High School Leavers Program

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Start your career now - discover an alternative pathway to University

We are excited to offer an alternative pathway to recent Year 12 graduates: the opportunity to start a permanent, full-time career with a leading professional services firm while studying towards becoming a Chartered Accountant.

Interested in joining BDO's High School Leavers Program?

Use our expression of interest form to get details about the program, and be the first to join when applications open.

Register your interest

What does the program look like?

From day one, you’ll gain real workplace experience while completing the CA Fundamentals Study Pathway with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

The pathway takes around four to five years to complete, starting with CA Fundamentals, followed by CA Foundations and the full CA Program, which includes mentorship and three years of required practical work experience. Upon completion, participants are awarded the Graduate Diploma of Chartered Accounting, a postgraduate qualification.

CA Fundamentals
  • Workplace Fundamentals
  • Accounting Fundamentals
  • Business Fundamentals
  • Study Skills.
CA Foundations
  • Financial Accounting
  • Financial Reporting
  • Management Accounting
  • Tax and Business Law (AU/NZ)
  • Audit and Governance
  • Finance.
CA Program
  • Ethics & Sustainability
  • Risk, Technology and Artificial Intelligence
  • Tax (AU/NZ)
  • Financial Accounting & Reporting
  • Strategy and Business Performance
  • Audit & Analytics
  • ICAP
  • Elective 1 & 2.

Why choose BDO's High School Leavers Program?

Earn while you learn

Earn while you learn
  • Work in a leading professional services firm
  • Earn a full-time salary straight out of high school
  • Gain on-the-job experience with real clients
  • Build technical and essential skills
  • Study towards the Chartered Accountant Graduate Diploma qualification
  • BDO will cover CA Fundamentals course fees.

Accelerated Career Experience

Accelerated career experience

By the time many of your peers finish university, you could already have:

  • Several years of professional experience
  • A strong professional network
  • Completed majority of your Graduate Diploma study
  • A clear career path.

Chartered Accountant pathway

Chartered Accountant Pathway
  • Achieve a globally respected qualification that opens doors across Australia and internationally
  • Be supported by CA professionals and learning facilitators to achieve your qualification
  • Receive dedicated study leave throughout your training.

Who should apply?

To be eligible for the program you must:

  • Be 18 years of age or older and have completed high school within the last three years
  • Be an Australia Citizen or have permanent residency or full working rights
  • Be Eligible for entry to university post high school
  • Have completed Year 12 Mathematics Standard 2 (or equivalent).

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Key dates

Applications

Applications for our 2027 High School Leavers Program will open on Monday 17 August. Be sure to submit your expression of interest and we will reach out to you with a reminder as soon as we open.

The application process

1. Fill out the application form

Filling out our online application form is quick and easy – we need to capture key information about you to start the process (such as academic background, work rights, etc.). We will also need a copy of your CV and latest school grades, so be sure to have these handy.

2. Video interview

If you are shortlisted from the application stage, you will receive an invitation to complete a brief virtual interview to get to know you better. The whole interview should only take about 10 minutes, but if you need extra time, just let us know.

3. In-person assessment

After the video interview, shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an in-person assessment day or face-to-face interview. Full details and what to expect will be sent to you with plenty of time to prepare. Our team make sure this is a fun and informative experience, providing an opportunity for you to get to know us and see if a career with BDO is right for you.

4. Outcome and offers

We will let you know the outcome of your interview or assessment day as soon as possible. You will first receive a verbal offer, followed by a written contract.

5. Start your new role at BDO!

Welcome to the team! We look forward to seeing you on your first day.

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FAQs