Program Overview

You can never know what’s around the corner, but with the right preparation, you can be ready for it. The CPA Program allows you to safeguard your career with the backing of a world-renowned designation and a network of industry experts. The CPA Program combines internationally relevant subject content with cutting-edge resources, to ensure you are equipped to succeed – both in your current role and into the future.

The CPA Program education component comprises four compulsory subjects (Ethics and Governance, Strategic Management Accounting, Financial Reporting, Global Strategy and Leadership) and two elective subjects*.

The CPA Program scholarship entitles recipients to an exemption from all CPA Program subject fees. The award covers course enrolment fees starting from the date awarded.

Semester Dates

Successful applicants in this scholarship round will be given the choice of beginning their studies in either Semester 1 or Semester 2 in 2021.

• Semester 1: starts late January 2021 (date TBC)
• Semester 2: starts August 2021 (date TBC)

Exact start dates to be announced by CPA Australia in November 2020. Click here to see important CPA Program related dates on their website.

Program Duration

Once you have been accepted into the CPA Program*, you have six years to complete the course, including six education subjects and the Your Experience requirement, in order to become a CPA.

Depending on your prior study and work experience, you may gain recognition toward Your experience requirement.

*See Eligibility section below for details on how to gain entry into the program.

Program Delivery

The CPA Program is a flexible distance-learning program that you can complete at your own pace with a range of interactive online study tools. Students are also supported with professional resources and tutorials, as well as study groups.

"The CPA Program has exposed me to a diverse range of roles available to CPA qualified professionals. It is more than technical accounting knowledge but also teaches skills in leadership, strategy and business giving me direction and clarity to the type of business professional I want to be. Together with my NFP organisation, we have created my career development plan and taking actionable steps towards my career goals. As a result, I am motivated, engaged and excited with my work. I am grateful for this opportunity and am committed to giving back." Joanne Carub, Finance Officer at Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine (ASLM)

Scholarship Inclusions

There are five 100% scholarships available, which will entitle recipients to enrolment into the six CPA Program subjects, valued at approximately $7,740. The scholarship award does not cover completed subject fees prior to receiving the scholarship, Foundation subjects (if required), deferral fees or CPA membership fees.

The scholarships will be awarded each November. They are effective from the date awarded and will be tenable for six years, subject to the satisfactory progress by the recipients towards the completion of the CPA Program.

The scholarship does not require the recipient to render any service to the donors.

Key Scholarship Dates

Please reserve important dates in your calendar.

Who Should Apply

Managers and financial officers of registered charitable organisations Australia-wide.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible to apply for a scholarship, applicants must:

• provide evidence that they are currently employed as managers or financial officers at registered charitable not-for-profit organisations
• have at least 12 months full-time (or part-time equivalent) accounting work experience and be currently employed at least 17.5 hours per week
• be Associate members of CPA Australia or assessed as eligible* to join CPA Australia at Associate level:
  • To enrol in the CPA Program, applicants must hold as a minimum an Australian bachelor's degree that is accredited by CPA Australia or an overseas bachelor's degree that CPA Australia has assessed as being comparable to an Australian bachelor's degree.
• fulfil ASF's general eligibility requirements available on our FAQs page

*Scholarship applicants will be assessed for entry into the CPA Program through their scholarship application. Please ensure you have supplied the correct documentation to support your application.

"The CPA Program has consolidated my knowledge and helped me to gain valuable skills that I use in my work every day. Working at a small not-for-profit, it is essential that I have the financial, accounting and business competency which the CPA Program provides. The scholarship has allowed me to work more effectively and bring a greater contribution to the not-for-profit sector." Meredith New, Finance and Compliance Officer at Good2Give

Scholar Surveys & Feedback

All applicants (regardless of the outcome of their application) will be asked to complete a series of surveys about their expected and realised learnings (once before and on a few occasions after the course). Your survey responses will help us to quantify the impact of our scholarships and will help attract funding for education and training for the NFP sector in the future. Your feedback is extremely valuable to the work we do and by completing these surveys you'll be making an important contribution to the future of ASF and the NFP sector overall.

Application Process

*Please ensure you adhere to CPA Australia's requirements for this supporting documentation HERE.

Need help completing your online application? Download instructions for Creating a Profile Page and Making an Application.

Selection Process

The scholarships are awarded jointly by ASF and CPA Australia to applicants who are Australian citizens or permanent residents employed by a charitable not-for-profit organisation and whose completion of the program would, in ASF's view, benefit their employing NFP organisation. Selection is based on the applicant meeting the CPA Program's entry requirements for the nominated program and written reference from the respective charitable organisation. 

Scholarships will be awarded by the selection panel solely based on the applications received. Decisions of the selection panel will be final.

No correspondence or discussion will be entered into concerning any aspect of the award. The panel is not obliged to award any scholarships.

Award recipients will be announced in CPA Australia’s INTHEBLACK magazine or website. If you do not want your name published, please advise the Scholarship Coordinator, CPA Australia on 1300 73 73 73.

More Information

For more information about the CPA Program, please visit CPA Australia's website or attend an upcoming information session. For any queries regarding the CPA Program or eligibility requirements, contact CPA Australia via MemberService@cpaaustralia.com.au.

Have application questions? Check our FAQs page for answers to the most common questions. Or if you need assistance with the application process, please contact us.

Applications for the 2021 CPA Program scholarships close Wednesday 14 October 2020 at 5pm AEDT