Bachelor of Commerce (Taxation)
UndergraduateCUR-TAX-DEG2025
Course information for 2025 intake View information for 2024 course intake
For a professional career in commerce with a taxation specialisation
With a Taxation major, you’ll gain understanding of tax laws and practice in Aus and overseas. Specialise in income tax, goods and services tax, fringe benefits and international tax. Study administration, implications of structures and state taxes.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- Subject may require attendance
- Applications close
- 16 Feb 2025,
- 18 May 2025,
- 17 Aug 2025,
- 16 Nov 2025
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 24
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
- CSP available
- Yes
Bachelor of Commerce (Taxation)
About this degree
At the completion of this degree students will be able to:
- apply taxation knowledge to identify legislative and case law principles of taxation as they relate to individual and business taxpayers and critically analyse taxation problems and think logically, rationally and creatively to generate solutions that consider the global taxation environment.
- communicate professionally, and in ways that are responsible and appropriate for local, national and international taxation contexts
- use relevant technologies and industry information to analyse taxation problems in ways that demonstrate critical thinking and responsible judgement
- demonstrate ethical, respectful and responsible taxation practices with an understanding of cultural diversity and how this informs these taxation practices
- demonstrate industry readiness through the development of sound practical business solutions by understanding the legal and regulatory environment and critical reflection of individual capabilities and the future of work
The degree is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of, and competencies in, taxation, accounting and associated fields of auditing, business law and financial management, and equips graduates for a professional accounting career with a specialisation in taxation in areas such commerce, industry, government or public practice.
Recommended study pattern
Students must complete 24 subjects and meet the following requirements:
- Complete seven compulsory core subjects
- Complete seven major subjects
- Complete two business law subjects
- Complete eight elective subjects - Students should aim to complete their elective subjects during SP2 & SP4 as core subjects normally run in SP1 & SP3.
- Complete at least twelve Curtin University subjects
- Complete no more than ten Level 1 subjects overall
- You are expected to have an adequate level of English when undertaking all subjects in this degree
Award requirements
Students must complete 24 subjects and meet the following requirements:
- Complete seven compulsory core subjects
- Complete seven major subjects
- Complete two business law subjects
- Complete eight elective subjects
- Complete at least twelve Curtin University subjects
- Complete no more than ten Level 1 subjects overall
- You are expected to have an adequate level of English when undertaking all subjects in this degree
Choose your subjects
Electives
Students must complete eight electives which can be chosen from any OUA subjects.
Degrees are usually made up of core subjects and electives. Some degrees include a choice of majors, so you can focus your studies on a specialisation.
This list is a general overview. Download the full Degree Guide for more information.
We recommend that all students, as soon as they are eligible, should apply for and take a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP). However, if you choose not to be a CSP student, please contact Curtin through the Ask Connect webform and select the Admissions and Credit for Recognised Learning - Entry pathways and eligibility menu option.
Transition arrangements are changes that occur when courses are updated or phased out. This happens regularly as part of continuous improvement. It may affect you if you are currently enrolled in this course, or if you plan to use credit from previous study towards it.
Changes in 2021:
The Business Pathway has been removed.
Changes to Level 1 Core Subjects:
- ACC100 has been retired and replaced by ACC102 Financial Decision Making
- Students who have completed ACC100 do not need to complete ACC102.
- MKG100 has been retired and replaced by BLW100 Markets and Legal Frameworks
- Students who have completed MKG100 do not need to complete BLW100.
- COM12 has been removed and replaced by MMK100 Communication, Culture and Indigenous Perspectives in Business
- Students who have completed COM12 do not need to complete MMK100.
- IBA111 has been removed and replaced by MMK101 Strategic Career Design
- Students who have completed IBA111 do not need to complete MMK101.
- INF10003 has been removed and replaced by ECO100 Analytics for Decision Making
- Students who have completed INF10003 do not need to complete ECO100.
- BLW14 has been retired and replaced by BLW15 Applied Contract Law
- Students who have completed BLW14 do not need to complete BLW15.
- BAN12 - Introductory Economics - no change.
