Master of Professional Accounting by Top Universities

Below are some of the top universities around the world that provide a Master of Professional Accounting (MPA), each with unique strengths and accreditations that make their programs internationally recognized. These include institutions in Australia, Canada, the United States, and New Zealand. Some of the standout programs discussed here are offered by Monash University, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), The University of Melbourne, University of Saskatchewan, The University of Texas at Austin, and Victoria University of Wellington.

Monash University (Australia)

Monash University is one of Australia's leading institutions, known for its research and academic rigor. The Master of Professional Accounting (Advanced) offered by Monash is a highly regarded program that prepares graduates for professional accounting roles globally. This program is accredited by prominent professional bodies such as CPA Australia, the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia (ICAA), and the National Institute of Accountants (NIA), which grants graduates direct access to associate memberships with these organizations. These accreditations enhance the credibility of the program and give students a competitive edge in the job market.

The Master of Professional Accounting (Advanced) is designed for individuals with a background in business or commerce, providing them with the technical skills and theoretical knowledge required to excel in accounting. The program covers key areas such as financial accounting, management accounting, auditing, taxation, and corporate governance. Additionally, Monash University’s focus on research and innovation ensures that students benefit from the latest industry practices and standards.

Monash University is ranked 45th globally in the Times Higher Education - QS World University Rankings 2009, making it one of the top educational institutions worldwide. The university’s reputation, coupled with its comprehensive MPA program, makes it a leading choice for students seeking to advance their careers in accounting.

University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) (Australia)

The University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) offers a distinguished Master of Professional Accounting program that provides non-accounting graduates with the qualifications necessary to pursue careers in accounting. This program is accredited by major professional accounting bodies such as CPA Australia, the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia (ICAA), and the National Institute of Accountants (NIA), ensuring that graduates are eligible for membership with these esteemed organizations upon completion of their studies.

The UTS accounting program is designed to cater to individuals who may not have an undergraduate background in accounting but wish to transition into the field. The university provides a well-rounded education, with courses covering financial reporting, auditing, taxation, business law, and management. With its strong focus on practical skills and theoretical knowledge, UTS ensures that graduates are well-prepared to take on professional roles in accounting, finance, and business management.

Furthermore, UTS has achieved notable success in the Commonwealth Government's 2009 Learning and Teaching Performance Fund (LTPF), earning substantial funding for its excellence in business, law, and economics. This recognition demonstrates UTS’s commitment to delivering high-quality education that meets the demands of the accounting profession.

The University of Melbourne (Australia)

The University of Melbourne offers a robust Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) program designed for students with an undergraduate degree in business, commerce, or related fields. For those who have completed sufficient business/commerce breadth subjects during their undergraduate studies, the program also serves as an excellent opportunity for specialization in professional accounting.

The University of Melbourne’s MPA is accredited by major accounting bodies, including CPA Australia and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia. This ensures that graduates are well-positioned to enter the accounting profession in Australia or abroad, as the qualifications they earn are recognized internationally. The MPA curriculum at Melbourne covers essential areas of accounting, including corporate accounting, taxation law, auditing, and financial reporting, while also providing students with a critical understanding of accounting ethics and corporate governance.

In terms of global recognition, the University of Melbourne is ranked 51st in the world according to the HEEACT university ranking in 2009, highlighting its strong international reputation. This prestigious ranking and its world-class faculty make Melbourne an attractive option for students looking to advance their careers in accounting.

University of Saskatchewan (Canada)

In Canada, the University of Saskatchewan offers the Master of Professional Accounting Program (MPAcc), an innovative graduate degree that has garnered attention both domestically and internationally. The program attracts top students from across Canada and the world, and while it does not require prior work experience, it provides comprehensive training that is relevant to real-world accounting challenges.

The University of Saskatchewan’s MPAcc program is structured to provide students with a solid foundation in accounting, covering topics such as financial accounting, management accounting, auditing, and taxation. The university’s approach to the program emphasizes analytical thinking, practical application, and professional ethics, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to meet the challenges of the global accounting profession.

Ranked among the world’s top 200 institutions in the Webometrics Ranking of World Universities (July 2009), the University of Saskatchewan is a respected institution with a strong academic tradition. Its MPAcc program is particularly attractive for international students seeking a high-quality accounting education in a welcoming environment.

The University of Texas at Austin (United States)

In the United States, The University of Texas at Austin is home to one of the most prestigious accounting programs in the world. The Master in Professional Accounting (MPA) offered by the McCombs School of Business is widely regarded as one of the best graduate accounting programs in the U.S., and it is consistently ranked at the top for both undergraduate and graduate accounting by publications such as the Public Accounting Report and U.S. News & World Report.

The McCombs School of Business is known for its rigorous academic standards and strong ties to the business world. The MPA program is open to students who have already earned a bachelor's degree in any field, providing them with a comprehensive education in financial accounting, taxation, auditing, and business law. Upon completion of the program, graduates are well-positioned to sit for the CPA exam in most U.S. states, making the program an attractive option for those seeking professional certification.

As a top-ranked institution in the U.S., the University of Texas at Austin is renowned for its high-quality teaching, cutting-edge research, and extensive industry connections, making its MPA program an excellent choice for those looking to pursue a career in accounting.

Victoria University of Wellington (New Zealand)

In New Zealand, Victoria University of Wellington offers the Master of Professional Accounting (MPA), the first such program to be offered in the country. The program meets the academic requirements for membership with CPA Australia and the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants (NZICA), making it an attractive option for students looking to pursue accounting careers in both New Zealand and internationally.

The Victoria University MPA is designed to be accessible to graduates from any discipline, offering a pathway into the accounting profession for individuals who may not have a background in business or finance. The curriculum covers key areas such as financial accounting, management accounting, auditing, and taxation, ensuring that students gain a well-rounded education that is applicable to various accounting roles.

Victoria University’s MPA program has gained recognition for its commitment to high academic standards and its focus on providing students with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in the accounting profession.