Graduate Certificate (Gr. Cert.) CPA Professional Education

The program is designed to enable you to:

• Prepare to write the National CPA Common Final Exams (CFE) 

• Complete a comprehensive case analysis

• Apply case writing best practices

• Prepare and deliver board-level presentations

As well as to:

• Solve technically complex financial accounting and reporting issues 

• Simulate tax scenarios

• Perform cash flow projections and business valuations

• Tailor an audit plan

• Provide advice to management 

• Evaluate and recommend investment and financing projects

• Articulate an effective business strategy and policies for corporate governance

• Provide tax planning and compliance advice for Canadian corporations, trusts, individuals, and partnerships

Hold a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) with a major or honours in Accounting from a recognized Canadian university with a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

OR

Hold an undergraduate degree in any discipline from an accredited university along with a Diploma in Accounting from McGill University’s School of Continuing Studies, or an equivalent credit program from a recognized and accredited Canadian university. Both the undergraduate degree and the Diploma in Accounting, or equivalent credit programs must be completed with a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

AND

2. Have completed the 13 mandatory prerequisite courses as part of the BCom degree or Diploma in Accounting or from an equivalent credit program at a recognized and accredited Canadian university. These technical competency courses must each have been completed within the last 5 years with a grade of B- or higher.

Note: All 13 mandatory prerequisite courses must add up to a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 out of 4.0.

AND

3. Have completed the following 5 mandatory prerequisite courses as part of the BCom degree, or Diploma in Accounting or from an equivalent credit program at an recognized and accredited Canadian university. These nontechnical competency courses must have been completed within the last 10 years with a grade of B- or higher.

AND

4. Students must also provide a C.V. and two letters of reference.

5. All students applying to Career and Professional Development (Credit Programs) must provide proof of English proficiency.

Note 2: Please note that the Ordre des comptables professionnels agréés du Québec (Quebec CPA Order), has decided to modify the classification of the information systems course from a non-core to a core prerequisite requirement for admission to the CPA PEP. Therefore, CMIS 541 Information Systems for Managers, which is a complementary course included in the Diploma in Accounting, will be considered a core prerequisite for the Quebec CPA Order as of May 1, 2022. This means that for those pursuing the CPA designation, this course will have to be completed within the 5 years preceding the start of a CPA PEP program (instead of 10 years).

• The language of instruction for most courses and programs at McGill University is English; however, students may submit any written work that is to be graded in English or French, except in cases where knowledge of the language is one of the objectives of the course.
• Applicants must demonstrate an adequate level of proficiency in English prior to admission, regardless of citizenship status or country of origin. McGill University has this language requirement in place to ensure that all students are provided with the opportunity to succeed in their chosen program.
• In all cases, the University reserves the right to require proof of English proficiency if it is deemed necessary. For more information, visit mcgill.ca/continuingstudies/language-policy

Students can apply to start this program in the following sessions:

Canadian/Permanent Residents:

• Summer

This program is eligible for various types of financial aid and awards:

Aide financière aux études (AFE)

As a credit-bearing program, this program is eligible for financial aid through the Quebec Government. More information can be found at quebec.ca/en/education/student-financial-assistance

McGill University’s School of Continuing Studies Bursaries

Thanks to donor contributions, the McGill School of Continuing Studies is able to offer a limited number of bursaries to students demonstrating financial need to assist them in covering a portion of their tuition expenses. Available bursaries, eligibility requirements and information on how to apply can be found at mcgill.ca/scs-aid

McGill University’s School of Continuing Studies Scholarships

A limited number of donor-funded, merit-based scholarships are awarded to students each year to recognize academic excellence. The full list of scholarships for each academic term can be found at mcgill.ca/scs-aid

McGill University’s School of Continuing Studies Graduating Prizes

Graduating Prizes are awarded to graduating students based on academic excellence. The full list of Graduating Prizes for each academic term can be found at mcgill.ca/scs-aid

Note: The amount and number of McGill University’s School of Continuing Studies Bursaries, Scholarships, and Graduating Prizes issued varies from year to year depending on funds received and their specifications.

Details of tuition and fees for credit-bearing certificates and diplomas at the School of Continuing Studies for Quebec residents, non-Quebec Canadian students, and international students can be found at mcgill.ca/scs-fees

In order to apply to an undergraduate or graduate program of study at the McGill School of Continuing Studies, please follow these steps: 

1. Choose a program of study.

Note: If you wish, you can apply to two programs to be followed concurrently, provided they are at the same level and offered by the same department.

2. Review the admission requirements for the program you have selected and gather all necessary documentation.

Note: Students applying to credit-bearing undergraduate and graduate programs at the School of Continuing Studies. Please refer to the "Language Requirements" section on this page for more information

3. Ensure you have a credit card (Visa or Mastercard) for the non-refundable application fee. The fee must be paid online to submit your application.

4. Upon completing your online application, you will receive an email confirmation with a McGill ID number and a 6-character PIN (Personal Identification Number).

5. Within 24 - 48 hours after receiving your e-mail confirmation, you can track the status of your application and upload your supporting documents, including transcripts (if applicable), by signing into Minerva (McGill’s online student information system).

6. Ensure that you have uploaded all required supporting documents, as per the admission requirements of your chosen program.

7. Wait for your response. You can check the status of your application at any time using Minerva.

8. Once your file has been reviewed and a final decision has been made, admitted students will receive a “Letter of Admission” confirming the program that you have been admitted to, along with registration instructions. You can then register for your courses online using Minerva during the appropriate registration period.

Need help applying?

For help with the application procedure, contact us at info.conted [at] mcgill.ca or call 514-398-6200

Questions about your admission?

For help with questions related to your admission, contact us admissions.conted [at] mcgill.ca or call 514-398-6200