One popular question among students wishing to study abroad is: “Which is the top country to study company secretary (CS)? Well, Singapore and Australia stand out as the best countries to pursue CS.
Singapore often instructs every company to appoint a CS, making it an attractive destination for company secretary practitioners. On the other hand, Australia offers individuals CS membership in chartered secretary Australia. This accreditation enables company secretary professionals to pursue their desired career programmes.
Read on as this blog explores the best countries to study company secretary.
Top Countries to Study Company Secretary (CS)
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Singapore
Singapore is a favourable place for those who wish to study and pursue a career as a company secretary. The country often requires that every company have a qualified secretariat, so job opportunities are higher for trained CSs.
From administration to governance to company compliance, the functioning of a CS in the country is vital for companies' continued success. Businesses rely on company secretaries, who act as key advisors to the company directors and ensure compliance with regulations.
Given the significant roles of CSs, both new and existing companies often appoint experienced corporate secretaries.
Some of the best-ranked institutions to study company secretary in Singapore include:
- ICSA Singapore: This professional body trains, accredits, and supports the corporate secretariat. Its training and examination are well-recognised worldwide.
- Temasek Polytechnic: It offers students a specialist diploma in corporate secretarial training. Fresh diploma graduates who desire to deepen their knowledge base and skills in corporate secretaryship and governance can apply. Furthermore, employed CS diploma graduates who want to acquire more knowledge and skills to increase their job relevance can also apply to join the institution.
- The Knowledge Academy: A global training centre offering company secretary courses.
- Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) Academy: It focuses on teaching the fundamentals of corporate secretarial practice.
- The Corporate Governance Institute: You can pursue a certificate course on becoming an effective company secretary to gain an in-depth insight into the legal base for the role.
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Australia
In Australia, most company secretaries have legal qualifications because they need extensive knowledge of legal compliance. Fortunately, excellent institutions offer quality education in the company secretary programme.
The Governance Institute of Australia (GIA) governs CS professionals in the country. GIA is a branch of The Chartered Governance Institute (CGI), formerly The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA). It offers membership in Chartered Secretary Australia, which enables CS professionals to choose and study their desired courses.
Hence, CGI is a global organisation that qualifies professionals wishing to become chartered secretaries or governance professionals. It certifies individuals who work as company secretaries, governance advisers, compliance managers, risk managers, and more.
The best universities/institutions in Australia that offer chartered secretary programmes include:
- Governance Institute of Australia (GIA)
- University of Sydney
- University of New South Wales (UNSW)
- Australian National University (ANU)
- University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
- Monash University
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United Kingdom (UK)
Going to study company secretary in the UK helps trainees unlock platforms for CS practitioners in London. This opportunity results from the partnership between the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) and the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA) in the UK. So, once you fulfill the standard requirements for CS professionals, you can work in the UK and be acknowledged as an expert.
Some of the top-ranked professional bodies to study company secretary in the UK include:
- Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) collaborates with ICSA to offer a comprehensive company secretary program at different levels.
- Chartered Governance Institute (CGI) offers global qualifications to company secretaries and governance professionals.
- The International Association of Corporate Governance Professionals (IACGP) offers networking opportunities for global governance professionals.
Conclusion
Choosing the right study pathway to achieve your lifetime dream is crucial. Hence, the location you select for your studies matters the most. Combining formal education, excellent practical experience, and networking opportunities will enhance your career as a qualified company secretary. Fortunately, there are many opportunities for company secretaries abroad, as discussed. Whenever you plan to travel overseas, remember to choose the best travel insurance to give you the financial coverage you may need for uncertainties like travel delays or medical emergencies.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.