Overview (2027)
Key Information
Duration
Minimum 2 years, up to a maximum of 5 years.
Location
Duration
Minimum 2 years, up to a maximum of 5 years.
Location
Accounting goes beyond number crunching. You'll gain practical experience through internships and work with Tasmanian industries, building valuable connections for your future career.
The Master of Professional Accounting is perfect if you want to enter the field without formal qualifications or if you're a professional looking to upskill. You'll gain hands-on experience through internships, including opportunities at the Tax Clinic (available at the Hobart campus), and learn directly from industry experts.
A career in accounting involves expert consultation, helping businesses make informed decisions. You could find yourself providing financial advice to startups or working as a climate change accountant, offering sustainable solutions.
Key contacts
| Current student enrolment questions and advice | UConnect |
| Course Coordinator | Bernadette Smith |
Watch our webinar (International students)
Senior Lecturer Dr Amrinder Khosa discusses how students can develop the advanced capabilities required to work in the professional accounting sector.
- 1 Solve contemporary business problems using critical research techniques, applied accounting concepts, and innovative thinking, while applying a sustainable business model lens.
- 2 Justify business ideas in complex contexts using effective oral and written communication techniques with both accounting and non-accounting professionals.
- 3 Research and analyse business performance and impacts to make recommendations to decision makers
- 4 Demonstrate cooperation and teamwork when making collaborative decisions and working with people from diverse backgrounds.
- 5 Seek and reflect on feedback to improve personal, professional and ethical conduct and initiate learning opportunities for self and others
Applied Employment Skills Package
When you study a Master of Professional Accounting, you can choose to apply for the Applied Employment Skills Package.
The Applied Employment Skills Package is an ‘opt in’ program designed to develop your professional networks, confidence, and the skills needed to succeed in the job market. The package includes regular workshops, discussion groups, and presentations, as well as sessions focused on writing CVs, preparing job applications, and developing interview skills. Additionally, you’ll choose from a range of activities to accumulate enough points to earn a Certificate of Completion and a badge, which can be shared on social media and added to your CV.
Become a Student Ambassador
Improve your communication, teamwork and leadership skills, meet new people, inspire and help others, and developing lasting friendships and networks as a student ambassador. Our ambassadors proudly represent the University throughout Tasmania in schools, at University and community events, and support a range of recruitment and engagement activities.
Though the Student Ambassador Program you will have many opportunities for training and professional development, experience in real-world community engagement and outreach, networking, and public speaking, plus end up with a key point of distinction on your CV.
University of Tasmania Tax Clinic
As part of your studies, you can also choose to participate in the Tax Clinic Internship at the Hobart campus. Available as an elective unit, your internship with the on-campus Tax Clinic is designed to build practical experience as a tax professional. Supported by the ATO, and under guidance from experienced educators, you'll have the opportunity to provide quality tax advice related to a range of areas, including annual tax returns, small business enquiries, advocacy on tax regulation and legislation, Centrelink assistance and payments, superannuation and retirement, and pension related issues or concerns.
Pathways to Accounting and Finance Career Elective Unit
The Pathways to Accounting and Finance unit is a new elective option for you to choose as part of your studies. In this unit you'll develop and apply the skills necessary to succeed in obtaining employment in accounting and finance. This includes enhancing key employability skills, such as oral and written communication, critical thinking, client interaction, problem-solving, and time management, as well as key professional skills such as CV writing and job interview skills.
The Master of Professional Accounting is an externally accredited degree.
This course is accredited by
- CPA Australia; and
- CAANZ
There may be additional requirements for CPA Australia or CAANZ beyond the completion of the course.
For further CPA Australia or CAANZ requirements, please visit www.cpaaustralia.com.au/; and www.charteredaccountantsanz.com/.
If you have any queries about the accreditation process, please contact us for further information.
Career outcomes
Accountants are essential in every industry, providing expert advice on all financial aspects of a business, including financial reporting, taxation, auditing, cost management, and organisational planning and decision-making. In Australia, the skill level required for accountants is considered very high, and the number of accountant jobs is projected to grow by 16.1% by 2034*.
