Top Universities for Accounting Courses in Canada for International Students (2025)

Canada has solidified its position as a premier destination for accounting education. As of last year, the country hosted over 1,040,985 international students, marking a 29% increase from the previous years. The University of Waterloo's School of Accounting and Finance, for instance, has achieved global recognition by winning the CFA Institute Research Challenge twice in a row. 

Graduates from accounting courses in Canada enjoy promising career prospects and a competitive average salary in Canada of about CAD 65,000 annually. In this blog, we will dwell deeper into the top accounting courses in Canada Admission requirements, and career opportunities awaiting for accountants in Canada

Types of Accounting Courses in Canada

Before we dive into the top universities for accounting courses in Canada let us first understand what are the different types of accounting courses in Canada for international students

Top Universities For Accounting Courses in Canada

The education system in Canada is recognised as one of the most competent in the world. The list of best accounting and finance courses in Canada as per the QS World ranking 2025 is as follows: 

Top Universities for Undergraduate Accounting Courses in Canada

Here are the top Canadian universities for undergraduate accounting courses that welcome international students:

Top Universities for Postgraduate Accounting Courses in Canada

Here are the top universities in Canada for masters accounting courses that welcome international students:

Major Streams of Accounting Courses in Canada for International Students

Getting to know more about Canada opens up a world of accounting opportunities with three exciting streams of courses waiting for you to explore.

Professional Accounting Courses in Canada

Unlock your potential with professional accounting courses in Canada from the prestigious CPA program to globally recognized options like CFA and ACCA. Here are some of the popular professional accounting courses.

1. CPA Professional Education Program (PEP): Offered by the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA), This program equips students with the knowledge and skills required for the CPA designation. It covers various modules such as Financial Reporting, Taxation, and Strategy & Governance.
2. CFA Program: The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) program, administered by the CFA Institute, focuses on investment management. It's highly respected globally and covers topics like ethics, quantitative methods, economics, and portfolio management.
3. CAIA Charter: The Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) charter provides expertise in alternative investments like hedge funds, private equity, and real assets. It's particularly valuable for those interested in non-traditional investment sectors.
4. CMA Program: Although some regions in Canada have integrated into the CPA designation, the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) program, focusing on management accounting, is still recognized. It's known for its strategic business and management emphasis.
5. ACCA Qualification: The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualification is globally recognized and provides comprehensive knowledge in areas like financial reporting, taxation, audit, and business analysis.

Call all the CA’s. Here is the complete guide to Canada PR for Indian Chartered Accountants.

Accounting and Finance Courses in Canada

Ready to pave your way to financial success? Discover the realm of possibilities with accounting and finance courses in Canada. From mastering financial strategies to unraveling complex financial data, these courses are your ticket to a dynamic career in the world of numbers and business.

1. Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Financial Management: This program combines the fundamentals of accounting with financial management, offering a comprehensive understanding of financial reporting, analysis, and decision-making.
2. Master of Finance (MFin): An advanced degree focused on financial theory and practice, the MFin program covers topics like investment management, corporate finance, risk management, and financial modeling.
3. Diploma in Accounting: A shorter program designed to provide essential accounting skills, including bookkeeping, financial reporting, and taxation, suitable for those seeking foundational knowledge.
4. Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Finance: This program delves into various aspects of finance, including investment analysis, capital markets, and financial planning, preparing students for roles in banking, investments, and corporate finance.
5. Postgraduate Certificate in Financial Planning: Geared toward professionals looking to specialize in financial planning, this program covers retirement planning, estate planning, tax strategies, and investment management.

Learn everything you need to know about Students Working Hours in Canada from rules, benefits, to opportunities in our comprehensive article for Indian students

Forensic Accounting Courses in Canada

Ready to unveil the mysteries of financial investigations? Dive into the captivating world of Forensic Accounting courses in Canada, where you'll learn to uncover fraud, analyze complex financial data, and become a financial detective.

