Dates and fees

Details of dates and fees for the Foundation Diploma can be found in the following sections: 

Applying to become a student
Computer-based exams
Registration and subscription fees
Exam entry

Applying to become a student

You can apply online at any time of the year - it’s quick and easy. You can:

• upload all your supporting documents, saving time and postage costs
• claim provisional exemptions so you know which level you can start your studies at
• track your application
• start studying! Your application will only take a short time to process.

Please note you will need to allow time for your application to be processed if you want to sit exams at the next available session.

Computer-based exams

Paper-based exams can be taken in June or December. However, computer-based exams (CBEs) are available for the first seven exam papers at the Foundation level (but not for the specialist papers). You can sit these at any time of the year. Simply find a CBE centre and pay them directly for the exams you wish to sit.

You can take computer-based exams at any time but you will need to make sure that you are registered as a student and that you have your student registration number with you on the day. Please allow at least six weeks for your form to be processed and to be given your student number.

For more information on computer-based exams, please click on the computer based exams link in the related links on the left-hand side of the page.

Registration and subscription fees

To register for the Foundation Diploma you will need to select Foundations in Accountancy during the application process. You will need to pay an initial registration fee when you apply. You will also need to pay an annual subscription fee by 1 January each year to keep your student status active.

You will be invoiced in November each year, and we’ve made it easy for you to pay your fees online via our student tool myACCA. Your annual subscription to us means we can keep providing you with the right resources and support to help you gain your ACCA membership.

IMPORTANT NOTE

If you apply to become a student with us before 8 May, you will need to pay both your initial registration fee and your annual subscription fee. This is the closing date for late exam entry for the June exams, so applying before this date means you are eligible to sit paper-based exams at both the June and December exam sessions.

The following fees are applicable from 9 November 2013 (and are subject to change without written notice):

To register, please select 'Foundations in Accountancy' during the application process.

Additional fees may apply to register with the relevant Joint Examination Scheme partner - please contact the Joint Exam Scheme partner for details.

*plus unpaid fee(s)

EXAM ENTRY

Once you have become a Foundation Diploma student and have started studying, the next step will be to register for your exams. Or if you have already decided when you want to start taking exams, you can enter for them at the same time as you apply online to become a student.

Entering for exams online is quick and convenient. You will receive instant confirmation that you have been entered for the exams, saving you valuable time to do more important things - like studying for them!

Please note the following:

• The early and late exam entry period only applies if you enter for exams online.

• Discounts only apply for early online exam entry for paper-based exams (held in June and December) and not computer-based exams (CBEs).

• The standard exam entry closing date, for both online and paper exam entries, is 8 October for December exams and 8 April for June exams. If you register after this date, you will have to pay the late exam entry fee; late entry option is only available online.

• All deadlines for exam entry are midnight UK time.

• The late exam entry facility does not allow you to amend an existing exam entry (for example change a variant or add further papers). In addition, first time entries submitted during the late entry period cannot be amended at a later date.

• Before entering for exams, please refer to the exam progression rules page.

If you're still not sure entering for an exam online is the way to go and you complete the paper-based exam entry form, this must be received at ACCA's exams department in the UK by the specified standard closing dates above. Please remember to allow time for postal delivery.

Closing dates

Easy to remember dates

The closing dates for early, standard and late exam entry are easy to remember - 8 is the date!