As a graduate of the Master of Professional Accounting, you may choose to apply for membership with a recognised accounting body, such as Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ). Other exciting career paths to explore with your master's degree could include senior management, business analysis, software development, or consultancy.
*National Skills Commission ten year projections from May 2024-May 2034.
Course structure
To graduate from the Master of Professional Accounting course, a student must satisfactorily complete 200 credit points of study comprising:
- 50 credit points of Transition units
- 100 credit points of Core units
- 50 credit points of specialisation units in one of the specialisation areas:
- Accounting for Sustainable Business
- Sustainable Finance
50 credit points of research/project work has been embedded across multiple core units.
The Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) welcomes students with a background in accounting, in addition to those without that background but with an interest in a postgraduate accounting qualification.
The MPA is a 2 year full time course for those without prior study in a related area. If you have completed prior study in accounting or a related area, you may be eligible for 50 credit points worth of credit which will allow you to complete the course in 1.5 years. Alternatively, if you have completed prior study in a related area you may wish to forego that credit and instead study a 2 year course.
This unit provides managers with an introduction to a comprehensive range of key microeconomic and macroeconomic topics. The emphasis is on the practical application of basic economic concepts and models to real world business oriented problems. The unit will develop…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Online | Semester 1 | ||||
- Key:
On-campus
Off-Campus
International students
Domestic students
This unit introduces students to the major concepts and analytical tools used in the theory and practice of financial management within an Australian context. It is designed to provide students with an understanding of: the scope and nature of the…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
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| Melbourne Study Centre | Semester 1 | ||||
| Ultimo Study Centre | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Semester 2 | |||||
| Online | Semester 1 | ||||
| Semester 2 | |||||
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On-campus
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View all details for BFA503 Principles of Financial Management
Accounting and Accountability for Decision Making is an introductory accounting unit that explores the evolving role of accounting in promoting organisational accountability, especially in social and environmental contexts. It emphasises that accounting is not just about financial reporting and cost…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
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| Melbourne Study Centre | Semester 2 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Semester 2 | |||||
| Online | Semester 1 | ||||
| Semester 2 | |||||
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On-campus
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View all details for BFA507 Accounting and Accountability for Decision Making
This unit covers a range of legal topics relating to the business environment. It combines topics that are necessary for a consideration of business and corporate law including: an introduction to legal systems; contract law principles (including breaches and disputes);varied…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
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| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Semester 2 | |||||
| Online | Semester 1 | ||||
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View all details for BFA601 Business and Corporate Law in Practice
This unit builds on the skills and knowledge from BFA507 Accounting and Accountability for Decision Making. It examines financial accounting theory and practice, addressing complex corporate issues. In this unit, you will critically evaluate professional and ethical decision-making, integrating sustainability…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
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| Melbourne Study Centre | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Semester 2 | |||||
| Online | Semester 1 | ||||
| Semester 2 | |||||
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On-campus
Off-Campus
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View all details for BFA605 Contemporary Financial Accounting and Reporting
In this unit we explore the key functions fulfilled by managerial and cost accounting. The primary purpose of managerial and cost accounting is to provide relevant information to managers within an organisation. Managerial accounting can be thought of as the…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
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| Melbourne Study Centre | Semester 2 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Online | Semester 2 | ||||
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On-campus
Off-Campus
International students
Domestic students
View all details for BFA612 Management Decision Making and Strategy
In this unit, you will examine the role of auditing and assurance, focusing on the role of the external auditor in assessing the validity and reliability of financial information of publicly listed companies. The unit highlights the audit function and…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
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| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Online | Semester 1 | ||||
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On-campus
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This unit introduces students to the core concepts in Australian taxation and identifies the framework (both legal and administrative) behind those concepts. The knowledge gained through this exploration enables the application of the framework to current issues faced by individuals…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Online | Semester 2 | ||||
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Accounting Perspectives and Research exposes you to research within the field of Accounting and to the underlying theories and other influences that have played an important role in shaping accounting practice. Further, the unit considers emerging issues currently being addressed…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Online | Semester 1 | ||||