1. Certificate in Forensic Accounting: This program provides a foundation in forensic accounting techniques, fraud detection, and investigation. It covers topics like financial statement analysis, fraud prevention, and litigation support.
2. Bachelor of Commerce in Forensic Accounting: A specialized degree combining accounting, auditing, and investigative skills, preparing students to uncover financial irregularities and analyze complex financial data.
3. Master of Forensic Accounting: This advanced program focuses on advanced investigative techniques, ethics, and legal aspects. It covers areas such as cybercrime, money laundering, and expert testimony.
4. Diploma in Fraud Examination and Forensic Accounting: Geared towards professionals, this diploma emphasizes fraud detection, investigation, and prevention techniques. It covers areas like white-collar crime, ethics, and data analysis.
5. Postgraduate Certificate in Forensic Accounting: A concentrated program for those with prior accounting knowledge, it explores forensic techniques, data analysis, and legal considerations for investigating financial irregularities.

Grab the detailed insights of Trends in International Student Enrollment in Canada through our year on year expert analysis article.

Eligibility Criteria to Study Accounting in Canada

After the decision to pursue your Accounting courses in Canada, you’ll need to get your eligibility criteria fulfilled. But where to begin? Don't worry, we've got you covered. Discover the key eligibility criteria that are essential to your dream accounting education in Canada.

1. High school diploma or equivalent.
2. Approved English language tests for Canada scores
3. Meeting specific GPA requirements set by the university or program.
4. Completion of any required prerequisite courses, such as mathematics or business-related subjects.
5. Submission of application through the university's admission process.
6. Some universities might require a personal statement or letter of intent.
7. For international students, a study permit or Canada student visa might be necessary.

Documents Required to Study Accounting in Canada

To get further with the process, the initial step involves choosing the college or university where you want to study. To apply for the program, you'll typically need the following:

1. A bachelor's degree
2. Academic Transcripts from previous educations
3. A scanned copy of your passport
4. CV or resume
5. IELTS/PTE test scores
6. Proof of funding (or scholarship details)
7. Letters of Recommendation

Once these requirements are met, you can submit your application to your chosen Canadian institution. Upon receiving an offer of enrollment, you can then proceed to apply for a study visa that aligns with the duration of your selected course."

Why Study Accounting Courses in Canada?

Curious about why pursuing accounting courses in Canada is a great idea? Here are the main compelling reasons that highlight its potential for your career!

• Steady Growth of the Accounting Profession: The accounting profession in Canada has shown steady growth over the years. From 2020, there were over 200,000 accountants employed across the country.
• Salary Variation and Median Annual Wage: The average annual salary for accountants in Canada varies based on factors such as experience and location. As of 2023, the median annual wage for accountants and auditors starts at approximately CAD 73,000.
• Emphasis on Ethics and Professional Conduct: The accounting profession places a strong emphasis on ethics and integrity and the accountants there are held to high standards of professional conduct to maintain public trust and ensure accurate financial reporting.
• International Recognition for Canadian CPAs: Canadian CPAs have international recognition, making it easier for professionals to work globally and for international accountants to work in Canada.
• Projected Demand and Retirement Impact: Based on recent labor market analysis, Canada is projected to require 75,100 more accounting professionals due to an anticipated 45,000 retirements among accountants by 2023, driving the demand.

Scholarships to Study Accounting Courses in Canada

Canada offers a wide range of scholarships to support international students pursuing accounting programmes These include university specific, private funded and government sponsored scholarships to help students ease their financial burden.

Below are some of the notable scholarships for Indian students in Canada for accounting studies:

Top Jobs After Accounting Courses in Canada

So far you have covered the requirements, top universities and benefits of pursuing professional accounting courses in Canada, now is the time to learn about the ROI, i.e. the employment opportunities in Canada after graduation.

Learn more about the eligibility and requirements for Accounting Jobs in Canada.

Secure Accounting Job In Canada with GetGIS Assistance

Canada is a top destination for aspiring accountants, offering high quality education, CPA pathways and excellent job opportunities. Whether you choose a diploma, undergraduate, or post graduate program, studying accounting courses in Canada can lead to a rewarding career. 

If you are considering Canada immigration GetGIS can help you navigate the process with expert guidance. From securing the right visa to exploring accounting jobs in Canada we are here to support your every step in the journey.

Book Your Free Consultation with our immigration assistance team today, and take the first step towards building a successful career and future in Canada