Admissions
The Graduate Diploma in Accounting is designed for students who have built a strong undergraduate foundation in business and accounting. Before entering the program, you’ll need to complete the required degree, academic and prerequisite requirements.
Undergraduate Degree
Completed before the program start
Minimum 3.0 GPA
Cumulative undergraduate GPA
9 Prerequisite Courses
Minimum 3.0 GPA across prerequisites
You don't need to wait until graduation to apply.
Students completing their final year of undergraduate studies can apply to the GDA while finishing their degree and prerequisite courses. Any offer may be conditional on successfully completing the outstanding academic requirements before the program begins.
Prerequisite Course Checklist
The GDA builds on accounting and business knowledge developed at the undergraduate level. Before entering the program, you’ll need to demonstrate equivalent preparation across the following areas.
Required Courses
You must have completed all of the following courses, or their equivalents.
| Course | Smith Course Code | |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Finance | COMM 121 | |
| ESG & Sustainability Reporting | COMM 310 | |
| Financial Accounting: Practice, Principles & Concepts | COMM 311 | |
| Intermediate Management Accounting | COMM 312 | |
| Financial Accounting II | COMM 313 | |
| Auditing | COMM 317 | |
| Income Taxation | COMM 319 | |
| Introduction to Data Management & Analytics for Business | COMM 392 | |
| Advanced Financial Accounting | COMM 417 |
Additional Business Courses
You must also have completed at least 8 of the following courses, or their equivalents.
| Course | Smith Course Code | |
|---|---|---|
| Organizational Behaviour | COMM 151 | |
| Managerial Statistics | COMM 162 | |
| Principles of Economics for Business | COMM 171 | |
| Managerial Economics | COMM 172 | |
| Finance II | COMM 122 | |
| Introduction to Marketing | COMM 131 | |
| Marketing II | COMM 132 | |
| Business Decision Models I | COMM 163 | |
| Introduction to International Business | COMM 173 | |
| Introduction to Human Resources Management | COMM 181 | |
| Introduction to Digital Business & Technologies | COMM 190 | |
| Operations Management I | COMM 341 | |
| Business for Good: An Intro to Impact-Driven Leadership | COMM 306 | |
| Business and Corporate Strategy | COMM 401 | |
| Financial Statement Analysis & Accounting-Based Valuation | COMM 411 | |
| Management Control | COMM 414 | |
| Corporate Governance & Control | COMM 415 | |
| Organizational Fraud | COMM 416 |
Prerequisite Progress
Application access will be available in mid-October 2026.
Note: Applicants must achieve a minimum 3.0 GPA across the required prerequisite courses.
Studying at Another University?
If you’re completing your undergraduate degree outside of Smith School of Business, you’ll need to demonstrate equivalent preparation in each of the required prerequisite subject areas.
What You'll Need to Apply
Ready to apply to the Graduate Diploma in Accounting? Before you begin your application, make sure you have the following information and documents ready.
Online Application
Complete and submit your application through the Smith School of Business online application portal.
Undergraduate Transcript(s)
Provide transcripts from your undergraduate studies, including your academic record to date if you are still completing your degree.
English-Language Proficiency
If applicable, you’ll need to provide results from an accepted English-language proficiency test that meet the program’s minimum requirements.
Supporting Documentation
Additional documentation may be requested to confirm your academic background, prerequisite course equivalencies or other admission requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I am still completing my undergraduate degree?
Yes. Applicants who are in the final year of their undergraduate degree may apply, provided all degree requirements will be completed prior to the program start date.
When should I apply?
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and spaces in the GDA are limited. Applicants are encouraged to apply early to secure their place in the program.
What GPA do I need to apply?
Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA in their undergraduate degree, as well as a minimum 3.0 GPA across the required prerequisite courses.
Do I need to submit proof of English-language proficiency?
Applicants whose native language is not English and whose undergraduate university studies were taken in a language other than English must achieve a satisfactory score on one of the accepted tests. The test of facility in English is a firm requirement and admission decisions cannot be made until an acceptable score has been reported.
Test results must be in the form of an official report sent directly by the testing centre to the Admissions Committee. Examinee’s score records, faxes or photocopies are not acceptable.
Each applicant is responsible for making arrangements to take any of these tests and for all costs that are incurred with the writing of any of the tests.