ACCA Course Fees & Details Breakdown for Students | 2025 Guide

In today's competitive global job market, having a professional accounting qualification can be a major career advantage. Among the most recognized qualifications worldwide is the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants). Known for its global acceptance and practical relevance, the ACCA qualification opens doors to a wide range of opportunities in finance, auditing, taxation, and business leadership.

If you're a student planning to pursue this path, it's essential to understand the complete ACCA course details and get a realistic overview of the ACCA course fees involved. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to make an informed decision about your professional journey.

What Is the ACCA Qualification?

The ACCA qualification is awarded by a global professional accounting body and is designed to prepare individuals for roles in financial reporting, auditing, consulting, taxation, and more. It is recognized in over 180 countries, making it a solid choice for anyone seeking international career mobility.

One of the key attractions of the ACCA course is its balanced approach, combining theoretical knowledge with ethical considerations and practical experience. Whether you're a school leaver or a graduate, ACCA offers multiple entry points depending on your current qualifications.

ACCA Course Details: What the Qualification Involves

To understand the full scope of the program, it’s helpful to break the ACCA course details into three core areas: academic levels, skill development modules, and practical experience.

1. Academic Levels

The ACCA curriculum consists of three main levels that progressively build your expertise:

a. Applied Knowledge Level

This is the entry-level stage and focuses on basic business and financial principles. It includes three papers:

• Business and Technology (BT)
  
  

• Management Accounting (MA)
  
  

• Financial Accounting (FA)
  
  

These subjects create a strong foundation for further learning and are ideal for newcomers to the accounting field.

b. Applied Skills Level

At this stage, students dive into more technical areas of accounting and finance:

• Corporate and Business Law (LW)
  
  

• Performance Management (PM)
  
  

• Taxation (TX)
  
  

• Financial Reporting (FR)
  
  

• Audit and Assurance (AA)
  
  

• Financial Management (FM)
  
  

These modules help students develop analytical and reporting skills, essential for a successful accounting career.

c. Strategic Professional Level

This final stage prepares students for leadership and strategic roles in business:

• Compulsory Papers:
  
  

• Strategic Business Leader (SBL)
  
  

• Strategic Business Reporting (SBR)
  
  

• Optional Papers (Choose Two):
  
  

• Advanced Financial Management (AFM)
  
  

• Advanced Performance Management (APM)
  
  

• Advanced Taxation (ATX)
  
  

• Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA)
  
  

This level emphasizes complex problem-solving, leadership, and decision-making skills.

2. Ethics and Professional Skills Module (EPSM)

This module is a vital part of the ACCA qualification and focuses on developing soft skills such as ethical judgment, professional conduct, communication, and leadership. It must be completed before attempting the final exams in the Strategic Professional level.

The module is delivered online and is designed to simulate real-world scenarios that accountants often face, improving both competence and confidence.

3. Practical Experience Requirement (PER)

In addition to passing exams and completing the EPSM, students must fulfill a 36-month practical experience requirement in a relevant accounting or finance role. This ensures that ACCA affiliates are not only academically qualified but also job-ready.

During this period, students must demonstrate their ability to meet specific performance objectives, which are verified by a workplace supervisor.

Duration of the ACCA Course

The time it takes to complete the ACCA qualification can vary depending on a student's pace, background, and whether they are studying full-time or part-time. On average:

• Full-time students may complete the course in 2.5 to 3 years
  
  

• Working professionals may take 3 to 5 years, depending on their schedule
  
  

Students are allowed up to 10 years to complete the qualification, giving plenty of flexibility for those balancing work, study, and other responsibilities.

Eligibility Criteria

The ACCA qualification is accessible to a wide range of students. Entry requirements generally include:

• Completion of higher secondary education or equivalent
  
  

• Graduates in commerce, finance, or related fields may be eligible for exemptions from specific papers
  
  

• Non-graduates or those without relevant academic qualifications may begin with ACCA’s Foundation in Accountancy route
  
  

Your starting point in the ACCA journey will depend on your prior education and professional experience.

ACCA Course Fees: A General Breakdown

While specific ACCA course fees may vary depending on your location, exam session, and study preferences, the general structure includes the following components:

1. Initial Registration Fee

This one-time fee is required to register as an ACCA student. It grants access to the ACCA learning portal and allows you to begin booking exams.

2. Annual Subscription Fee

To maintain active student status, an annual fee is required. This ensures continued access to study materials, exam entries, and other student services.

3. Exam Fees

Each exam has a corresponding fee, and the amount usually varies depending on:

• The exam level (e.g., Applied Knowledge vs Strategic Professional)
  
  

• The registration period (early, standard, or late entry)
  
  

Strategic-level papers generally have higher fees due to their complexity and length.

4. Exemption Fees

If you are eligible for exemptions based on previous academic or professional qualifications, a fee is charged for each exempted paper.

While exemptions reduce your study time and exam load, they do come with an additional cost.

5. Ethics and Professional Skills Module Fee

The EPSM is mandatory and is paid for separately. It provides access to an interactive online learning platform focused on ethics and soft skills.

6. Learning and Study Resources

Though not part of the official ACCA fees, most students also invest in:

• Approved textbooks
  
  

• Practice kits
  
  

• Online revision tools
  
  

• Mock exams
  
  

Those who prefer guided learning may also enroll in tuition programs, either online or in person, which can increase the overall cost depending on the format.

Key Benefits of the ACCA Qualification

• Global Recognition: ACCA is accepted by employers in more than 180 countries, giving you access to international job markets.
  
  

• Career Versatility: The qualification opens doors to roles in auditing, taxation, consulting, and finance leadership.
  
  

• Strong Ethical Foundation: With a dedicated ethics module, ACCA produces responsible professionals.
  
  

• Flexible Learning: The modular structure and multiple exam sessions per year make it ideal for students and working professionals.
  
  

• Practical Orientation: The required work experience ensures you're not just book-smart but workplace-ready.

Final Thoughts

Choosing to pursue ACCA is a significant step toward a successful career in accounting and finance. With its global credibility, practical approach, and ethical foundation, the ACCA qualification equips students with the skills needed in today’s dynamic financial environment.

By understanding the ACCA course details and being aware of the structure of ACCA course fees, you’ll be better prepared to plan your learning journey, set your budget, and stay committed to reaching your professional goals. Whether you're starting from scratch or building on an existing degree, ACCA provides the flexibility, support, and recognition needed to succeed.