Changes to Level 2 Core Major Subjects
- BLW26 International Business Law is now an optional subject for students commencing from 2021.
- However for students admitted prior to 2021 – BLAW2004 remains a core subject.
- BLW42 International Study Tour and BLW43 Domestic Study Tour are new optional subjects for the Taxation Major. *These new subjects are only available when a study tour is coordinated.
Changes to Level 3 Core Major Subjects
- BCS301 Business Capstone has been retired and replaced by MMK300 Enhancing Your Business Mind.
- Students who have completed BCS301 do not need to complete MMK300.
Students will not be penalised for completing subjects no longer found in the program structure.
If you need any further advice with the new course structure, please contact Curtin through the Ask Connect webform and selecting the Enrolment - General Support menu
option.
- ACC100 has been retired and replaced by ACC102 Financial Decision Making
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative first year fee
$12,869
Indicative total fee $38,608
The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.
Fees may vary depending on:
- the subjects you choose
- credit from previous work experience
- your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.
To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.
Start your career with Curtin’s globally recognised courses and extensive industry connections. Through OUA, their online courses offer an interactive and collaborative learning experience that gets you the same degree as if you studied on campus. Curtin is a global university with a vibrant culture of innovation and collaboration and is ranked in the top one per cent of universities worldwide.
Learn more about Curtin University.
Explore Curtin courses.
- QS Ranking 2024:
- 14
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 15
Entry requirements
Start small with no entry requirements
Yes, you can get into this degree!
Gain entry through single subjects, regardless of your ATAR or study history. Here’s how:
Single subjects
Start with subjects
Enrol and pass subjects from this degree. You can get access to HELP loans if you’re eligible. This enrolment option is only available through Open Universities Australia.
We’ll recommend starting subjects for you when you enrol.
Enrol in single subjectsContinue to the Bachelor of Commerce (Taxation)
Enter the degree with full credits from your subjects. You’ll study for the same amount of time as students who go straight into the degree.
- Successful completion of one full time semester (four standard subjects) towards an Undergraduate or higher level of study at an Australian University (separate evidence of English proficiency is not required).
Successful study through OUA – either:
- Successful completion of the Business Pathway OR
- Successful completion of four OUA full degree level subjects at pass level. (This satisfies the English language proficiency requirement.) OR
- Successful completion of two OUA full degree level subjects with separate evidence of English proficiency is required.
- Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) 70 or equivalent. Students must have English ATAR, Literature ATAR or English as an Additional Language/Dialect ATAR. To determine your eligibility for entry please refer to Interstate Year 12 and IB Students, TISC Tertiary Institutions Service Centre Prerequisites
- Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Diploma or Advanced Diploma or Associate Diploma. You may also be eligible for credit toward your university study.
- Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Certificate IV and evidence of English proficiency.
- Successful completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). (Please note this test is valid for two years.)
- Finished secondary education more than two years ago
- Bridging and enabling course entry
- Curtin Enabling Program: UniReady
- Enabling courses completed through other Australian Universities which meet minimum entry requirements for that institution will be accepted as minimum entry requirements for this course.
Additional information:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: Centre for Aboriginal Studies
- Domestic applicants with overseas qualifications
Applicants need to meet Curtin's English Language requirements. You normally need ONE of the following:
- Must have a 50% minimum in English ATAR (or equivalent).
- Completion of at least one full time semester (or equivalent) of Undergraduate level studies at an Australian University
- Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Diploma or Advanced Diploma or Associate Diploma
- Successful completion of two degree level subjects via Open Universities Australia (OUA) and English proficiency
- Successful completion of two degree level subjects at an Australian university and English proficiency
- Successful completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). (Please note this test is valid for two years.)
Please refer to the 'Minimum English Language Proficiency Requirements' document at English Language Requirements.
*** Please Note: If any academic or legal document is not in English, you must provide a colour scan of the non-English documents, including a colour scan of the official English translations of these documents. This is for comparison purposes. ***
Credit for Recognised Learning (CRL) is assessed on individual merit and is awarded for different types of learning, for example, studies you have previously completed or for relevant work experience.
Students must be admitted in an award degree of study before lodging their completed CRL application, along with all required supporting documentation for a formal assessment.