- Key:
On-campus
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View all details for BFA715 Contemporary Accounting Perspectives and Research
In this unit you will develop and apply the skills necessary to succeed in obtaining employment and a career in accounting and finance. As a graduate, it is essential to be able to demonstrate capability in applying technical skills in…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Semester 2 | |||||
| Online | Semester 1 | ||||
| Semester 2 | |||||
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Domestic students
View all details for BFA746 Pathway to Accounting and Finance Careers
In today’s data economy, businesses are blessed and cursed with an abundance of data. This proliferation of data is creating new professions and changing existing professions. One profession that is witnessing a rapid change due to the explosion of data…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melbourne Study Centre | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Semester 2 | |||||
| Online | Semester 1 | ||||
| Semester 2 | |||||
- Key:
On-campus
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Domestic students
This unit is available in a number of postgraduate degrees, HDR, or combined postgraduate degrees, offered across the University and by the Tasmanian School of Business and Economics (TSBE). Students undertake a work-based project with a public, private, or for-purpose…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Semester 2 | |||||
| Online | Semester 1 | ||||
| Semester 2 | |||||
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Domestic students
Risk management is a complex, progressive and demanding industry based on the protection of individuals, businesses and governments against risk and financial catastrophe. Insurance is the foundation of our lives and the social and economic fabric of our society. This…
Credit Points: 12.5
The purpose of this unit is to provide you with guidelines on how to communicate effectively with your clients and to ensure that you have the appropriate information from them to provide them with the best possible advice in your…
Credit Points: 12.5
This Unit integrates work and learning for final year Masters degree students. It carries a 12.5 Credit Points (equivalent to one unit) and is an elective unit or specialisation unit in a Postgraduate degree offered by the TSBE. You will…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Semester 2 | |||||
- Key:
On-campus
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International students
Domestic students
Strategic management today is a complex process requiring advanced skills. International expansion, network advantage, and resource optimisation pervade every aspect of this critical management skill. Successful managers need up-to-date guidance in the creation and implementation of effective strategy. This unit…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melbourne Study Centre | Semester 2 | ||||
| Ultimo Study Centre | Semester 2 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Online | Semester 2 | ||||
- Key:
On-campus
Off-Campus
International students
Domestic students
This specialisation also includes the option of completing an internship unit providing students with the opportunity to directly apply theoretical learning in a practical and real-world environment.
Students should complete 4 units (50 credit points) from the following list
This Unit integrates work and learning for final year Masters degree students. It carries a 12.5 Credit Points (equivalent to one unit) and is an elective unit or specialisation unit in a Postgraduate degree offered by the TSBE. You will…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Semester 2 | |||||
- Key:
On-campus
Off-Campus
International students
Domestic students
Investors and lenders have an important role with respect to sustainable development. Through directing their financial resources to socially and environmentally responsible investment options, investors and lenders have the power to make significant contribution to sustainable development. This applies to…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Online | Semester 1 | ||||
- Key:
On-campus
Off-Campus
International students
Domestic students
Organisations impact, and are impacted by, the societies in which they operate. That is, they are part of a broader social system. Society generally, and different groups of stakeholders specifically, expect an organisation to accept various responsibilities with respect to…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Online | Semester 1 | ||||
- Key:
On-campus
Off-Campus
International students
Domestic students
View all details for BFA758 Organisational Social Responsibilities
Organisations create various benefits and various costs for stakeholders. Some of these costs and benefits – which can be of a financial, social, or environmental nature - can be quantified in monetary terms while others cannot. Managers have a responsibility…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Online | Semester 2 | ||||
- Key:
On-campus
Off-Campus
International students
Domestic students
View all details for BFA759 Managing and Reporting Sustainability Related Performance
Organisations will often have a vision and a mission which will in turn link to goals and objectives and related strategic planning. To enable an organisation to achieve is mission, objectives, and goals requires a well-designed, organisational-relevant governance system. An…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Online | Semester 2 | ||||
- Key:
On-campus
Off-Campus
International students
Domestic students
View all details for BFA760 Sustainability Related Governance and Assurance
This specialisation equips you with the essential knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of modern finance. You'll learn about the dynamic interplay of global markets, technological disruptions, sustainable practices, and human behaviour to make informed financial decisions. Through a combination of theoretical frameworks and practical applications, you'll develop expertise in the following areas:
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Applying Core Financial Concepts: You'll build a strong foundation in fundamental financial principles, allowing you to analyse and interpret financial data, evaluate investment opportunities, and understand the broader economic landscape.
