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Best Finance Degree Online in Australia

Interested in a finance career? An online degree or postgraduate course could be the ideal preparation. Discover how to start and what your options are.

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A degree in finance may be a good choice if you're strong with numbers and enjoy taking a deep dive into investing. Finance careers start with your education. From there, anything is possible depending on your talents, preferences and work ethic.

A financial expert manages assets to create wealth for investors or companies. The discipline centres on fund raising and investment activities. A robust calculation by a professional in this field will consider the time between an investment and the future payoff, along with associated risks.

Bachelor Degree

If you're new to university study, you can major in Finance as part of a 3-year Bachelor of Business or Bachelor of Commerce. Double majors are also possible, such as Accounting and Finance.

Masters Degree

For university graduates, consider a Master of Applied Finance online degree. If you're new to the field or business studies, you can start with a 4-subject Graduate Certificate in Finance.

What Degrees are Best for Finance?

Let's explore the best degree options for a career in finance in Australia, including business degrees with a major in finance, accounting, economics, or analytics.

For many future professionals, a double major in Accounting and Finance is the best option for undergraduate studies. Competition for top jobs in the financial sector can be intense, making an accounting qualification a good backup strategy.

If you don't want to be an accountant, majoring in Finance is an obvious choice. The rest of your business or commerce program can be made up of electives in areas of interest or intended specialisation.

You can also complement financial studies with a major or minor in another field. Economics is a popular option as it gives you insight into the economy and markets. Business Analytics is helpful for future analytical roles and for using data in assessment and decision-making capacities.

1. Bachelor of Accounting and Finance

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A Bachelor of Accounting and Finance combines two highly relevant fields in business, allowing graduates to develop expertise in both financial reporting and analysis.

The double major can make graduates more versatile and employable than those with a straight Finance major. You are able to gain the job security from becoming a qualified accountant.

Job opportunities include roles that follow an accounting degree such as financial accountant, tax accountant, and auditor, as well as positions such as financial analyst, investment banker, and portfolio manager.

ECU Accounting and Finance double major

Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting and Finance)
CPA, IPA and CAANZ accredited

UNE Bachelor of Accounting

Bachelor of Accounting (Finance)
CPA Australia mentoring program

2. Bachelor of Finance

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A Bachelor of Finance degree is commonly known as Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) or Bachelor of Business (Finance) in Australia.

A finance major is normally available in 3-year undergraduate business programs. Students gain general business training and financial skills. To qualify for the major, core subjects and relevant electives must be completed.

The program of study provides a platform for an interesting and lucrative career. It opens up potential careers in banking, financial analysis, portfolio management, insurance, trading, and advisory services.

Deakin finance major

Bachelor of Commerce (Finance)
16 of 24 units in commerce, finance

ECU Finance major

Bachelor of Commerce (Finance)
Indicative ATAR: 70

UNE Bachelor of Business (Finance)

Bachelor of Business (Finance)
Guaranteed ATAR: 72.55

3. Bachelor of Economics and Finance

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Economics and Finance is a popular combination for majors and minors among undergraduate students. A bachelor degree in these fields gives you access to a greater range of jobs when you graduate.

Economics and finance are complementary disciplines. Economists need to understand finance and financial systems. These impact on firm performance, macroeconomics, international trade, etc.

Likewise, finance professionals, when making investment recommendations, should understand economic principles and patterns at both macro and micro levels.

4. Bachelor of Business Analytics and Finance

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A Bachelor of Business Analytics and Finance combines financial and analytical skills nicely. Graduates are prepared for roles in financial analysis, investment management, and business analysis.

Graduates with this double major have a competitive edge in the job market with strong analytical and business skills. A business analytics major is particularly valuable for roles that require data-driven decision-making.

Job opportunities include financial analyst, investment analyst, business analyst, data analyst, risk analyst, and portfolio manager.

5. Bachelor of Finance and Financial Planning

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A Bachelor of Finance and Financial Planning combines core finance subjects with training in planning, offering a more holistic approach to the industry.

Graduates can work as financial planners, financial advisors, wealth managers, investment analysts, or risk analysts, among other roles.

This major may be more attractive than a straight finance degree because it provides graduates with skills in both areas, making them more versatile in the job market. The planning aspect should appeal if you are interested in working with clients to create custom plans.

In-Demand Masters Degrees

Whether you're looking to start a career in finance or already working in the industry, postgraduate courses can help you further your ambitions. But which master's degrees offer the best job prospects in this field?

While not a masters as such, we've ranked the Graduate Certificate in Finance at number one. The four-subject course is versatile and open to people from different backgrounds, including those without a formal business education. It is usually an introductory or specialised part of a master's program.

Masters in Finance programs are often flexible, allowing students to choose their area(s) of specialisation via elective selections. Applied Finance is a popular program that emphasises techniques over theory. Another option, particularly for those aspiring to be corporate leaders, is the MBA.

Related: What Do You Do In a Master of Finance?

A Graduate Certificate in Finance is a 4-subject postgraduate course that's often embedded within a longer masters degree. Many students study part-time while working full-time, completing a subject every 2 months.

You don't necessarily need a business degree to meet entry requirements. Often, the course is the introductory part of a masters program, making it ideal for people looking to switch careers.

Whatever your professional background, you may be able to find a good course for you. Specialisations include applied finance and financial technology... READ MORE

A Master of Applied Finance is a hands-on business masters. The program emphasises practical learning, avoiding theory without obvious real-world usefulness.

A MAF's curriculum may align closely with the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) test. Likely topics include Ethical and Professional Standards, Quantitative Methods, Economics, Financial Reporting and Analysis, Corporate Finance, Equity Investments, Fixed Income, Derivatives, Alternative Investments, and Portfolio Management.

A graduate certificate course provides program access if you lack a financial background... READ MORE

The ultimate degree for financial training is a Master of Finance. Whether you're an experienced financial professional or looking to break into the field, normally the program is worth the investment.

A Masters in Finance is typically a 12-subject course. With accelerated online programs, you're able to work full-time and study part-time. By completing a subject every 2 months, you can earn a masters in just on 2 years.

You can specialise in different fields within the masters, such as analytics, applied finance, FinTech, or management and leadership... READ MORE

A Master of Financial Technology is for people familiar with the finance industry who are interested in innovation.

The purpose of a Masters in FinTech is to teach you how to conceive technology solutions and harness resources to achieve digital transformation. FinTech is a rapidly growing sector with unmet demand for skilled professionals who understand both finance and technology.

Topics you may explore in a FinTech masters include decentralised finance, tech disruption in payments, tech disruption in borrowing, technical tools for FinTech, data management, and robo-advisory services... READ MORE

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) may serve your purposes better than a Master of Finance due to its broader focus on business strategy and management skills, which are valuable in executive roles.

MBA graduates are sought after for leadership positions in investment banking, management consulting, and private equity firms.

In Australia, job opportunities for MBA graduates include financial analyst, investment manager, risk analyst, financial controller, and treasury manager, among others... READ MORE

Jobs You Can Get in Australia

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Jobs for financial professionals are projected to grow in Australia by 11% annually to 2026. That's according to data from the National Skills Commission. The largest occupational categories are Financial Investment Advisers and Managers (69,000 projected jobs), Financial Brokers (48,000 jobs) and Financial Dealers (21,000 jobs).

Online Courses

† Online courses are available in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Gold Coast, Newcastle. Australia-wide.