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The programme welcomes its first cohort in July 2026 and offers an 18-month route into the accounting profession. Accredited by NZQA and the professional accounting bodies Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ) and CPA Australia, graduates will be eligible to apply for provisional membership with both organisations. Members benefit from global networking opportunities and discounted professional development. Once a provisional member, graduates work towards full membership as a chartered accountant or certified practicing accountant.
Designed for people who already hold a degree in another field, this master's programme makes it possible to change careers without needing to complete a full three-year accounting degree. Students can study full-time or part-time while continuing to work, with all classes delivered on campus in Nelson.
Programme tutor Michelle Liu(external link), who brings nearly two decades of international teaching experience, says the qualification has been built around the skills employers are looking for in today’s accounting industry.
“Students won’t just learn technical accounting knowledge - they’ll put it into practice through case studies, industry engagement and real-world problem-solving.”
“For international learners especially, the programme also offers valuable insight into New Zealand’s business and corporate environment.”
A strong practical focus is a key part of the programme, including a 15-credit internship that places students into local businesses and organisations. Through NMIT’s connections with the local business community and the Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce, students will gain hands-on industry experience while building professional networks and community connections.
Dr Sunil Lakhani, a highly experienced Academic Staff Member, says the programme balances academic depth with practical application.
“We want students to graduate with both technical expertise and professional confidence,” says Dr Lakhani. “They’ll learn concepts in class and then apply those skills in real-world settings.”
Students will also be supported by an experienced academic team including Mark Wilson, Dr Pappu Dey, Dr Paul Aitken, Dr Faz Sanoon, Dr Peng Guan, Dr Nathan Ehambara and Dr Juan Liang, who bring extensive expertise and research supervision experience to the programme.
For local students, the programme provides the opportunity to gain an internationally recognised qualification close to home, while international students can enjoy studying in the heart of the Nelson Tasman region.
Applications for the July intake are now open. Believe it, become it.