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Analysing Financial Scenarios: You'll learn to critically assess complex financial situations, incorporating insights from sustainable finance, behavioural finance, and fintech to identify risks, opportunities, and potential solutions.
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Developing Effective Financial Strategies: You'll create innovative financial strategies that address the needs of diverse stakeholders, balancing financial goals with ethical considerations and regulatory requirements.
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Communicating Financial Insights: You'll hone your communication skills to effectively present financial information and recommendations to various audiences, including investors, managers, regulators, and the general public.
By completing this specialization, you'll be prepared to tackle real-world financial challenges with confidence and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable financial system.
Global sustainability challenges – including climate change, natural resource depletion, and rising inequality – are affecting the commercial environment in a way that presents both risks and opportunities for the financial sector. This unit studies the evidence of how environmental,…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Online | Semester 1 | ||||
- Key:
On-campus
Off-Campus
International students
Domestic students
Most businesses operate in a global financial market, and very few facets of financial management are as important as managing exchange rate risk. This unit will provide you with the skills necessary to understand and address some of the multi-faceted…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Online | Semester 2 | ||||
- Key:
On-campus
Off-Campus
International students
Domestic students
View all details for BEA706 International Financial Management
The purpose of the unit is to build an applied understanding of the psychological biases which influence financial decision-making. The behavioural finance perspective of decision-making is contrast with more traditional finance perspectives. This enables a unique interpretation of market anomalies…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Online | Semester 2 | ||||
- Key:
On-campus
Off-Campus
International students
Domestic students
Financial technology (Fintech) refers to a relatively new branch of the growing and dynamic field of the banking and financial service sector. This unit covers innovations that banks and businesses can use to their advantage, including but not limited to…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Online | Semester 1 | ||||
- Key:
On-campus
Off-Campus
International students
Domestic students
Entry requirements
Applicants with higher education study
To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have:
- A completed undergraduate or postgraduate course in any discipline at Bachelor level (AQF level 7) or higher (or equivalent). Students having a prior qualification in accounting will be considered for recognition of prior learning (up to 4 units).
Please note that although the Master of Professional Accounting is available to students with an existing undergraduate qualification in Accounting, we would recommend seeking further advice about the best course options for your background and goals as you may have already met the requirements of the CPA and the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand through your previous study and the amount of credit that can be granted towards the Master of Professional Accounting is limited. For example, a number of the specialisations can be taken as standalone Graduate Certificates and this may be the better choice for students primarily looking to enhance their existing undergraduate accounting qualification.
Applicants with work experience
To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have:
- Qualifications, relevant work experience or other special circumstances, as approved by the Dean and Head of School, TSBE, or delegated authority.
You must provide evidence to support your application based on work experience. This includes submitting a copy of your CV and two letters of reference from your line managers or equivalent positions. If your work experience is as a sole trader or consultant, you must provide a copy of your CV and two testimonials or references from clients that provide evidence of capability consistent with the entry requirements.
Applicants with higher education study
To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have:
- A completed undergraduate or postgraduate course in any discipline at Bachelor level (AQF level 7) or higher (or equivalent). Students having a prior qualification in accounting will be considered for recognition of prior learning (up to 4 units).
