Why Study / Key Benefits

The Professional Accountancy (Chartered Accountant) specialisation is a Level 8 professional postgraduate diploma designed for students who already have an accountancy background and have completed the academic requirements for Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ). The programme incorporates the CA Program and provides academic support while students complete the professional requirements. Massey states that, after completing this qualification, the remaining requirement for full CA designation is the required mentored practical experience.

Key benefits include:

• Direct integration of postgraduate study with the CA Program.
• Advanced study of financial accounting, management accounting, auditing, taxation, financial modelling, technology and business performance.
• Development of professional judgement, critical thinking, analytical and business-advisory skills.
• Exposure to current technologies, automation, data and artificial intelligence in accounting.
• Recognition/accreditation from Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ).
• Access to a professional qualification structure that can support careers in accountancy and business.
• Flexible delivery through Auckland campus and distance/online study, although the programme is taught through intensive on-campus blocks.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The Postgraduate Diploma in Business currently has two endorsement options under its regulations:

• Agribusiness
• Professional Accountancy (Chartered Accountant)

Programme Highlights

• NZQF Level 8 postgraduate qualification.
• 120 credits.
• One year full-time.
• February or July starts are listed in Massey's 2026 international prospectus.
• Auckland campus and distance/online study.
• Intensive block-based teaching.
• Integrates the CA Program with postgraduate study.
• Designed specifically for students who already satisfy the CA ANZ academic requirements.
• CA ANZ accreditation/recognition is associated with Massey's accountancy qualifications.
• Covers contemporary accounting technology and artificial intelligence as well as traditional accounting, audit, tax and management accounting.
• The programme develops professional judgement and business-advisory capabilities.
• Successful completion leaves mentored practical experience as the remaining requirement for full CA designation, according to Massey.

Career Outcomes

The qualification is designed for progression within the accountancy profession and related business roles.

Potential career areas include:

• Chartered accountancy
• Financial accounting
• Management accounting
• External auditing
• Assurance
• Taxation
• Financial analysis and modelling
• Business advisory
• Risk and technology-related accounting roles
• Corporate finance and business performance
• Accounting roles in professional services firms
• Accounting and finance roles in commercial organisations
• Government and public-sector finance

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The current qualification remains a 120-credit Level 8 Postgraduate Diploma in Business endorsement.
• The Professional Accountancy (Chartered Accountant) pathway incorporates the CA Program.
• The current entry requirement specifically requires the Massey Bachelor of Accountancy or Massey Bachelor of Business plus completion of all CA ANZ academic requirements.
• The programme is taught in intensive blocks, so students considering distance/online study should verify whether their chosen courses require physical attendance in Auckland.
• Some courses have compulsory in-person examinations or block attendance requirements.
• Individual courses have prerequisites, corequisites and, for some advanced courses, appraisal requirements.
• The qualification may be awarded with Merit or Distinction where the required level of academic performance is achieved.
• Massey recommends international students apply at least three months before their anticipated start date.
• IPU's current website does not list this Massey Professional Accountancy PGDip as an IPU programme. Its current programme directory lists the Master of Global Business and states that the Master of Contemporary International Studies is no longer accepting new enrolments.
• The IPU URL supplied in the request is for IPU's Master of Global Business, not this Massey qualification.

International Student Visa Requirements

For an international student physically studying this programme in New Zealand, the relevant visa is generally the New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa.

Current Immigration New Zealand information states:

• Cost: from NZD 850
• Maximum stay: up to 4 years
• Processing: 80% within 8 weeks
• Application: online
• Immigration New Zealand recommends applying at least 3 months before travel.

Students generally need:

• An offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Evidence of sufficient funds to pay tuition fees or evidence of an applicable scholarship.
• Evidence of sufficient living funds or an acceptable sponsor.
• Acceptable insurance.
• Evidence satisfying health and character requirements where applicable.
• Genuine intention to study.
• Evidence that they can leave New Zealand at the end of their stay.
• Any additional documents requested by Immigration New Zealand.

Living-cost requirement:

• For tertiary study of one year or more: NZD 20,000 per year.

Work rights:

• Eligible student visa holders may be permitted to work up to 25 hours per week while studying.
• Full-time work may be permitted during scheduled holidays, subject to the individual visa conditions.
• Students must check the actual work conditions attached to their visa.