ACCA in the UK for UAE, GCC and Indian Students: Universities, Exemptions, Fees, Visa and Careers

Quick Answer

ACCA is suitable for students planning careers in accounting, audit, taxation, financial reporting and finance. Students who want to study in the UK can choose between an ACCA-accredited university degree, an accounting master’s degree or professional ACCA tuition.

• UK Accounting and Finance degrees can offer ACCA exemptions.
• The maximum under the current ACCA Qualification is nine exemptions.
• Strategic Professional exams cannot be claimed as exemptions.
• Professional ACCA tuition is not the same as a UK university degree.
• ACCA membership also requires ethics and relevant practical experience.

ACCA members must complete the required exams, the Ethics and Professional Skills Module and the Practical Experience Requirement, including 36 months of relevant experience and nine performance objectives.

What Is ACCA?

ACCA stands for the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. It is a professional accounting qualification covering financial accounting, management accounting, tax, audit, financial reporting, financial management and business leadership.

In 2026, the main ACCA Qualification is divided into three exam levels:

A student starting without exemptions normally completes up to 13 exams under the qualification operating in 2026. Strategic Professional includes Strategic Business Leader, Strategic Business Reporting and two option exams.

ACCA Qualification Requirements in 2026

Passing the ACCA exams is one part of becoming a Chartered Certified Accountant. ACCA membership also includes ethics and practical experience requirements.

• Complete the required ACCA exams or receive eligible exemptions.
• Complete the Ethics and Professional Skills Module.
• Complete at least 36 months of relevant practical experience.
• Complete five Essential and four Technical performance objectives.

Relevant experience can be gained across different employers and countries as long as the work meets ACCA’s Practical Experience Requirement and is properly supervised and recorded.

ACCA Qualification Changes from 2027

ACCA is introducing a redesigned qualification from 2027. Students beginning in 2026 can continue their studies through ACCA’s transition arrangements without restarting completed stages.

The final sitting under the existing Applied Skills and Strategic Professional structure is scheduled for June 2027. The first exams under the new Expertise and Strategic Professional stages are planned for September 2027, while the new Foundations and Knowledge exams are expected from July 2027.

The future Strategic Professional stage will include two core exams and one option exam instead of two, together with the relevant employability module.

Students entering university in 2026 or 2027 may complete part of their ACCA journey after the new structure begins. The exemptions and transition position will depend on the degree, modules completed and ACCA’s accreditation arrangements.

Why Study Accounting and ACCA in the UK?

The UK offers accounting degrees that combine university study with professional accreditation, placement opportunities and access to graduate employers.

Depending on the university and course, students may benefit from:

• a UK Accounting or Finance degree;
• ACCA exam exemptions;
• placement years and internships;
• study in audit, tax, financial reporting and finance;
• IFRS-based financial reporting knowledge;
• access to UK graduate recruitment;
• Graduate visa eligibility after qualifying UK degrees, subject to immigration rules; and
• accounting experience relevant to employers in the UAE and GCC.

ACCA exemptions vary by course, module combination and accreditation period. A university can offer several accounting programmes with different exemption outcomes.

Three Ways to Study ACCA in the UK

Students searching for ACCA courses in the UK will usually find three main study options.

1. ACCA-Accredited UK Degree

An ACCA-accredited university degree is a bachelor’s or master’s programme that covers subjects recognised by ACCA. Eligible graduates can receive exemptions from specified ACCA exams.

The student graduates with a university degree and then continues the remaining ACCA requirements separately.

2. Professional ACCA Tuition

ACCA tuition providers teach the professional syllabus and prepare students for ACCA examinations. Tuition may be classroom-based, online or blended.

ACCA’s Learning Partner Directory includes recognised Approved Learning Partners and Registered Learning Partners.

Professional ACCA tuition is not automatically a university degree and does not automatically provide eligibility for a UK Student visa or Graduate visa.

3. ACCA-Aligned Master’s Degree

Some UK master’s degrees teach modules linked to ACCA subjects. These programmes can suit graduates who want a UK postgraduate qualification while continuing professional accounting study.

ACCA does not award exemptions from Strategic Professional exams. A master’s programme can prepare students for these papers, but the required ACCA examinations still have to be completed separately.