Please note that although the Master of Professional Accounting is available to students with an existing undergraduate qualification in Accounting, we would recommend seeking further advice about the best course options for your background and goals as you may have already met the requirements of the CPA and the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand through your previous study and the amount of credit that can be granted towards the Master of Professional Accounting is limited. For example, a number of the specialisations can be taken as standalone Graduate Certificates and this may be the better choice for students primarily looking to enhance their existing undergraduate accounting qualification.
Applicants with work experience
To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have:
- Qualifications, relevant work experience or other special circumstances, as approved by the Dean and Head of School, TSBE, or delegated authority.
You must provide evidence to support your application based on work experience. This includes submitting a copy of your CV and two letters of reference from your line managers or equivalent positions. If your work experience is as a sole trader or consultant, you must provide a copy of your CV and two testimonials or references from clients that provide evidence of capability consistent with the entry requirements.
English Language Requirements
Please refer to the University's English Language Requirements as summarised here: https://www.utas.edu.au/international/applying/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements
Students who have completed a cognate Bachelor award at AQF level 7 can be given recognition for prior learning of the entire transition study block, comprising 50 credit points.
Students articulating into the MPA from one of the following articulating courses will receive full credit for units completed in the articulating course. This includes credit of 50 credit points for students articulating from the Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting (C5B) and 100 credit points for students articulating from the Graduate Diploma of Professional Accounting (C6B).
In addition to the above credit, students who have completed the Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Business will be granted credit (50 credit points) for the Accounting for Sustainable Business specialisation in the MPA. Students who have completed the Graduate Certificate in Finance will be granted credit (50 credit points) for the Sustainable Finance specialisation in the MPA.
A cognate discipline for the MPA means related study in another business area such as: Management, Human Resources, Sales and Marketing, Industrial/Public Relations, Public and Health Care Administration, Tourism, Business and Commercial Law, Information and Communication Technology, Banking, Finance, Insurance, Investment and Securities, Economics, or other areas of Commerce and Trade.
Please note that if you are awarded credit for any units in this degree, the accounting accrediting bodies will assess this credit separately when you apply with them for registration / membership and the credit may not be approved. You should seek advice from the accrediting bodies on any units you wish to seek credit for, as it may affect your membership eligibility if not approved.
Successful completion of 50 credit points of units from the transition block of the MPA will enable students to exit with the Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting (C5B).
Successful completion of 100 credit points of units, including 50cp from the transition block and 50cp from the Core units of the MPA will enable students to exit with the Graduate Diploma of Professional Accounting (C6B).
Successful completion of 50 credit points of units from the Accounting for Sustainable Business specialisation of the MPA will enable students to exit with the Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Business (C5Q).
Fees & scholarships
Domestic students
This is a full-fee course, which means you’ll need to pay the full amount for your studies. Commonwealth Supported Places are not available in this course.
Your tuition fees will depend on specific unit enrolment, and are subject to annual increases each year. You can find the complete fee details for each unit of study on the individual unit pages. The units for this course are found in the course structure section of this page.
Detailed information for domestic students, including the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF), is available at Scholarships, fees and costs.
FEE-HELP loans
You may be able to fund all or part of your tuition fees by accessing a FEE-HELP loan from the Australian Government. FEE-HELP is a loan scheme that assists domestic full-fee students to pay for University, which is repaid through the Australian Tax System once you earn above a repayment threshold. This means you’ll only have to start repaying the loan once you start earning above a specific amount.
Further information on HELP loans can be found at Australian Government Study Assist.
An important note on Youth Allowance and Austudy
The Department of Social Services has approved some accredited and professionally-oriented master’s courses for student payments through Youth Allowance or Austudy. This means if you enrol in one of these courses, you may be eligible for student payments. However, this is not the case for all master’s courses. Please visit Scholarships, fees and costs for further information.
International students
2027 annual international student tuition fee: $39,450 AUD
The standard year of study for this course is 100 credit points.
Indicative total tuition fee for international students: $ 80,873 AUD.
This total tuition fee is indicative only. Please visit fees and costs for further information on how this is calculated.
International students are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the annual rate. International students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.
Domestic scholarships
For information on general scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please visit the scholarships website.
Course year 2027
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