What to study at university

The best subjects for business/commerce degrees

You are not required to have studied any particular business related subjects at high school to be eligible for entry into business or commerce degrees. However, subjects in computing, economics, accounting or business studies could be useful if you want a head start in your degree.

Check out the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia accredited degrees. Note: these comments only address the issue of high school subjects that could be useful if you subsequently enrol in a business/commerce degree. No consideration is given to which subjects are likely to give you the highest score in your high school exams.

You would be keeping your options open by taking accounting subjects that give you the choice of training to becoming an accountant. Even if you don’t end up studying to be an accountant, you’ll find the accounting courses will be valuable - whatever you do.

The right educational qualification for the Chartered Accountants Program

Certain entry conditions apply to becoming a Chartered Accountant. Here’s how to make sure you’re eligible. You need one of the following three educational qualifications to enrol in the Chartered Accountants Program - as well as being employed by a Chartered Accountant employer.

1. Have completed an accredited Australian degree with passes in subjects covering the core curriculum areas required by the Institute. These core areas are:

Financial Accounting
Management Accounting
Finance
Auditing
Australian Commercial & Corporate Law
Australian Taxation Law.

See if your studies are on the list of accredited degrees.

2. Have a recognised non-accounting undergraduate degree and have completed a graduate conversion course.

3. Have overseas qualifications, which have been assessed and recognised by the Institute. For more information go to skills assessment for migration.