ACCA-Accredited Universities in the UK

UK universities offer a wide range of Accounting and Finance degrees that can provide ACCA exemptions. Accreditation applies to the individual course and accreditation period rather than every accounting programme offered by a university.

Examples of UK universities with accounting programmes linked to ACCA include:

The number of exemptions depends on the exact degree, modules completed and graduation period. ACCA’s Exemption Calculator provides the exemption position for individual courses.

How ACCA Exemptions Work

ACCA exemptions allow students to skip certain examinations when equivalent subjects have already been completed through an eligible qualification.

Under the ACCA Qualification operating in 2026, exemptions are available from:

• Applied Knowledge exams; and
• Applied Skills exams.

Strategic Professional exams are not eligible for exemptions. This means the maximum number of exemptions available from the main ACCA Qualification is nine.

Exemptions can differ according to:

• previous qualification;
• university or institution;
• degree title;
• modules completed;
• graduation year; and
• ACCA accreditation for the programme.

Are ACCA Exemptions Free?

ACCA charges a fee for each exemption awarded. The 2026 UK fee schedule lists £86 for each Applied Knowledge exemption and £114 for each Applied Skills exemption.

A degree offering nine exemptions can reduce the number of professional exams remaining after graduation, although the exemption fees still form part of the overall ACCA cost.

Should You Claim Every ACCA Exemption?

Students who have recently completed the equivalent university subjects often use the exemptions available to them. Those returning to accounting after a long gap may prefer additional revision before progressing to advanced papers.

Subjects such as Financial Reporting, Audit and Taxation provide an important base for later ACCA study, so strong technical knowledge remains useful even when an exemption is available.

Oxford Brookes ACCA BSc Closure in 2026

The Oxford Brookes University BSc (Hons) in Applied Accounting reached its final submission stage in 2026.

ACCA and Oxford Brookes set May 2026 as the final deadline for students to submit the programme requirements. New ACCA students can no longer plan to obtain this degree through the former Oxford Brookes pathway.

Degrees already awarded through the programme remain valid. The closure affects future participation in the programme, not qualifications that students previously completed.

University of London BSc Professional Accountancy

ACCA students can now consider the University of London BSc Professional Accountancy, offered in collaboration with ACCA.

The programme allows eligible ACCA students to work towards a University of London degree while progressing through professional accountancy study. It is delivered online, so students can complete the programme from the UAE, GCC, India and other countries.

Admission depends on the student’s ACCA progress and the University’s entry requirements, including requirements connected with subjects such as Financial Reporting, Taxation and Audit and Assurance.

Graduates can receive ACCA exemptions for Performance Management and Financial Management under the published programme arrangements.

Professional ACCA Tuition in the UK

Students can prepare for ACCA exams without enrolling on another university degree. Professional tuition providers offer teaching for individual ACCA papers and qualification stages.

Study options can include:

• classroom tuition;
• live online classes;
• recorded lessons;
• revision courses; and
• exam practice.

ACCA’s Learning Partner Directory lists recognised providers by location and study mode.

This option can suit accountants already working in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Doha, Kuwait, Bahrain, Muscat or India because professional study can continue alongside employment. UK immigration eligibility depends separately on the institution, course and sponsorship arrangements.

ACCA-Aligned Master’s Degrees in the UK

UK universities also offer postgraduate accounting programmes connected with ACCA study.

The University of Birmingham MSc Accounting and Finance, for example, lists ACCA exemptions in Business and Technology, Management Accounting, Financial Accounting and Corporate and Business Law after successful completion.

Birmingham City University’s MSc International Professional Accounting (ACCA) includes study aligned with Strategic Professional examinations. The master’s degree itself does not award ACCA membership or exemptions from the required Strategic Professional examinations.

Birmingham City University also offers an optional professional placement pathway. Placement opportunities depend on securing a suitable position through the employer recruitment process.

The University of South Wales also provides professional accounting study connected with preparation for Strategic Professional examinations.

ACCA vs MSc Accounting or Finance

ACCA is a professional accountancy qualification, while an MSc Accounting or Finance is a postgraduate university degree.

ACCA suits students focused on professional accountancy, while a master’s can suit graduates looking for postgraduate study, a specialist subject or a UK study experience. Many accountants eventually hold both an academic degree and a professional qualification.

