New Zealand Diploma in Business (Level 5) (Accounting)

Locations and dates

Marlborough:

23 February 2026

20 July 2026

Nelson:

23 February 2026

20 July 2026
Length

Full time: 34 teaching weeks plus 6 weeks of study break
Total credits

120
Fees

2026: $7,024 plus $350 Student Services Fee

A Student Service Fee applies (2025; $2.17 per credit).

Fees listed are for each year of the programme, indicative only and may vary with course selection.

View course details for individual fees.

N.B. The 2026 SSF final fee is currently subject to consultation with learners.
National qualification code

NZ2459

Build on your interest in numbers and business and gain the skills, knowledge and technical skills to provide accounting services and business advice to companies, organisations and individuals.

New Zealand Certificate in Business Accounting Support Services

Accountants are in demand in Aotearoa New Zealand, and there are good prospects to advance in your career. But there is more to accounting than running the numbers. It means understanding the complexities of business processes, planning, and the New Zealand business environment.

This programme allows you to launch your career in accounting with the operational skills to manage a business's daily functions and provides a safe environment to develop essential employable skills, including effective communication, collaboration and teamwork across mediums, problem-solving and decision-making.

Study and career opportunities

Career opportunities

This qualification will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to work in various business entities in accounting roles such as finance administrator, inventory controller, and accounts receivable/payable officer. You may also be able to contribute to community groups in volunteer accounting functions.

Study opportunities

You can further your expertise with a Bachelor of Accounting(external link). Credits from this diploma can be used towards the degree programme.

Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ) recognise those students who complete the Level 5 Diploma in Business with the Accounting Strand as having the academic requirements to become a provisional member and enter the Accounting Technician programme(external link). To complete this process, you must apply via the CAANZ website to gain provisional membership upon completion of the qualification.

Marlborough campus via video link

Most classes will be video linked from our Nelson campus for students studying on our Marlborough campus. Video link students meet and study together on the Marlborough campus and then interact with their fellow students, and the lecturer, in Nelson via the video linking software.

Marlborough students have full access to Library Learner Services and one-on-one tutor sessions as required.

Delivered fully online by Open Polytechnic

Entry Requirements

To be admitted to this programme, all applicants must be at least 16 years of age on the date the programme starts and meet one of the following requirements:

NCEA Level 2 or equivalent
Successful completion of an approved qualification at Level 3 or above with a relevant pathway.

Special and Discretionary admission is also available.

International applicants must provide evidence that they have the necessary English language proficiency required for the Programme as demonstrated by an IELTS score of 5.5 (academic) with no individual band lower than 5.0 from one test taken in the preceding two years, or an equivalent described in NZQA Rules(external link).

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