Top ACCA-certified universities in the UK for 2026-27

The UK remains one of the world's top destinations for an ACCA qualification, as it positions you at the forefront of a dynamic and evolving finance profession with rich career and learning opportunities. 

Here are some reasons why you should pursue ACCA in the UK: 

• Internationally Recognized Qualification: ACCA in the UK is globally respected, with over 526,000 future members and 252,500 current members worldwide. In 2025, almost 111,639 international students took the ACCA exams, reflecting its wide acceptance. This recognition would allow you to work across different financial markets and countries with ease.
• Cost-Effective & Flexible: The ACCA exams are known for being cost-effective, with the total exam costs stretching up to GBP 814 (INR 96,007). Moreover, you can also learn at your own pace for this qualification, from various approved learning providers. 
• Diverse Career Opportunities: ACCA skills are highly valued in roles like auditing, taxation, corporate finance, and consultancy. After your ACCA qualification, you could join big companies like Deloitte, earning a starting salary ranging from GBP 35,000 (INR 41 Lakhs) to GBP 45,000 (INR 53 Lakhs).
• Industry Recognition: About 88% students pass the first level, whereas only 51% students pass the third level or the strategic professional exam. This demonstrates the difficulty level of the exam and ensures better industry recognition of the candidates. 

The top universities for ACCA are the University of Edinburgh, the University of Manchester, and the University of Warwick. These universities combine academic excellence, professional relevance, and ACCA partnership status, making them the top destination for earning an ACCA qualification. 

Let us look at some of the top universities in the UK for ACCA below: 

Let’s discuss the universities in details:

1. University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh is one of the best universities in the UK for ACCA-oriented programs, offering strong accounting and finance curricula aligned with ACCA exemptions. Known for its global recognition, the university provides excellent employability outcomes and industry exposure for international students.

Average Salary
Graduates typically earn GBP 32,000 to 45,000 per year (INR 32.96 lakh to 46.35 lakh)

Eligibility Criteria

• Minimum 70% in Class 12 (ICSE or CBSE)
• IELTS 6.5 overall (no band less than 6.0)
• Strong mathematics background
• Personal statement outlining interest in finance
• Academic reference

2. University of Manchester

Ranked among the top universities for ACCA pathways, Manchester offers an academically rigorous BSc Accounting and Finance program with several ACCA exemption opportunities. International students benefit from industry placements and world-class teaching.

Average Salary
GBP 35,000 to 48,000 annually (INR 36.05 lakh to 49.44 lakh)

Eligibility Criteria

• Minimum 75% in Class 12
• IELTS 6.5 overall
• Maths required
• Strong academic record in finance or commerce
• School reference letter

3. University of Warwick

Warwick Business School is globally reputed for finance programs that align well with ACCA requirements. The university offers an excellent learning environment and is highly preferred by employers.

Average Salary
GBP 36,000 to 50,000 (INR 37.08 lakh to 51.50 lakh)

Eligibility Criteria

• 75 to 80 percent in Class 12
• IELTS 7.0 overall
• Mathematics or statistics background strongly preferred

4. University of Birmingham

The University of Birmingham offers strong accounting programs with several ACCA paper exemptions, making it a preferred option for international students aiming for ACCA qualification.

Average Salary
GBP 30,000 to 42,000 (INR 30.90 lakh to 43.26 lakh)

Eligibility Criteria

• 70 percent in Class 12
• Maths required
• Resume showing academic achievements
• Proof of English proficiency

5. University of Glasgow

Glasgow’s accounting and finance programs are structured to give students ACCA exemptions and hands-on experience with UK financial systems. It is a top choice among international students.

Average Salary
GBP 32,000 to 44,000 (INR 32.96 lakh to 45.32 lakh)

Eligibility Criteria

• Minimum 70% in Class 12
• IELTS 6.5 with no band less than 6.0
• Maths or commerce subjects preferred
• Academic reference

6. University of Leeds

The University of Leeds offers ACCA-aligned Accounting and Finance programs with multiple ACCA exemptions. The curriculum focuses on financial reporting, auditing, and analytics, making it ideal for students pursuing ACCA.

