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The global body for professional accountants

How to apply to become an ACCA student

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Ready to get started? Complete our online application form in around 10 minutes. You don’t need to finish it all at once – you can save your application at any time and return to it later.

How to apply

All applications are completed online. Before applying, check that you meet the minimum entry requirements for your chosen qualification. 

If you don’t meet the minimum entry requirements for the ACCA Qualification, you can start with the Foundations in Accountancy (FIA) qualification. FIA provides an entry route to the ACCA Qualification, allowing you to progress from there.

Applying independently?

If you’re studying independently, without support from an employer or learning provider, you can apply directly through this website.

Applying with support from an employer or learning provider?

If your employer or learning provider is supporting your studies and has emailed you an invitation to connect through your online student account, MyACCA, follow the instructions in the email and complete your application through the link provided. This ensures that any benefits you’re eligible for, such as discounted fees, are linked to your application. If you don’t follow this process, your application may be delayed, and you could miss out on these benefits or incur additional fees.

Explore the importance of connecting with your organisation

Please note that due to regional instability, you cannot currently study the ACCA Qualification in Belarus or Russia.

Important information

Joint Examination Scheme (JES)

If you live in a JES country, you’ll also need to register with the relevant national accounting body. You can apply to ACCA first – you don’t need to register with the national body before applying.

What supporting documents do I need to apply?

Essential documents

You’ll need:

  • Proof of identity, such as a passport, driving licence or birth certificate.
  • A payment method to pay the ACCA student registration fee. Depending on your location, you may be able to pay by card, PayPal or Alipay.

You'll need to provide additional documents if you:

  • Are applying for the ACCA Qualification. You’ll need to provide evidence that you meet the minimum entry requirements.
  • Are applying for exam exemptions. You’ll need to provide copies of your official qualification documents. You can apply for exemptions during registration or after you’ve registered. Use our exemptions calculator to check whether you may be eligible.
  • Have documents that aren’t in English. You’ll need to provide certified English translations.
  • Are under 16, or under 18 in Indonesia, Kenya or Malaysia or the Philippines.
  • Have received a criminal caution or conviction, or disciplinary action from a professional or regulatory body.

Upload clear, legible copies of all required documents to avoid delays to your application. Read our document upload guide for tips on preparing your documents correctly.

I'm proud to be an ACCA member because the qualification is hugely respected. Your opinion is valued simply because people know you are ACCA qualified.

Rebecca Pitt ACCA

Finance Business Partner, ICAP Plc

What are exemptions and how do I claim them?  

If you already have relevant qualifications, you may not need to sit some of our exams. This is known as an exam exemption.

Exam exemptions are available for the ACCA Qualification and Foundations in Accountancy (FIA). You can apply for exemptions when you register or after you’ve registered.

If you’re applying for exemptions, you can upload evidence of your existing qualifications during the application process. Applying at registration can help you avoid studying for exams you’re exempt from and understand your study journey from the start.

If you’re eligible, you’ll pay a fee for each exemption you’re awarded. The fee varies depending on the exam.

View details of exemption fees

What happens after I submit my application?

Once you’ve applied and paid, you’ll receive a confirmation email to let you know we’re processing your application. If we have everything we need, you’ll receive confirmation of your student status within five working days.

And, if we need any more details to process your application, we'll call or email you. 

Continue your journey at our ACCA Student hub.

Start your application today

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