ACCA Courses in Malaysia: Fees, Entry Requirements & Career Prospects
Are you considering pursuing ACCA courses in Malaysia? The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is a globally recognized accounting qualification that opens doors to exciting career opportunities in finance, auditing, taxation, and management. Malaysia offers a range of ACCA programs including diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, and professional certification courses through various modes such as full-time, part-time, and online learning.
What is ACCA?
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is a leading international body for professional accountants. It offers the Chartered Certified Accountant qualification, which is based on international accounting and auditing standards and is recognised globally. ACCA is an internationally respected professional accounting qualification. Holding an ACCA qualification in Malaysia not only enhances your professional credibility but also increases your chances of securing high-paying jobs in both local and multinational companies.
The ACCA qualification emphasises on the technical aspects of accounting. Unlike an Accounting Degree that covers many subjects beyond the field of accounting, ACCA offers a more in-depth and specialised knowledge about accounting in itself, particularly at the Professional Level. It blends technical, ethical and professional skills into its programme to build competency in students to join the workforce as a forward-thinking professional accountant.
While ACCA is a professional certificate and not a degree, it is nonetheless regarded as a prestigious qualification and is highly sought after among employers.
Types of ACCA Courses in Malaysia
In Malaysia, students can enroll in:
- ACCA Diploma Programs: Designed for beginners or those looking to build foundational accounting knowledge.
- ACCA Bachelor’s Degree Programs: Integrated programs combining ACCA qualification with a bachelor’s degree from partner universities.
- Professional ACCA Courses: For students aiming to pass the ACCA exams and gain full certification.
These options offer flexibility depending on your academic background, career goals, and study preferences.
Entry Requirements for ACCA Courses
Most ACCA programs in Malaysia require:
- A minimum of SPM (Malaysian Certificate of Education) or equivalent qualification.
- Good proficiency in English, as courses and exams are conducted in English.
- For degree-level ACCA courses, completion of STPM, A-Levels, or a relevant diploma may be required.
There are no strict age limits, making ACCA accessible for fresh school leavers and working professionals alike.
Fast track to the ACCA Qualification
SPM students in Malaysia can enjoy a fast track into the ACCA Qualification through the Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) Qualification. They will need five SPM credits (grade C or above in five separate subjects including English and Mathematics) to study CAT. As an added bonus, students who scored grade A in SPM Prinsip Perakaunan paper will be exempted one paper (Paper FA1) from the CAT Qualification. Through this pathway, SPM students can complete the CAT and ACCA Qualifications within three years thereby completing their professional exams by the age of 20 years.
ACCA Course Fees in Malaysia
The cost of pursuing ACCA courses varies depending on the institution and mode of study:
- Diploma programs typically range from RM 10,000 to RM 25,000.
- Bachelor’s degree programs integrating ACCA can cost between RM 40,000 to RM 70,000 over several years.
Additional fees include ACCA registration and exam fees, study materials, and sometimes tuition for revision classes.
Malaysia also offers scholarships and financial aid for eligible students, so it’s worth exploring funding options before enrolling.
How to Study ACCA in Malaysia?
Malaysia provides multiple flexible study options for ACCA students:
- Full-time study: Suitable for school leavers or fresh graduates who want to complete their qualification quickly.
- Part-time study: Ideal for working professionals balancing job and study commitments.
- Online and distance learning: Increasingly popular due to convenience and affordability, allowing students to learn at their own pace.
To enroll, register with the ACCA body and choose a recognized institution or approved learning provider. Most students then progress through the ACCA exams while gaining practical experience.
Why ACCA?
Employers all over the world seek out accountants with ACCA qualification to lead their business to sustainable success.
That’s because they know that ACCA members are strategic thinkers with high ethical integrity, strong financial know-how and the right business acumen.
To become an ACCA member, you have an exciting journey ahead: The ACCA Qualification.
This journey will take you through a combination of exams, ethics and experience. Which means you’ll enter the workplace ready to make a difference in today’s fast-paced business world.
When you qualify, you…
- Become a member of the world’s most forward-thinking accountancy body – the ACCA letters after your name are globally recognised and show employers that you work to the highest professional and ethical standards.
- Open doors to opportunities all over the world – the ACCA Qualification is respected globally, and will help you to open doors wherever your career path may take you. It also gives you the flexibility to branch out into new areas and develop new skills throughout your career.
- Make the world a better place – Ethics are absolutely fundamental to your studies and the whole ACCA approach. Which means that when you go out into the world, you’ll be able to set and maintain the high standards the organisations you work with need to move into the future.
- Get support throughout your journey – you get access to world-class resources, forums, insight and advice all the while you’re studying and throughout your professional life.
- Develop your skills – you’ll have opportunities to learn new skills and gain many other qualifications along the way – including a BSc and an MSc.
What do you study in ACCA?
There are three stages AND Ethics and Professional Skills module:
- Applied Knowledge - 3 papers
- Applied Skills - 6 papers
- Strategic Professional - 4 papers
- Ethics and Professional Skills module
Career Prospects After Completing ACCA in Malaysia
An ACCA qualification significantly improves your job prospects in Malaysia’s competitive accounting and finance sectors. ACCA professionals are highly sought after in roles such as:
- Financial Accountant
- Auditor
- Tax Consultant
- Financial Analyst
- Management Accountant
According to report, the average salary for an ACCA-certified professional in Malaysia is approximately RM 94,200 per year, reflecting the strong demand and rewarding career prospects for ACCA-certified professionals in the country. This underscores the value of obtaining an ACCA qualification for those seeking to advance in the accounting and finance fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
1: How long does it take to complete ACCA in Malaysia?
ACCA courses in Malaysia typically take 2 to 3 years to complete, depending on your entry level and how quickly you pass the exams. Full-time students may progress faster, while part-time or working professionals may take longer.
2. Can I study ACCA online in Malaysia?
Yes, many institutions offer online ACCA courses in Malaysia, providing flexible learning options for students and working adults. These programs follow the same curriculum as in-person classes.
3: What are the ACCA course fees in Malaysia?
ACCA course fees in Malaysia range from around RM 10,000 for diploma programs to RM 70,000 for full bachelor’s degree pathways. Fees vary based on the institution, study mode, and additional costs like registration and exam fees.
4: Are there scholarships available for ACCA students?
Yes, students can apply for ACCA scholarships in Malaysia offered by universities, private institutions, and industry bodies. These help cover tuition fees or exam costs for eligible candidates. International students can also explore funding options on our Scholarships for International Students in Malaysia 2025 page.