Not everyone follows the traditional school-to-university path – and ACCA offers options at every stage. You can start straight after school, gain real-world experience while you study, or work towards a BSc (Hons) in Professional Accountancy from the University of London alongside your ACCA Qualification.
Whatever route you choose, ACCA gives you the flexibility to shape your career your way. Many who started early are now CFOs, sustainability leaders, and change-makers – all beginning with the same first step you’re about to take.
If you’re unsure whether finance is right for you – you’re not alone.
Many people have misconceptions about what a career in accountancy involves, making it easy to assume it’s not a good fit. That’s why we created By All Accounts – a video podcast series that busts those myths, shows the variety of accounting roles, and explores how finance careers are evolving.
The Foundations in Accountancy (FIA) qualification is the ideal first step for school leavers – it provides a strong understanding of business and finance while helping you build the skills and confidence to start your journey. However, if you meet the minimum entrance criteria of at least two A levels and three GCSEs (or equivalent), including English and Maths, you can start studying the ACCA Qualification straight away – though most school leavers choose to begin at the Foundations level to build a solid base before progressing.
With FIA, you’ll earn your first qualification – the ACCA Diploma in Accounting and Business. Completing FIA exempts you from all exams at the first level, Applied Knowledge, of the ACCA Qualification, allowing you to progress directly to the second level, Applied Skills. In the UK, apprenticeship routes are also available, letting school leavers earn while they learn, combining real-world experience with study.
Apply online in only 10 minutes – upload your ID, qualifications, and photo, pay fees, and claim exemptions to fast-track your path. Make sure to include certified translations for non-English documents.
Join a global community of over 250,000 ACCA members working across industries and sectors. Whatever your background or career goal – remote work, starting your own business, social impact, or international mobility – the ACCA Qualification can help you build credibility, direction, and confidence.