ACCA vs ACA from ICAEW

ACCA and ICAEW’s ACA are both well-known professional accountancy qualifications, but their training structures differ.

ACCA allows relevant practical experience to be accumulated across eligible roles and employers, subject to its supervision and recording requirements.

ACA students generally complete practical work experience through a training agreement with an ICAEW authorised training employer or principal. The standard practical work experience requirement is at least 450 days, subject to ICAEW rules.

ACCA can offer more flexibility for professionals changing employer or country, while ACA is often closely connected with an employer-led training agreement.

ACCA Entry Requirements in 2026

Direct entry to the main ACCA Qualification is based on academic qualifications equivalent to two A Levels and three GCSEs in five separate subjects, including English and mathematics.

International qualifications are assessed according to ACCA’s country requirements. Students who do not meet the standard entry level can begin through the Foundations route.

Students who already hold an accounting diploma or degree may qualify for exemptions and enter the qualification at a later stage.

Entry Requirements for UK Accounting Degrees

UK university admission requirements are separate from ACCA entry requirements.

Undergraduate Accounting and Finance courses may consider:

• Grade 12, CBSE, ISC, A Levels or equivalent qualifications;
• mathematics grades;
• English language ability;
• subjects completed at school; and
• foundation-year entry where applicable.

Master’s applicants are normally assessed on their bachelor’s degree, academic grades, previous accounting or business study, English language ability and the requirements of the individual programme.

ACCA Fees in the UK in 2026

ACCA fees are paid separately from university tuition. The 2026 UK fee schedule includes:

Computer-based exam charges can vary by exam centre and delivery method. Students studying at a university also need to budget separately for tuition, accommodation and living expenses.

Cost of Studying ACCA in the UK

The overall cost depends on whether the student chooses a university degree or professional ACCA tuition.

A UK study budget can include:

• university tuition;
• ACCA registration, exams and exemption fees;
• professional tuition fees;
• books and revision materials;
• accommodation;
• food and transport;
• visa and Immigration Health Surcharge;
• flights and rental deposits; and
• personal expenses.

Students already working in the UAE or GCC may find that continuing ACCA alongside employment costs considerably less than relocating for a three-year UK undergraduate degree.

UK Student Visa Financial Requirement in 2026

Students who need to provide financial evidence for a UK Student visa must show sufficient funds for their outstanding course fees and the required living costs.

• London: £1,529 per month for up to nine months.
• Outside London: £1,171 per month for up to nine months.

Where bank evidence is required, the necessary funds normally need to remain available for 28 consecutive days within the period allowed by the Student visa rules.

The Student visa application fee is £558, with the Immigration Health Surcharge charged separately.

Does an ACCA Course Qualify for a UK Student Visa?

An ACCA course does not automatically qualify for a UK Student visa. Student visa sponsorship depends on the institution and the specific programme.

Students normally need an eligible course with an institution licensed to sponsor international students and a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).

For professional ACCA courses, the main points are:

• whether the institution holds a Student sponsor licence;
• whether the particular ACCA programme can be sponsored;
• whether a CAS will be issued;
• the course level and duration; and
• the work rights attached to the course.

ACCA Approved Learning Partner status and UK Student sponsor status are separate.

Can International Students Work While Studying in the UK?

International students on eligible full-time degree-level courses can generally work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during permitted university vacation periods.

Some below-degree courses have a lower work limit, while other study arrangements may not allow employment.

The work conditions shown on the student’s immigration permission apply throughout the course.

Graduate Visa After an Accounting Degree in the UK

International students who successfully complete an eligible UK qualification may qualify for the Graduate visa if they meet the immigration conditions.

• Applications made on or before 31 December 2026: two years after an eligible bachelor’s or master’s degree.
• Applications made from 1 January 2027: 18 months.
• PhD and other doctoral graduates: three years.

Eligible UK bachelor’s and master’s degrees can meet the qualification requirement when the remaining Graduate visa conditions are satisfied.

Does ACCA Tuition Give a Graduate Visa?

Professional ACCA tuition by itself does not automatically lead to a Graduate visa. Graduate visa eligibility is based on completing an eligible qualification with an eligible UK higher education provider while meeting the immigration requirements.

Can ACCA Lead to UK Skilled Worker Sponsorship?

