Diploma of Accounting

Diploma of Accounting - FNS50222

VOCATIONAL

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

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

Not applicable*

Duration:
Full-time 6 months
Part-time 1 year
Fees:

Fee finder
*Free TAFE course

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 6 months
Fees:

AU$13,000 (2026 total)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

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

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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.

While undertaking this diploma, you can expect scheduled classes up to three days per week.

Days and hours of your study will vary according to your study load and the units you undertake.

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

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.

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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.

Successful completion of 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): 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 for Academic Purposes (EAP) 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

Graduates of this course will be guaranteed entry into the course/s below. Credit may apply which will reduce the total duration of the destination course. See destination course page pathways for full details on entry and credit.

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Vocational study

Advanced Diploma of Accounting

FNS60222 Free TAFE course
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
Undergraduate degree

Bachelor of Accounting

Guaranteed ATAR, Early Offer
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
Undergraduate degree

Bachelor of Business

Early Offer, Guaranteed ATAR
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
Undergraduate degree

Bachelor of Business Professional Practice

Early Offer, Guaranteed ATAR
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
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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 into other RMIT undergraduate programs.

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.

Find out more about Credit and RPL at RMIT

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.

Learn more about international credit transfers

Fees

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Free TAFE for priority courses

The Victorian Government is currently waiving tuition fees for this program for students who meet eligibility requirements for government subsidised places.

Visit Free TAFE for priority courses for further information on what this means and whether you may be eligible.

If you have any questions you can contact Study@RMIT.

Which fees are covered by Free TAFE?

If you are eligible, Free TAFE for priority courses pays the tuition fees for your whole course. However there are still some additional expenses that you will be required to pay including the Student Services Amenities Fee (SSAF), any material fees and any other non-tuition costs associated with your course.

The tuition fees below will apply if you are not receiving a Free TAFE fee waiver.

Tuition fees

The tuition fees you will pay for this program will depend on whether you are offered a Victorian Government subsidised place or a full-fee place. To find out if you are eligible for a government subsidised place, follow the steps at How to check if you are eligible.

  • 2026 government subsidised place: AU$7,250* per annum
  • 2026 full-fee place: AU$10,750* per annum

*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.

Fee finder

Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$373 maximum fee for 2026*.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment

The student tuition fees as displayed by the fee finder are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Defer your payment

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.

Payments and refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

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.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.

VET Student Loans

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible courses to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their course.

How does a VET Student Loan work?

If your VET Student Loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT your tuition fees on your behalf, up to the maximum loan amount for your course.

Your VET Student Loan becomes part of your VETSL debt. You will start repaying your accumulated VETSL debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is adjusted each year (this also applies if you are still studying).

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology advises that:

  • VET student loans will not be approved for students who do not meet eligibility requirements; and
  • a VET student loan gives rise to a HELP debt that continues to be a debt due to the Commonwealth until it is repaid.

For more information see VET Student Loans or Study Assist.

VET Student Loan cap

If your course is eligible for the VET Student Loan scheme and has a loan cap that doesn’t cover the total amount of the tuition fees for your course, then you’ll need to pay RMIT the difference by the due date once you exceed the cap.

It’s easy for you to keep track of your VET Student Loan debt, and you can choose to make upfront payments at any time before the census date. 

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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. 

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.

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions
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