Top Accounting Schools in Asia

Asia is home to some of the world's leading institutions offering high-quality education in accounting, combining academic excellence with real-world relevance. These universities and business schools have established themselves as leaders in the field, offering a broad range of degree programs from undergraduate to doctoral levels. Among the most prestigious of these institutions are the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), University of New South Wales (UNSW), and the University of Auckland (New Zealand).

Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) stands as one of the most respected institutions for accounting education in Asia. CUHK is notable for its pioneering efforts in the field of accounting, being the first accounting school in Asia to be accredited by both the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and the Federation of Schools of Accountancy (FSA). These prestigious accreditations underscore the quality of its academic programs, faculty, and research output, positioning CUHK as a global leader in accounting education.

CUHK offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs designed to equip students with comprehensive knowledge in accounting and prepare them for professional certification. Among the key programs are the BBA in Professional Accountancy (PAC), Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Accountancy (PDPA), Master of Accountancy (MAcc), and the Executive Master of Professional Accountancy (EMPAcc). These programs are designed to cater to a wide range of students, from those seeking to start their careers in accounting to those aiming to enhance their expertise with advanced qualifications.

Furthermore, CUHK’s Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs in accounting are also highly regarded. These research-based programs are designed for students aiming to contribute to the development of accounting theory and practice at the highest academic levels. CUHK’s strength in research is supported by its dedicated faculty and the university’s emphasis on the application of accounting research in real-world settings.

National University of Singapore (NUS)

The National University of Singapore (NUS) has long been a leader in accounting education in Southeast Asia. Established in the 1960s, NUS was the first university in Singapore to offer a degree in accounting, setting the foundation for its reputation as one of the premier institutions in the region for business and finance studies.

The NUS Business School offers a comprehensive suite of accounting programs, including its flagship Bachelor of Business Administration (Accountancy) program. This program has received accreditation from the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA), ensuring that its graduates meet the rigorous standards set by the Singaporean regulatory bodies for the accounting profession. The accounting program at NUS is highly regarded for its blend of academic rigor and practical relevance, equipping students with a solid foundation in financial accounting, management accounting, auditing, and taxation.

NUS also offers graduate programs, including the Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) and the Master of Science in Finance (MSF), which are designed for professionals looking to advance their careers in accounting, finance, and business leadership. The university’s focus on research excellence has contributed to its high global rankings, and its collaborations with global accounting firms, industry partners, and governmental agencies provide students with unparalleled opportunities to gain practical experience.

Nanyang Technological University (NTU)

Another prominent institution in Singapore is Nanyang Technological University (NTU), whose Nanyang Business School (NBS) is considered one of the best business schools in Asia. NTU is highly respected for its emphasis on research excellence and innovation in business and accounting education. According to a 2005 study on accounting research productivity, Nanyang Business School ranked as the top business school in Singapore and in the top 3 in Australasia, demonstrating its global influence in the field of accounting.

NBS has earned recognition as the only Singapore business school and one of only three institutions in Asia to hold both the European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS) and Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditations, further solidifying its status as a global leader in business education. These accreditations reflect the school’s commitment to maintaining the highest academic and professional standards in its accounting programs.

NTU offers a variety of accounting programs, including undergraduate degrees in accounting and business administration, as well as specialized Master’s programs such as the Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) and the Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in accounting. The curriculum at NBS is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in accounting principles while also developing critical thinking, leadership, and problem-solving skills. NTU’s global network, combined with its research output, makes it a top choice for students aspiring to become leaders in accounting and finance.

University of New South Wales (UNSW)

The University of New South Wales (UNSW), located in Sydney, Australia, is another institution with an outstanding reputation for accounting education and research. UNSW's School of Accounting is ranked No. 1 in the world for accounting research between 1998 and 2005, according to the journal Accounting and Finance. This ranking highlights the university's contributions to advancing accounting theory and its global leadership in the field.

UNSW’s accounting research output has consistently placed it among the top institutions globally. Over the period from 1991 to 2005, UNSW was ranked among the top five universities worldwide for accounting research, alongside institutions such as the University of Pennsylvania, University of Michigan, and University of Texas at Austin. This research-driven approach is reflected in the curriculum, where students are exposed to cutting-edge accounting theories and practices that have a direct impact on the profession.

The UNSW Business School offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate accounting programs, including the Bachelor of Commerce with a major in Accounting, the Master of Professional Accounting, and the Master of Accounting. These programs are designed to prepare students for both professional certification (e.g., CPA Australia and CAANZ) and leadership roles in the accounting profession. UNSW also offers a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program in accounting, which is highly regarded for its academic rigor and its focus on developing researchers who can contribute to the advancement of the field.

University of Auckland (New Zealand)

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading institution for accounting education. The Department of Accounting and Finance within the Auckland Business School is recognized for its outstanding research culture, which has placed the university in the Top 50 globally for accounting and finance research. This research excellence is reflected in the quality of its teaching and the university’s ability to produce graduates who are highly sought after by employers around the world.

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including the Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) and Master of Commerce (MCom) degrees, with specializations in accounting and finance. The university’s accounting programs are designed to meet the academic requirements for membership in professional accounting bodies such as CPA Australia and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in New Zealand (CAANZ), enabling graduates to pursue careers in public accounting, corporate finance, and government sectors.

The University of Auckland is committed to maintaining its position as a global leader in accounting education by offering innovative and relevant programs that are aligned with industry needs. Its faculty are involved in groundbreaking research that informs both the academic community and the practice of accounting worldwide.