Average Salary
GBP 30,000 to 43,000 (INR 30.90 lakh to 44.29 lakh)

Eligibility Criteria

• 77% in Class 12 (CBSE/ISC) with Mathematics or Accounts
• IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0)
• Must have studied Accounting, Business, or Economics at the school level
• Minimum 80% in Maths if applying to Accounting and Finance BSc
• Academic reference explaining quantitative ability

7. University of Southampton

Southampton’s BSc Accounting and Finance includes modules that directly align with ACCA papers, allowing students to earn exemptions. The university is known for strong research and industry partnerships.

Average Salary
GBP 29,000 to 40,000 (INR 29.87 lakh to 41.20 lakh)

Eligibility Criteria

• 75% in Class 12 with Mathematics or Business Studies
• IELTS 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in each component)
• Class 12 Mathematics score must be 80 percent or above
• Strong performance in commerce subjects
• Predicted grades required at the time of application

8. Durham University

Durham University Business School offers an academically intensive accounting program closely tied to ACCA exemptions. It is one of the UK's top business schools with excellent employability outcomes.

Average Salary
GBP 33,000 to 47,000 (INR 34.00 lakh to 48.41 lakh)

Eligibility Criteria

• 85% in Class 12 for Accounting and Finance
• IELTS 7.0 overall (no band less than 6.5)
• Mandatory mathematics requirement with at least 80 percent
• Higher preference for students with an Economics or Accounting background
• A personal statement must demonstrate interest in finance and quantitative subjects

9. Newcastle University

Newcastle’s Accounting and Finance BSc provides strong ACCA exemption pathways and industry-standard financial training.

Average Salary
GBP 28,000 to 40,000 (INR 28.84 lakh to 41.20 lakh)

Eligibility Criteria

• 72 to 75% in Class 12
• IELTS 6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 in each band)
• Maths at 75% or above
• Must have studied at least one commerce subject (Accounts, Business, Economics)
• School reference supporting academic readiness

10. Lancaster University

Lancaster University Management School (LUMS) is among the top business schools in the UK. Its Accounting and Finance BSc offers several ACCA paper exemptions and strong employability training.

Average Salary
GBP 30,000 to 42,000 (INR 30.90 lakh to 43.26 lakh)

Eligibility Criteria

• 80% in Class 12 for competitive courses
• IELTS 6.5 (minimum 6.0 in all components)
• Applicants must have studied Maths up to Class 12 with 75 percent
• Preference for students with Accounting, Economics, or Business Studies
• Strong personal essay highlighting interest in accounting analytics

11. University of Strathclyde

The University of Strathclyde offers a well-respected Accounting and Finance programme that provides ACCA-aligned modules, enabling students to earn exemptions toward ACCA exams. Known for its strong links with industry, Strathclyde also supports students through professional placements and corporate engagement in Glasgow’s financial and business sectors.

Average Salary
GBP 28,000 to 38,000 (INR 28.84 lakh to 39.14 lakh)

Eligibility Criteria

• At least 65%-70% in Class 12 (or equivalent) with a strong foundation in Maths or Business Studies
• Accounting, Economics, or Business at high school or pre-university level
• Minimum grade of B in Higher Mathematics (or equivalent) if applying to a quantitatively rigorous accounting degree

The UK offers various ACCA-accredited courses in many major universities directed towards a diverse group of people from different fields of study. 

Let us discover some of the ACCA-accredited courses in the UK below: 

1. BAcc in Accounting and Finance with ACCA

A BAcc in Accounting and Finance is an academic degree combined with ACCA exam exemptions, offered at the University of Scotland and the University of South Wales. This course covers accounting principles such as financial management, auditing, taxation, and management accounting.

