ACCA Course Fees Structure: Complete Cost Breakdown (2026 Guide)
If you are planning to pursue ACCA, understanding the ACCA course fees structure is one of the most important steps before registration. Many students assume that ACCA only involves exam fees, but in reality, the total cost includes registration charges, annual subscription, exam fees, exemption fees (if applicable), and coaching expenses. Having clarity about the full structure helps you plan your budget properly and avoid surprises later.
The ACCA qualification is awarded by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, and all official payments are made directly to ACCA in pounds (£). Let’s break down the entire fee structure topic-wise so you clearly understand where your money goes.
Initial Registration Fees
The first component in the ACCA course fees structure is the initial registration fee. This is a one-time payment made when you officially register as an ACCA student. Once paid, you receive your ACCA registration number and student status. The registration fee is usually around £45–£50, but it may vary slightly depending on updates from ACCA.
This fee is mandatory and must be paid before booking any exams.
Annual Subscription Fees
After registration, every ACCA student must pay an annual subscription fee to maintain active status. This fee is approximately £130–£140 per year. Even if you are not attempting exams in a particular year, you are still required to pay this subscription to keep your registration active.
If you fail to pay the annual fee, your registration can lapse, and reactivation charges may apply. Therefore, this is a recurring cost that must be considered while calculating the total ACCA course fees structure.
Exam Fees for Each Level
The largest portion of the ACCA course fees structure comes from exam fees. ACCA has 13 papers divided into three levels, and the fee varies depending on the level and when you book the exam.
At the Applied Knowledge level, exam fees are comparatively lower. At the Applied Skills level, fees increase slightly. The Strategic Professional level has the highest exam fees because of the advanced nature of these papers.
On average, exam fees can range between £100 to £270 per paper depending on the level and whether you book early, standard, or late. Early booking always costs less, so proper planning can help reduce your total cost.
If you clear all papers on the first attempt, your total exam cost remains controlled. However, reattempting exams increases the overall ACCA course fees significantly.
Exemption Fees
Students who have completed B.Com, BBA, CA Intermediate, or other relevant qualifications may receive exemptions from certain ACCA papers. While exemptions reduce the number of exams you need to take, ACCA charges an exemption fee per paper.
The exemption fee is usually similar to the exam fee of that level. Therefore, while exemptions save time, they do not completely eliminate the cost.
It is important to calculate whether claiming exemptions is financially beneficial based on your long-term strategy.
Ethics and Professional Skills Module Fees
Apart from exams, ACCA requires students to complete the Ethics and Professional Skills Module. This module enhances decision-making and professional behavior skills.
The fee for this module is approximately £70–£90. It is a compulsory requirement to qualify as an ACCA member.
Coaching and Training Costs
The official ACCA fees are paid to the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, but many students also enroll in coaching institutes for preparation. Coaching fees vary widely depending on the institute, mode of learning (online or offline), and faculty expertise.
In India, coaching costs can range anywhere from ₹1.5 lakh to ₹3.5 lakh or more for complete preparation. While self-study is possible, many students prefer guided learning for better exam success rates.
Total ACCA Course Fees Structure: Overall Estimate
If we calculate all components together — registration, annual subscription for 3–4 years, 13 exam fees, ethics module, and average coaching cost — the total ACCA course fees structure can range between ₹3 lakh to ₹6 lakh approximately.
The final amount depends on:
Your number of attempts
Whether you claim exemptions
Coaching institute selection
Exchange rate fluctuations
Planning your exam attempts wisely and clearing papers in the first attempt can significantly reduce overall expenses.
Is ACCA Expensive Compared to Other Courses?
When compared to traditional Indian professional courses, ACCA may appear slightly expensive due to international fee payments in pounds. However, it offers global recognition, flexibility, and international career opportunities.
If your goal is to work in multinational companies or overseas markets, the investment can be worthwhile.
Final Thoughts
The ACCA course fees structure includes multiple components — not just exam fees. Before starting your journey, calculate registration costs, annual subscription, exam charges, ethics module, and coaching expenses. Proper financial planning ensures a smooth ACCA journey without unexpected stress.