ACCA Scholarships and Bursaries: How to Fund Your ACCA Qualification

ACCA is one of the most accessible professional accounting qualifications in the world — but exam fees, study materials, and subscription costs can still add up significantly over the three to five years it takes to qualify. The good news is that there are several financial support options available, from formal scholarships to employer funding and apprenticeship routes. Here is a complete guide.

The Simpson Scholarship

The most significant scholarship available directly from ACCA is the Simpson Scholarship, named after the late ACCA President John Simpson. It is awarded to high-performing ACCA students who demonstrate exceptional exam results and strong personal motivation.

What it covers: ACCA examination fees, annual student subscription fees, annual affiliate subscription fees, and the one-time membership admission fee — for up to five years from the date of award, or until you become a member, whichever comes first.

Eligibility: You must be a registered ACCA student and have achieved at least 80% in your Applied Knowledge exams, or 66% in your Applied Skills exams (if you received exemptions from the Applied Knowledge level).

How to apply: The application requires a 1,000-word essay responding to the prompt: "How will the award of a scholarship help me to realise my full potential?" Applications for the 2026 award opened in May 2026 and closed in June 2026, with winners announced in August 2026. Check the ACCA Global scholarship page at accaglobal.com/scholarship for future cycles.

Regional and Country-Specific Scholarships

ACCA's network of national offices and member associations in many countries offer their own scholarship programmes for local students. These vary significantly by region — some cover exam fees, others provide study bursaries or grants for course materials. If you are based outside the UK or Ireland, it is worth contacting your local ACCA office to ask what funding is available in your country.

Employer Funding

Employer support is the most common route to funding ACCA studies. Many multinational companies, Big Four firms, financial services organisations, and public sector bodies have formal ACCA training programmes where they pay some or all of exam fees, study leave, and course costs as part of your employment package.

ACCA's Approved Employer programme makes it easy to identify employers who actively support ACCA trainees. Searching for roles at Approved Employer organisations — particularly Platinum and Gold level — is one of the most reliable ways to access funded ACCA study.

ACCA Apprenticeships in the UK

In the UK, ACCA can be studied via an accountancy apprenticeship, where your employer pays your training costs through the Apprenticeship Levy (for levy-paying employers) or government co-funding (for non-levy employers). This means you can qualify as an ACCA professional at no personal cost while earning a salary.

The Level 7 Accountancy Professional Apprenticeship in England covers ACCA alongside work-based training. This route is increasingly popular with school leavers and graduates joining the Big Four and other major employers. See our guide on ACCA apprenticeships in the UK for more detail.

ACCA Payment Plans

ACCA offers the option to spread exam registration fees across instalments rather than paying in a single lump sum. This is not a scholarship or bursary, but it makes the costs more manageable for self-funding students.

Study Provider Discounts

Some ACCA study providers — including Learnsignal — offer discounts, payment plans, or bundled pricing that reduce the overall cost of tuition. It is worth comparing providers carefully, as tuition cost varies significantly. View Learnsignal's ACCA pricing here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does ACCA offer financial support for students who cannot afford the fees?

ACCA's main formal scholarship is the Simpson Scholarship, which is merit-based rather than means-tested. For students with genuine financial hardship, contacting your local ACCA office is the best starting point — some regions have specific bursary or support arrangements.

Can my employer pay for my ACCA?

Yes, and this is extremely common. Many employers — particularly in practice, financial services, and multinationals — fund ACCA study as part of a formal training programme. In the UK, apprenticeship funding routes mean employers can fund your full ACCA qualification via government levy funds.

Are there ACCA scholarships for specific countries?

Yes. ACCA's country offices in markets including Africa, Asia, and the Middle East run their own scholarship programmes tailored to local students. The specifics vary by country and year — check your national ACCA office for current availability.

How do I apply for the Simpson Scholarship?

Applications are submitted online through the ACCA Global website during the annual application window, which typically opens in May or June. You must meet the exam performance thresholds and submit a personal essay. Visit accaglobal.com/scholarship for current-year details.