About the programme
The Bachelor of Accounting is an NZQF Level 7 programme at Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) that prepares students for a professional accounting career. It carries 360 credits and takes 3 years of full-time study. The degree is accredited by CAANZ and CPA and satisfies their academic criteria for provisional membership.
Teaching happens in small classes with an emphasis on applied work. Topics include accounting systems and processes, taxation, finance and financial management, economics, accounting information systems, quantitative methods, audit and assurance, management and financial accounting, reporting and business law. Core business subjects run alongside, and one elective lets students explore another business area.
In the final year students complete a professional accounting project inside a real business, investigating a specialist accounting topic in depth. This gives them genuine workplace experience to show employers. Each academic year consists of 34 teaching weeks and 6 weeks of study break.
The degree is offered in Nelson and Marlborough, full time or part time. Marlborough students can join Nelson classes remotely via Webex or use a dedicated room on their campus, although tests and exams are sat on site. It is part of NMIT's unified programme set, so the courses are consistent across the country.
Entry requirements
- University Entrance (NCEA Level 3 with 14 credits in each of three approved subjects, 10 literacy credits at Level 2 or above and 10 numeracy credits at Level 1 or above), an equivalent overseas secondary qualification, or an approved Level 4+ qualification with a relevant pathway.
- Applicants aged 20 or over who do not meet general admission may apply for special admission; discretionary admission is also possible.
- International applicants: IELTS Academic 6.0 with no band below 5.5, from one test in the last two years, or an NZQA-recognised equivalent.
- Graduates of the New Zealand Diploma in Business (Level 5, Accounting strand) can transfer up to 120 credits; recognition of prior learning applies to all courses except the final project.
What you study
- Introduction to Accounting and Taxation
- Commercial Law
- Economics
- Intermediate Financial Accounting
- Taxation in Aotearoa New Zealand
- Data Analytics
- Accounting Information Systems
- Advanced Management Accounting
- Auditing and Assurance
- Professional Accounting Project
Careers after graduation
- Accounting and accounting-related roles
- Pathway towards becoming a Chartered Accountant
- Academic eligibility for provisional CAANZ and CPA membership
Post-study work visa
Equal to the length of the programme, 3 years maximum
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 19/09/2026. Ask an NIU adviser about fees and intake dates — the programme page on the NMIT website