cost (AUD)
Tuition fee student paystuition fee tooltip
Tuition fees exempt for eligible students in a government subsidised place
Tuition fees exempt for eligible students in a government subsidised place
$0.00
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)Student services and amenities fee
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
$0.00
Material feesmaterial fees tooltip
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
N/A
Estimated total cost to youEstimated total cost tooltip
Includes all fees listed above
$0.00

The tuition fees shown include the Victorian Government contribution. This amount is reflected in your fees and is paid directly to RMIT by the Government: $7.15 per nominal hour ($4,290.00 total).

Generated on 25 June 2026 | RMIT University's Registered Training Organisation (RTO) Code is 3046 | Payment and refund information

If eligible, you may be able to defer your tuition fees for this course through a VET Student Loan (VSL)

VET Student Loan cap for Diploma of Accounting (C5424): $12858

Any tuition fees above the cap must be paid upfront to RMIT by their due date. Caps are indexed annually by the Commonwealth Government. Eligibility applies.

Learn about eligibility for VSL

Additional costs

In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF)

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2026 is $373. 

How your fees are calculated

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

Scholarships

Check your eligibility for a scholarship

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Check your eligibility for a scholarship

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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Learn more about our commitment to Indigenous cultures