ACCA FIA Withdrawal 2027: Deadlines for Foundations in Accountancy Students
ACCA is removing its current Foundations in Accountancy suite. ACCA gives June 2027 as the last session for FAU, FTX and FFM, and mid-July 2027 to finish diploma exams.
If you are studying ACCA's Foundations in Accountancy (FIA), your timetable has an end date. ACCA's transition page for FIA students says ACCA is removing its current suite of Foundations in Accountancy qualifications, and it gives mid-July 2027 as the deadline to finish the remaining diploma exams and June 2027 as the last session for the FAU, FTX and FFM papers. A new Foundations level, with three exams and an employability module, replaces it. This guide sets out the dates ACCA publishes, how the FIA is structured today, and what we could not confirm. For what the FIA is, see our guide to the FIA, and for the route into ACCA see the FIA and CAT route into ACCA.
At a glance
| Item | What the official sources say |
|---|---|
| Withdrawal | ACCA is removing the current Foundations in Accountancy suite (ACCA) |
| Diploma exams deadline | Mid-July 2027 to finish the remaining diploma exams (ACCA) |
| Last session for FAU, FTX, FFM | June 2027 (ACCA) |
| Replacement | A new Foundations level of three exams plus an employability module (ACCA) |
| Entry | No minimum entry requirements; you can start at any level (ACCA) |
| Exam format | On-demand computer-based exams, in a centre or remotely; the two additional CAT exams run at set times (ACCA) |
What ACCA has announced
ACCA's page for FIA students states that it is removing its current suite of Foundations in Accountancy qualifications. The page sets two dates: June 2027 is the last session for the FAU, FTX and FFM papers, and mid-July 2027 is the deadline to finish the remaining diploma exams. If you are part-way through, plan your remaining papers backwards from those dates.
What the FIA contains today
ACCA's FIA structure page lists Level 2 (FA1 and MA1), Level 3 (FA2 and MA2) and the Level 4 Diploma in Accounting and Business (FBT, FFA and FMA). The Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) award is the seven exams above, plus two of FAU, FFM and FTX, plus the Practical Experience Requirement. Each diploma also needs an online ethics module called Foundations in Professionalism.
Entry and format
ACCA says there are no minimum entry requirements for the FIA and you can start at any level, although it recommends Level 2 if you have no formal qualifications. The exams are on-demand computer-based exams, in a centre or remotely, apart from the two additional CAT exams, which run only at set times. Remote availability has changed since March 2026, so read our guide to ACCA remote exams in 2026 before you book.
Progression into the ACCA Qualification
After the CAT, students move into the ACCA Qualification at Applied Skills, according to ACCA's structure page. CAT competences and one year of experience count toward the Practical Experience Requirement. Exemptions for the ACCA Qualification apply to the first nine exams only. Our ACCA entry requirements explains the other entry routes.
The replacement
ACCA says a new Foundations level of three exams plus an employability module replaces the FIA. ACCA's pages state that Foundations and Knowledge exams under the redesigned qualification are available from July 2027. Our redesigned ACCA qualification guide covers the wider changes.
Fees
ACCA's fees page shows a registration fee of 89 pounds and, for December 2026, a standard fee of 121 pounds for each of FTX, FFM and FAU. We found no official fee for the on-demand papers, so check the fees page for the paper you plan to sit. Our ACCA fees guide covers ACCA's main fees.
What we could not confirm
We could not confirm whether exam passes carry across to the new Foundations level, whether students who miss the 2027 deadlines get any transition arrangement, or the exact day in mid-July 2027. ACCA's page is the place to check, and contacting ACCA is wise if you are close to a deadline.
What to do now
List the exams you still need. Check which are on-demand and which run at set times. Book the papers with the June 2027 limit first, and allow time to resit if you need to. If you are considering starting the FIA now, ask whether the time you have left is enough to finish before the deadlines.
Frequently asked questions
Is ACCA withdrawing the FIA?
Yes. ACCA says it is removing its current suite of Foundations in Accountancy qualifications.
When is the last session for FAU, FTX and FFM?
June 2027, according to ACCA.
When must I finish the diploma exams?
By mid-July 2027, according to ACCA.
What replaces the FIA?
A new Foundations level of three exams plus an employability module.
Do I need qualifications to start the FIA?
No. ACCA says there are no minimum entry requirements and you can start at any level.
Next steps
Read our guide to the FIA and FIA and CAT route into ACCA next. If you are comparing study options, see our Learnsignal pricing page.
Source: ACCA FIA students transition page, ACCA FIA qualification structure page, ACCA registration FAQs, ACCA Foundations date and fee page and ACCA future qualification page. Checked October 2026.
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Learnsignal Education Team
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