Advance your expertise in Accounting
Get a deeper understanding of how businesses and organisations manage their finances and make decisions. Learn to critically analyse current research in accounting, taxation, and commercial law. Carry out your own research, and present well-supported conclusions.
Advanced skills in accounting analysis are highly valued in the business, academic, and public sectors. In our postgraduate Accounting programmes, you’ll learn to apply your knowledge to solve complex accounting, taxation, and commercial law problems and communicate your advice clearly.
You’ll study with the School of Accounting and Commercial Law—one of Australasia’s leading centres for teaching and research in this subject.
Choose your study path
We offer a wide range of Postgraduate Accounting qualifications to support your study goals—whether you want to shift into Accounting, deepen your expertise, or pursue advanced research.
Change focus to study Accounting
A Graduate Certificate or Diploma in Commerce can be a good way to focus on accounting, taxation, or commercial law. Or get prepared for further study.
You may also gain a Graduate Certificate or Diploma in Commerce if you don’t finish a Master’s degree, depending on your points and courses.
Study advanced Accounting
If you already have a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting, the following qualifications extend your expertise through advanced postgraduate coursework:
- Postgraduate Certificate in Commerce
- Postgraduate Diploma in Commerce
- Bachelor of Commerce with Honours
Change or advance your career
If you don’t have an accounting background but want a career move into the field, consider the Master of Professional Accounting. This globally recognised qualification offers a pathway to becoming a chartered accountant.
Explore Accounting research
Learn advanced knowledge or gain research skills with a Master of Commerce. Or, dive deep into advanced research and make an original contribution to accounting, taxation, or commercial law with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
Qualification support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser through our enquiry form.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
For the research portion of your study, you’ll need a supervisor to help guide your research. Your programme coordinator will work with you to find the right person.
Study options
Find out how you can study Postgraduate Accounting at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
International recognition
Wellington School of Business and Government is among the top 1% of business schools worldwide that hold the ‘Triple Crown’ of international business education accreditations. By studying here, you can be confident your qualification will be recognised globally for its quality.
Future careers
Accounting graduates are employed across all industries—including financial services, banking, government, insurance, and global consulting. They can enter traditional accounting roles or branch out into broader business and finance careers.
Specialist pathways
- generalist accountant or auditor
- financial or business auditor
- tax consultant
- management, public sector, or forensic accountant.
More career information
Find out more about careers.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas.
We encourage you to apply—many scholarships don’t receive enough applications.
Scholarships for Business and Government
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The scholarship will be awarded to a student who is undertaking research at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington on the interactions and relationship between the public and private sectors in the area of policy and management.
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This Scholarship is to support young Māori women studying at Wellington School of Business and Government.
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This scholarship is for a Master's research project on the tensions concerning insurability and climate adaptation in Aotearoa New Zealand, ideally with a particular focus on marae-centred communities.
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree, Postgraduate Diploma, or eligible Honours programme.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Other scholarships
We also have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas.
We encourage you to apply—many scholarships don’t receive enough applications.
Scholarships for Business and Government
-
The scholarship will be awarded to a student who is undertaking research at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington on the interactions and relationship between the public and private sectors in the area of policy and management.
-
This scholarship is for a Master's research project on the tensions concerning insurability and climate adaptation in Aotearoa New Zealand, ideally with a particular focus on marae-centred communities.
-
In honour of Jonathan Nicholls (ACC's Head of Actuarial Services who passed away in early 2015), ACC wishes to promote the actuarial profession in much the same way that Jonathan did. ACC is dedicated to supporting Actuarial Science students and others looking to pursue a career in the actuarial profession.
Join our postgraduate community
The Postgraduate Students’ Association provides a voice for you on campus and information on studying at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Postgraduate Students’ Association
MAI ki Pōneke
MAI ki Pōneke are part of an international network of Māori and Indigenous postgraduate students. They provide advice, support, and information to Indigenous postgraduate students of all levels, as well as those thinking about enrolling.
Research areas
Our Accounting and Commercial Law academic staff are active across a range of specialist research areas.
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you’re facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Apply for a New Zealand study visa
You’ll need to apply for a study visa if you plan to study with us as an international student.
You should apply for your visa after you’ve received your Offer of Place, and before you come to New Zealand.