ACCA vs Accounting Degree: Which is Right for You? [Complete Comparison]
Planning a career in accounting, finance, or audit? Should you choose ACCA or an Accounting Degree? This guide compares both in content, entry, cost, recognition, and more to help you decide.
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1. What is ACCA vs Accounting Degree?
ACCA
- Type: UK Chartered Certified Accountant qualification
- Exams: 13 papers (in stages)
- Duration: 2.5-3 years (full-time)
- Entry: SPM 5 credits + FIA/foundation
- Certificate: Professional qualification
- Best for: Fast-track to Chartered Accountant
Accounting Degree
- Type: Bachelor's degree in accounting
- Duration: 3-4 years
- Entry: STPM, A-Level, Foundation, Diploma
- Certificate: Bachelor's degree
- Best for: Full university experience, broad development
2. Course Structure & Content
ACCA
- Focus: Practical, IFRS, audit, tax
- Internship: Usually not required
- Language: English
- Certificate: Professional qualification
Accounting Degree
- Focus: Theory + application, accounting, management, law, economics
- Internship: Most include internship/project
- Language: English or bilingual
- Certificate: Bachelor's degree
Conclusion: Want a fast professional qualification? → ACCA
Want full university experience? → Degree
Want full university experience? → Degree
3. Entry Requirements & Pathways
ACCA
- Entry: SPM 5 credits + FIA/foundation
- Common path: FIA → ACCA
- Entry age: As young as 17 (FIA path)
- Exemptions: Degree holders can get up to 9 paper exemptions
Accounting Degree
- Entry: STPM, A-Level, Foundation, Diploma
- Common path: Direct university entry
- Entry age: Usually 18+
- Exemptions: Diploma in Accounting → ACCA or Degree
4. Exam Style & Difficulty
ACCA
- Global exams, self-discipline needed
- Lower pass rates (some papers 40-50%)
- Can take in stages, up to 4 papers per session
Accounting Degree
- University assessment + exams + assignments + projects
- More balanced evaluation
- More lecturer guidance and class interaction
Summary: Self-motivated, want fast qualification → ACCA
Value campus life and step-by-step learning → Degree
Value campus life and step-by-step learning → Degree
5. Cost & Time Comparison
ACCA
- Fees: RM20,000 - RM45,000 (with FIA)
- Duration: Fastest 2.5 years (full-time)
- Scholarships: Fewer, some available
- PTPTN: Some courses supported
Accounting Degree
- Fees: RM35,000 - RM90,000 (private)
- Duration: Usually 3-4 years
- Scholarships: More types (gov/university/corporate)
- PTPTN: Available
6. Career Prospects & Recognition
ACCA Graduate
- Audit firms (Big Four), accounting firms, bank finance
- Highly valued by employers, especially MNCs
- Can join MIA (Malaysian Institute of Accountants)
- Faster promotion to finance manager, CFO, audit partner
Accounting Degree Graduate
- Finance, audit, corporate finance, HR, etc.
- Usually need further qualification (ACCA, CPA) for higher roles
- Good for those wanting management, entrepreneurship, research
7. Future Pathways
ACCA
- Full qualification + work experience = Chartered Accountant
- Not a traditional academic path (not for direct Master's/PhD)
- Globally recognized, strong for overseas jobs
Accounting Degree
- Need extra qualification (e.g. ACCA) for chartered status
- Can pursue Master of Accounting/MBA/PhD
- International job prospects depend on university/accreditation
8. Who Should Choose ACCA or Degree?
Best for ACCA
- Want fast professional certification
- Self-motivated, clear goals
Best for Degree
- Value campus life and broad learning
- Want MBA/management/other career options
- Plan to study or work abroad
9. FAQ
Q1: Can I do Degree and ACCA at the same time?
Yes, some universities (e.g. Sunway, Taylor’s) offer dual programs with up to 9 ACCA exemptions.
Q2: ACCA vs CPA, which is better?
ACCA is more globally recognized; CPA Australia is mainly for Oceania. Choose based on where you want to work.
Q3: Is ACCA equivalent to a Degree?
Not a degree, but professionally often considered equal or higher, depending on the industry.
10. Summary & Advice
ACCA
- Professional status: Faster
- Academic path: Not traditional
- Employability: Highly recognized
- Flexibility: Can work & study
- Cost: Lower
Accounting Degree
- Professional status: Need extra exam
- Academic path: Can do Master's/PhD
- Employability: Good foundation
- Flexibility: Fixed study years
- Cost: Higher
Conclusion:
Want to be a chartered accountant + fast-track career? → Choose ACCA
Want full university life + broad future options? → Choose Degree
Want to be a chartered accountant + fast-track career? → Choose ACCA
Want full university life + broad future options? → Choose Degree
US 11619 
GB 8611 
CA 7804 
AU 7253 
IE 5947 
BR 2179 
NZ 1858 
SG 677 