2. MSc Accounting and Finance with ACCA 

This is a postgraduate program offered at reputed universities like the University of Glasgow and Bolton University, which combines a master's degree in accounting with professional ACCA preparation. This practical course structure helps students to find their way into professional fields easily. 

3. MSc International Professional Accounting 

This is a postgraduate program aligned closely to the professional curriculum of ACCA, offered at Birmingham City University. This course trains students in high-level accounting to help them meet International employability standards. 

4. ACCA Professional Accountancy 

The London School of Business and Finance offers a course in ACCA Professional Accountancy, helping students prepare for ACCA's strategic level papers. This course offers both online and offline options, focused entirely on ACCA preparation.

5. ACCA and MBA Combined Programs

The London School of Business and Finance combines ACCA with a global MBA curriculum. This course provides you with both ACCA exam preparation and a postgraduate degree, helping you improve your professional dashboard.

To enroll in any of the above-discussed integrated ACCA courses, you must meet the required eligibility criteria. This eligibility framework ensures ACCA remains inclusive and rigorous, both academically and practically. 

Here are some of the eligibility criteria required for ACCA courses:

• Academic Requirements: As an Indian student, you'd require a minimum score of 65% in at least two subjects, including English, Maths, and Accounting, with over 50% in all the other subjects. 
• Minimum Age Requirements: There is no upper age limit for ACCA qualifications. However, you should have a parental consent certificate if you are under 18.
• English Language Proficiency: If you are a non-native speaker, then you will need language proficiency. For instance, Indian students require at least 60% in class 12th English. 
• Professional Work Experience: To be able to meet the ACCA entry level qualification, you should have 36 months of supervised work experience in fields relevant to accounting and finance. 

The cost of studying ACCA in the UK includes registration, annual subscription, and exam fees. 

On average, ACCA course fees in the UK range from GBP 2,000 to GBP 3,000 (INR 2 to 3 lakhs) for the complete qualification, depending on exemptions and course providers.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of ACCA fees in the UK (2025):

Initial Registration or Re-registration: GBP 89 (INR 10,501)
Annual Subscription Fee: GBP 137 (INR 16,165)
Exemption Fees:

• Applied Knowledge: GBP 98 (INR 11,563)
• Applied Skills: GBP 123 (INR 14,513)

Ethics and Professional Skills Module: GBP 81 (INR 9,557)
Strategic Business Leader Exam: GBP 286 (INR 33,747)

The ACCA consists of 13 exams divided into 3 progressive levels, designed to build accounting and finance expertise from fundamental to leadership levels. These three levels include applied knowledge, applied skills, and strategic professional.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the three levels of the ACCA exam in the UK:

1. Applied Knowledge

This level consists of three main exams– Business and Technology, Management Accounting, and Financial Accounting. This section covers the basic business concepts and deals with the fundamental topics. 

2. Applied Skills

The skill level requires technical knowledge and involves six advanced-level exams. The papers include Corporate Business and Law, Performance Management, Taxation, Financial Reporting, Audit and Assurance, and Financial Management.

3. Strategic Professional Level

The final stage tests you based on your leadership skills with an advanced and strategic questioning model. It has two essential exams, including the Strategic Business Leader and Strategic Business Reporting.

The average starting salary of ACCA qualified professionals in the UK ranges from GBP 35,000 (INR 41 Lakhs) to GBP 45,000 (INR 53 Lakhs).
Here’s a detailed list of the job roles and their salaries after qualifying for the ACCA exams in the UK:

Pursuing an ACCA qualification in the UK can open global career opportunities in auditing, taxation, and corporate finance. With more than 111,000 students attempting the exam in 2025 and top universities like Warwick, Southampton, and Edinburgh offering strong ACCA-certified programs, the UK continues to be a hub for ambitious accounting professionals.

The journey, however, demands clarity on exam structure, program selection, and financial planning. That’s where Yocket Premium could make a difference for you. By understanding your academic profile and career goals, you can align yourself with universities that not only prepare you for the 13 rigorous ACCA exams but also position you for excellent career outcomes worldwide.