About the programme
The Master of Professional Accounting (CPA) is an NZQF level 9 programme at Lincoln University that lets students earn a master's degree while working through the CPA Australia professional programme. It carries 180 credits and takes 1.5 years of full-time study. The university describes itself as the only Registered Tuition Provider in New Zealand offering a CPA Australia approved integrated course.
The degree is made up of nine 20-credit courses taken over three semesters, six of which include CPA Program subjects. Compulsory courses cover ethics and governance, strategic management accounting, financial reporting, global strategy and leadership, plus a research essay. Students add one course in business strategy or change management and two from a group covering financial risk, digital finance, taxation and audit.
CPA courses are assessed in two parts: a 70% internal component run by Lincoln and a 30% final exam set by CPA Australia. A pass requires both a pass in the CPA exam and at least 50% overall. Lincoln lecturers provide live teaching that complements the CPA distance programme and supports exam preparation. Students also build communication, negotiation and people management skills and learn to judge how business decisions affect society and the environment.
The programme can be taken on campus or by distance via Zoom, with recorded sessions. International students living outside New Zealand may study it part-time by distance. Graduates qualify for full CPA Australia membership after three years of relevant work experience, or sooner if prior experience is already recognised.
Entry requirements
- A relevant New Zealand level 7 bachelor's degree or recognised equivalent, with at least a B average in 300-level and final-year courses
- Confirmed CPA Australia Associate membership (receipt uploaded with the application)
- A study plan agreed with the Programme Director before enrolment
- Additional English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English
What you study
- ACCT 620 CPA Ethics and Governance
- ACCT 621 CPA Strategic Management Accounting
- ACCT 622 CPA Financial Reporting
- ACCT 623 CPA Global Strategy and Leadership
- ACCT 698 Research Essay
- BMGT 618 Advanced Business Strategy or BMGT 686 Managing Programmes of Change
- Two of: ACCT 625 CPA Financial Risk Management, ACCT 626 CPA Digital Finance, ACCT 609 Advanced Taxation, ACCT 624 CPA Advanced Audit and Assurance
- One 20-credit elective from the university's master's course schedule
Careers after graduation
- Senior roles in accounting firms
- Consulting firms, including global consultancies
- Finance and management roles in industry
- Opportunities in New Zealand and overseas backed by the CPA designation
Post-study work visa
Up to 3 years
Depends on the qualification, the length of study and other Immigration New Zealand requirements.
This description is based on the official programme page, checked on 09/09/2026. Ask an NIU adviser about fees and intake dates — the programme page on the Lincoln University website