Programme details

Master of Professional Accounting – MPA

Expand your career opportunities with a globally recognized accountancy qualification that you can pursue alongside work or accelerate by studying full-time.

Course description

Transition into accounting or advance your career with the certification needed for the next step by studying the Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. This program equips you to handle complex accounting and business issues with confidence and provides a deep understanding of professional practice, ethics, and procedures. It offers insights into the business landscape both in New Zealand and internationally.

No prior accounting qualification or background is required, making the MPA suitable for recent graduates or professionals seeking to expand their skill set. The MPA comprises 12 courses, covering essential topics like Business Law, Taxation, Accounting Systems, and Financial Accounting. It fulfills academic requirements for entry into the CA program through Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) and CPA Australia, and offers nine course exemptions from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

Immigration benefits

This course qualifies for 5 points if applying for residency under the Skilled Migrant Category.

This course may qualify for the following visa rights:
In-study work rights
Partner visitor rights
Partner work rights
Post-study work rights

Career Prospects

The MPA is designed to fast-track your accounting certification, making it ideal for recent graduates and working professionals seeking to enhance their skill set in accountancy. Beyond traditional roles in accountancy firms, this qualification prepares you for careers in banking and finance, law, government, not-for-profit organizations, and diverse companies. It sets the stage for advanced positions such as Chief Financial Officer, Financial Controller, Auditor, and Finance Manager.

Entry requirements

Academic Requirement
– A bachelor’s degree with a B-grade average
– To be accepted by the MPA director as capable of proceeding with the proposed course of study.

EL requirement (any one of the following)
– IELTS (Academic): Minimum overall score of 6.5, with no sub-score below 6.0
– TOEFL (Internet-based test): Minimum score of 90, with at least 20 in writing
– Pearson Test of English: Minimum score of 58, with a ‘Communicative’ score of no less than 50
– EAP: Minimum final scores of 4, 4, 5, 5
– Cambridge English Qualifications: C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a score of 176 or higher, with each skill score no less than 169
– New Zealand Certificates in English Language (NZCEL): Level 5 (Academic)
– NZAPA: English New Zealand Accredited Pathway Assessment Level 3, with no skill lower than Level 2