ACCA can support applications for professional accounting roles, but the qualification itself does not provide a UK work visa.

Skilled Worker applicants need an eligible job with an approved UK sponsor, a Certificate of Sponsorship and a salary that meets the immigration requirements for the role.

SOC 2421 – Chartered and certified accountants includes occupations such as financial accountants, qualified auditors, forensic accountants, fund accountants and insolvency practitioners. The published standard going rate is £49,200.

Some eligible new entrants can qualify under reduced salary provisions. Sponsorship still depends on the employer, job, salary and immigration rules applying to the individual applicant.

Graduate Accounting Salaries and UK Visa Sponsorship

Graduate accounting salaries can be lower than the standard Skilled Worker salary level. Prospects reports typical graduate trainee chartered certified accountant salaries of around £23,000 to £30,000.

Some graduates may qualify for reduced salary rules as new entrants, but sponsorship depends on more than the occupation title.

A sponsorable accounting position normally needs:

• an employer with a sponsor licence;
• an eligible occupation; and
• a salary that meets the applicable Skilled Worker requirement.

ACCA can improve a candidate’s professional profile, but sponsorship remains an employer and immigration decision.

When to Apply for UK Accounting Graduate Jobs

Major accounting firms and large employers can open graduate recruitment many months before the job starts. Early preparation gives students more time to apply for structured graduate schemes and trainee accountant positions.

Recruitment dates vary between employers, and some firms close applications once available places are filled.

ACCA Career Options in the UK

ACCA students and graduates can work across accounting, audit, tax, financial reporting and corporate finance.

• Audit Associate
• Trainee Accountant
• Financial Accountant
• Management Accountant
• Tax Associate
• Internal Auditor
• Risk Analyst
• Finance Analyst
• Reporting Accountant
• Fund Accountant
• Forensic Accountant
• Finance Business Partner
• Assistant Finance Manager
• Corporate Finance Analyst

Employers include accounting practices, banks, insurers, investment firms, technology companies, retail groups, healthcare organisations, consultancies and multinational businesses.

What Work Experience Counts Towards ACCA?

Relevant accounting and finance experience can contribute towards the ACCA Practical Experience Requirement when it meets ACCA’s rules and is properly supervised.

Eligible experience can include:

• previous employment;
• internships;
• university placements;
• part-time work;
• temporary roles; and
• relevant voluntary work.

Accounting degrees with placement years can therefore help students build practical experience before graduation, although placement positions are commonly secured through a competitive employer recruitment process.

ACCA Salary in the UK

ACCA salaries in the UK vary according to qualification stage, accounting experience, location, employer and job responsibility.

Salary levels are influenced by:

• ACCA exam progress;
• relevant accounting experience;
• city and region;
• industry;
• size of employer; and
• whether the person is a trainee, part-qualified or fully qualified accountant.

Prospects reports typical graduate trainee chartered certified accountant salaries of around £23,000 to £30,000. Earnings usually increase as professional exams, experience and responsibility progress.

Skills to Build Alongside ACCA

Accounting employers look for professional knowledge together with practical finance and reporting skills.

• Microsoft Excel
• Financial statement preparation
• IFRS
• Audit working papers
• Financial analysis
• Power BI and reporting tools
• SAP, Oracle or Microsoft Dynamics
• Accounting software
• Data analysis
• Business writing and presentations
• Professional communication

Students planning careers in the UAE can also benefit from practical knowledge of UAE VAT, Corporate Tax, bookkeeping, audit documentation and financial reporting.

Best ACCA Study Route for UAE and GCC Students

After Grade 12

Students finishing school can study a UK Accounting or Accounting and Finance degree and receive eligible ACCA exemptions after graduation.

This route combines a bachelor’s degree, university experience, possible placements and progress towards ACCA.

After an Accounting Degree

Accounting graduates may already qualify for several ACCA exemptions. They can often continue directly with the remaining ACCA exams instead of completing another undergraduate degree.

After a Non-Accounting Degree

Graduates from other subjects can enter ACCA directly if they meet the requirements or study a master’s degree that provides accounting conversion and selected professional exemptions.

Working Professional in the UAE or GCC

Professionals already working in accounting or finance can study ACCA alongside employment. Relevant work may also contribute towards the 36-month Practical Experience Requirement.

