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The global body for professional accountants

How to apply to become an ACCA student

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If you’ve made the decision to start studying ACCA, all you need to do is complete the application form.

Here’s how to get started…

How do I apply?

Applying online is by far the quickest and easiest way. 

It should take you about 10 minutes to complete the online application form.

If you’re taking a Foundation level qualification – all we need is proof of identification, such as a driver's license, passport or birth certificate.

But, if you’re starting our ACCA Qualification, whether at Applied Skills or Applied Knowledge level) you’ll also need to upload evidence of your existing qualifications to ensure you meet the minimum entry requirement – and start at the level that’s right for you.

Do I need to complete my application in one go?

Don’t worry if you get interrupted, or if you don’t have all of your documents to hand. You can save your application at any time and come back to it later.

What supporting documents do I need to apply?

You'll need the following to complete your application:

  • proof of your qualifications, such as award certificates 
  • proof of your identity, such as a copy of your passport or birth certificate
  • a passport style photograph.

For official documents such as award certificates and passports, don’t send us the originals. Copies are all we need. 

What if my documents are not in English?

If your documents are not in English then you'll need to provide an official translation, along with copies of the documents in their original language. Official translations are translations that have been carried out and stamped by a licensed translator. 

ACCA Initial Registration minimum entry guidance

For the ACCA Qualification, you’ll need to check that your qualifications meet the minimum entrance requirements.

Watch our video guidance or access our knowledgebase for guidance.

[0:05]
Are you interested in joining ACCA?

[0:08]
You can begin your journey based on our minimum entry requirements.

[0:12]
You can access information from the ACCA website and from the My ACCA Help section you can access support and joining information.

[0:22]
Select Joining ACCA, then apply to become a Student and Application Guidance, then joining Registering with ACCA.

[0:39]
Take the time to read all of the relevant application information and when you are ready, select the application link.

[0:49]
Take a moment to read the eligibility criteria to ensure you qualify to apply for this course and are able to provide the documents we need to process your application.

[0:59]
When you are ready, select Start Application.

[1:04]
The first step is to add your contact details, your title, full name, date of birth, gender, country of nationality and phone number.

[1:16]
Next, you'll add your contact address.

[1:19]
This should be your primary residential address where you live.

[1:24]
You can also add a secondary address which will be added to your invoices and receipts if needed.

[1:30]
When you are ready, select Save and Continue.

[1:34]
The registration code screen is next.

[1:37]
These codes are provided only by specific ACCA partners, employers or education providers.

[1:43]
If you don't have a code, it won't impact your application.

[1:47]
Select Save and Continue.

[1:51]
There's now a consent section.

[1:53]
If you select Yes, here we have permission to register you with another qualification.

[1:58]
If you don't meet the ACCA entry requirements, select Save and Continue.

[2:06]
Now we see the document section where you'll add your identity documents and the documents that confirm your eligibility for the ACCA qualification based on your entry route.

[2:17]
If your documents are not in English, we'll need you to give us official translations as well.

[2:22]
You'll add your ID and then qualifications.

[2:27]
If you need to check you meet our minimum entry, you can select the link here, our minimum entry information from our website.

[2:36]
The documents have been added.

[2:38]
When you're ready, select Save and Continue.

[2:42]
Take a moment to review how you would like to receive communications and correspondence from us.

[2:48]
If you'd like to receive information from third party organisations and if you'd like to appear on our list of past finalists, then select Save and Continue.

[3:01]
The next screen will ask how you heard about ACCA.

[3:05]
When you are ready, select Save and Continue.

[3:10]
Before submitting your application, read our terms and conditions and select Accept in the box under each.

[3:17]
You can't submit the application without accepting these.

[3:22]
When you are ready, select Save and Continue.

[3:27]
The next stage is to review the information you've supplied so far to make sure it's been recorded correctly.

[3:33]
The application fee will be shown here and when you're happy, select Submit.

[3:39]
You'll see your order summary page with the fee, then the details of the ACCA Benevolent Fund and the Gift Aid section.

[3:48]
Select Pay now when ready, choose if you would like to pay by debit or credit card, or if you're making the payment by Alipay.

[3:58]
Enter your payment details, then select Pay.

[4:04]
Congratulations, you've successfully submitted your application.

[4:09]
Our team will aim to complete our assessment within 5 working days.

[4:13]
Thank you for watching our video.

[4:15]
We look forward to receiving your application.

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 then you may not need to sit some of our exams. This is known as ‘exemption’ from an exam.

If you think you might be entitled to exemptions, you should let us know during the application process. Simply enter your qualification details when you apply.

If you’re eligible, we’ll charge you a fee for each exemption you’re awarded. This will vary 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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