To apply for CRL, please visit the Curtin University website: Credit for Recognised Learning (Advanced Standing)
It is important to note accepted documentation includes scans of the original Transcripts and/or Award Certificate; front and back; in colour; and original size. For further information see the scanned documents and certification requirements and guidelines.
Please note students should complete no more than ten Level 1 subjects overall.
More information about the policies and procedures related to CRL assessment and appealing a CRL assessment outcome can be found in the Credit for Recognised Learning Policy (PDF).
Career opportunities
Australian job snapshots
Data sourced from Australian Jobs 2023.
Role | Earnings | Employment change |
|---|---|---|
Accountants | $75K to $93K | Up 8% |
Auditors, Company Secretaries and Corporate Treasurers | $93K to $120K | Up 37.6% |
Finance Managers | Over $120K | Up 24.7% |
Financial Investment Advisers and Managers | Over $120K | Up 25.4% |
Degree FAQs
How long does it take to finish an online degree?
That's up to you! Because we let you choose when to study online, you can actually pick up and pause study when it suits you. Many universities have a set time you need to complete your degree within. For some this is up to 10 years, and for others there is no limit.
There are some degrees that are stricter about when you can take breaks, and about how many years you can take to complete your degree. Please always check with your uni what the limits are.
As a general guide, Commonwealth supported place students have 10 years to finish their undergraduate degree through OUA, However, if you're studying with Griffith University, there's a limit of 8 years to complete your studies. If you want to take a break that lasts more than two study terms, you'll need to apply for a leave of absence. You can apply for a leave of absence for up to 12 months, as long as you complete your studies within the maximum time allowed for your degree.
If you're studying with Macquarie University, with the exception of certain degrees, there's no limit to how long you can take. But, please check with Macquarie Student Administration to be sure.
If you're studying with the University of Adelaide, you have up to 9 years to complete your undergraduate degree and graduate.
If you're studying with La Trobe University and want to take a break of minimum 1 study term, you must apply for leave of absence to avoid being inadvertently withdrawn from your degree.
Through OUA, you can study all year round, so it's possible to fast-track and finish up sooner than studying at a traditional uni would allow. That said, you need to spend around 12 hours a week on each undergraduate subject you do, so taking on extra work to finish ahead of time can be challenging.
How can I pay for my studies?
You may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government, depending on your citizenship status and where you'll be living during your studies. You can also pay upfront with your credit card.
Payment options are explained in Fees, and you can contact a student advisor for more information.
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We connect you with subjects and degrees that are taught by leading Australian universities. You can complete single subjects, or follow a degree structure to work towards a specific qualification. Subjects are offered in several study terms throughout the year, so you can choose to study part-time or full-time, continuously or with breaks.
We help you find the subjects or degree that's right for you, and we handle your enrolment in uni and some administration. Your uni sends you your study materials and deals with all academic matters. They're also in charge of your assessment and graduation. If you go on to complete a degree, you'll graduate from the uni offering your degree, for example, RMIT University or Griffith University.
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When is my cut-off date for enrolment?
Our close of enrolment times vary. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting Key dates.
Why should I study online through Open Universities Australia?
There are a lot of reasons to study your course online through us.
You can enrol without entry requirements
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You have total control over how you study
Upskill without committing to a whole degree upfront. Or enrol in a full degree, but take it a subject at a time. We'll introduce you to flexible study options you didn't even know about, so you can fit uni around what matters to you.You'll graduate with the same qualification as an on-campus student
Once you enrol through us, you'll study online with the university that provides your degree. This means that when you complete your qualification, you'll graduate with the same degree as on-campus students.We'll help you navigate the university world
Our friendly student advisors will be your guide every step of the enrolment journey. They'll help you compare universities, choose a course, provide documentation and understand your finance options.
How do I enrol?
Here at Open Universities Australia, we make enrolling online as straightforward as possible. To get started, find the course for you by browsing the options on this page. You can also compare different qualifications using our handy comparison tool, or request help from one of our student advisors.
When you've made your choice, click 'Apply now' on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We'll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to a student advisor and we'll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.