Students Planning to Work in the UK After Graduation

A UK bachelor’s or master’s degree can provide access to university careers services, graduate recruitment and, where the immigration conditions are met, the Graduate visa after study.

Existing ACCA Students Who Want a Degree

Eligible ACCA students can consider the University of London BSc Professional Accountancy, which provides an online academic degree pathway linked to ACCA progress.

How to Apply for ACCA-Related Study in the UK

Step 1: Choose Your Study Level

Students can apply for an undergraduate accounting degree, postgraduate accounting degree or professional ACCA tuition depending on their existing qualifications.

Step 2: Find Your ACCA Exemptions

Previous diplomas and degrees can reduce the number of ACCA exams remaining. The ACCA Exemption Calculator shows exemptions available for recognised qualifications.

Step 3: Compare UK Accounting Courses

Course comparison should include:

• ACCA exemptions;
• course modules;
• tuition fees;
• course duration;
• placement opportunities;
• university location;
• entry requirements; and
• available intakes.

Step 4: Prepare the University Application

Common application documents include:

• passport;
• academic certificates;
• transcripts;
• English language result where required;
• CV for relevant postgraduate courses;
• personal statement or statement of purpose; and
• academic or professional references where requested.

Step 5: Complete the Student Visa Process

Students who require a Student visa receive a CAS from the university after meeting the institution’s conditions. Visa requirements then include the CAS, passport and other immigration documents applicable to the application.

Step 6: Build Accounting Experience During Study

University placements, internships, careers fairs and graduate schemes can help students gain accounting experience and prepare for employment before graduation.

How to Choose a UK University for Accounting and ACCA

The best university depends on more than the number of ACCA exemptions. Course content, placements, tuition, location and graduate opportunities can also affect the value of the degree.

• ACCA accreditation for the exact course
• Number of ACCA exemptions
• Modules required for exemptions
• Accreditation period
• International tuition fee
• Placement year availability
• Graduate employers
• Living costs in the city
• Student visa eligibility
• Graduate visa position
• Remaining ACCA papers after graduation

A course offering fewer exemptions can still be a strong option when it provides better placement opportunities, lower overall costs or a better fit with the student’s career plans.

ACCA UK Application Checklist

• Passport
• Academic certificates
• Academic transcripts
• English language evidence where required
• CV for postgraduate study
• Personal statement or statement of purpose
• References where required
• ACCA exemption result
• University shortlist
• ACCA accreditation details
• Tuition and living-cost budget
• Scholarship applications
• Student visa documents
• CAS
• Accommodation plan

Common ACCA Study Mistakes

Some of the most common problems arise when students treat every accounting course as having the same professional and immigration outcome.

• Choosing a course without confirming its ACCA accreditation
• Expecting every Accounting and Finance degree to provide nine exemptions
• Expecting Strategic Professional exemptions from a master’s degree
• Leaving ACCA exemption fees out of the budget
• Planning around the closed Oxford Brookes BSc pathway
• Confusing ACCA tuition with a university degree
• Assuming every ACCA tuition course can sponsor a Student visa
• Expecting professional ACCA tuition alone to provide a Graduate visa
• Expecting ACCA to guarantee Skilled Worker sponsorship
• Completing exams without building accounting experience
• Starting graduate job applications too late

Is Studying ACCA in the UK Worth It?

Studying in the UK can be worthwhile for students who want a British university degree, ACCA exemptions, placements and access to UK graduate recruitment.

A UK master’s can suit graduates who want postgraduate accounting study and the opportunity to use the Graduate visa after an eligible course.

Professional ACCA tuition can be a more direct choice for students who already have a degree and mainly need preparation for the remaining professional exams.

For professionals already employed in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Doha or elsewhere in the GCC, completing ACCA while working can reduce study costs and allow relevant employment to contribute towards the Practical Experience Requirement.

Study Accounting and ACCA in the UK with EduPrime

Planning to study Accounting, Finance or an ACCA-related course in the UK?

EduPrime Study Abroad helps students in the UAE and GCC shortlist UK universities, understand ACCA exemptions, prepare applications, explore scholarships and complete the UK Student visa process.

Our counsellors can compare undergraduate Accounting and Finance degrees, master’s programmes and other UK study options based on your qualifications, budget and career plans.

Frequently Asked Questions