Bachelor of Commerce (International)(Accounting)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New South Wales

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Commerce (International) (Accounting) at the University of New South Wales combines professional accounting education with international business experience, preparing students for careers in global finance, accounting, and business environments. Studied at the Kensington Campus, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, this four-year program is ideal for students seeking internationally focused accounting expertise, including an overseas study component that develops cross-cultural business knowledge and global perspectives.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
Students build a strong foundation in business and accounting principles while developing analytical and communication skills. Core courses such as Accounting and Financial Management 1A, Microeconomics 1, and Business Decision Making introduce financial reporting, economic thinking, and quantitative methods used in business decision-making.

Year 2:
The second year develops deeper accounting and business knowledge through subjects such as Accounting and Financial Management 1B, Corporate Financial Reporting and Analysis, and Business Finance. Students learn how organisations manage finances, prepare financial statements, and evaluate business performance in local and international contexts.

Year 3:
Students undertake the international component of the degree, studying abroad at one of UNSW’s partner institutions. Alongside their international experience, they continue developing expertise in areas such as Auditing and Assurance Services, Taxation of Business Entities, and Management Accounting and Business Control, while gaining valuable cross-cultural and global business insights.

Year 4:
The final year focuses on advanced accounting knowledge, strategic thinking, and professional preparation. Courses such as Accounting Information Systems, Financial Statement Analysis and Business Valuation, and advanced accounting electives help students refine their technical expertise while preparing for professional practice and leadership roles in the accounting profession.

Focus Areas: Financial Accounting, Management Accounting, Auditing, Taxation, Corporate Finance, Financial Reporting, International Business, Business Analytics, Global Commerce.

Learning Outcomes: Develop expertise in accounting theory and practice, analyse and interpret financial information, apply auditing and taxation principles, evaluate business performance, communicate professional recommendations effectively, and operate successfully in international business environments.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The Accounting major is professionally accredited by CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), and Institute of Public Accountants (IPA), subject to course selection requirements.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): UNSW Business School is internationally recognised for excellence in business education and graduate employability. UNSW consistently ranks among Australia's leading universities and is widely recognised by global employers for producing highly employable business and commerce graduates.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Commerce (International) (Accounting) at the University of New South Wales combines professional accounting education with a substantial international study experience, allowing students to develop both technical accounting expertise and global business perspectives. Students gain practical skills through industry-engaged learning, real-world business projects, international exchange opportunities, and exposure to contemporary accounting practices used by leading organisations. The program is designed to help students apply accounting knowledge in multicultural and international business environments while building strong professional and analytical capabilities:

International Study Experience: Students complete an approved international study component at one of UNSW's partner universities, gaining firsthand experience of global business practices and international accounting environments.
Professional Accounting Curriculum: Students undertake practical accounting subjects covering financial reporting, auditing, taxation, management accounting, and business analytics aligned with industry standards and professional accreditation requirements.
Business School Career Accelerator: Provides access to internships, industry projects, networking events, employer presentations, and experiential learning opportunities with leading organisations.
Industry Consulting and Group Projects: Many commerce courses incorporate collaborative projects, business case analyses, presentations, and problem-solving exercises that simulate professional accounting and consulting environments.
Digital Business Tools: Students work with industry-relevant accounting, financial analysis, spreadsheet modelling, and business analytics tools commonly used in professional accounting and finance settings.
Career Discovery Mentoring Program: Connects students with industry professionals and alumni who provide career guidance, networking opportunities, and practical insights into accounting and business careers.
UNSW Business School Student Societies: Students can participate in accounting, finance, and commerce societies that organise networking events, employer workshops, competitions, and professional development activities.
Global Opportunities Program: Supports international experiences, leadership development, intercultural learning, and engagement with global business challenges.
UNSW Library Services: Students have access to extensive business, accounting, economics, and financial databases, research journals, digital resources, collaborative study spaces, and specialist librarian support.
Business School Research Centres and Institutes: Students benefit from exposure to research conducted through UNSW Business School centres focusing on accounting, governance, economics, risk management, and business innovation.
Professional Accreditation Pathway: The accounting major is accredited by CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), and Institute of Public Accountants (IPA), helping students progress towards professional certification.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Commerce (International) (Accounting) at the University of New South Wales combine professional accounting expertise with valuable international business experience, preparing them for careers in a globally connected economy. The program develops technical accounting knowledge alongside cross-cultural communication, global business awareness, and international professional networks, making graduates highly competitive in both Australian and international employment markets.

Typical roles include: Accountant, Auditor, Tax Consultant, Financial Analyst.

Career Development Support: UNSW Employability and Career Discovery: Provides personalised career coaching, resume and interview workshops, mentoring programs, networking events, internship support, and access to graduate recruitment opportunities with leading multinational employers and professional services firms.
Employment Outcomes & Salary Insight: Accounting graduates typically achieve strong employment outcomes, with median graduate starting salaries of approximately AUD 75,000–80,000 per year. The international component of the degree can further enhance global career mobility and employment opportunities.
Industry Partnerships: UNSW Business School Industry Connections: Students engage with major employers including Big Four accounting firms, multinational corporations, financial institutions, and consulting organisations through internships, industry projects, employer presentations, networking events, and international business opportunities.
Accreditation & Long-Term Value: Professional Accreditation: The accounting major is accredited by CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), and Institute of Public Accountants (IPA), providing graduates with recognised pathways toward professional accounting certification and international career opportunities.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates develop expertise in accounting, auditing, taxation, financial reporting, international business practices, and professional communication, enabling them to work effectively across diverse industries and global business environments.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can continue into the Master of Professional Accounting, Master of Commerce, Master of Finance, Master of Business Analytics, Master of Management, or research-focused honours and doctoral programs. Professional qualifications through CPA Australia, CA ANZ, and IPA can further strengthen career progression, while postgraduate study in international business or finance can expand global leadership opportunities.