Scholarships for ACCA qualification courses are available to students who can prove that they are academically able but could benefit from financial support to study under the ACCA scheme.
Scholarships are offered by ACCA, some universities, some tuition providers, employers, and partner organizations to allow students to study the ACCA qualification.
Scholarships are usually awarded on the basis of academic performance, financial need, or special qualifications.
Some of these scholarships are full, as they cover the entire tuition fee, exam fee, and learning materials fee, while some are half.
Why ACCA Scholarships Matter
This helps students in:
Reduce financial burden
Get a premium education in finance and accounting
Focus more on preparation
Improve career avenues
Recognize academic achievements through awards
Is There Really an Official ACCA Scholarship?
Yes, but it is important to understand the difference. The Simpson Scholarship is the only official scholarship administered by ACCA Global. Many other funding opportunities promoted by coaching institutes, universities, employers, and ACCA Approved Learning Partners (ALPs) are fee discounts, sponsorships, or financial support programmes rather than official ACCA scholarships.
For the 2026 cycle, the Simpson Scholarship application window opens on 18 May 2026 and closes on 29 June 2026. The judging panel selects the five winners by 7 August 2026, with results announced on 21 August 2026.
(Source: accaglobal.com/scholarship — always confirm current-year dates before applying, as ACCA revises these annually.)
Understanding this distinction helps students identify genuine funding opportunities and make informed decisions before applying. For complete eligibility and application details, refer to the official Simpson Scholarship page on ACCA Global's website
Official vs Other ACCA Funding Options
What are the Types of ACCA Scholarships?
Apart from the official Simpson Scholarship, ACCA students can also access funding opportunities offered by universities, employers, coaching institutes, and other organisations.
Other options listed below are scholarships, sponsorships, fee waivers, or financial support offered by universities, employers, coaching institutes, and other organisations:
Merit-Based Scholarships
This is given to students with a great academic record. High scores in previous studies or ACCA exams often improve eligibility.
Need-Based Scholarships
Need-based scholarships are for students facing financial difficulties. You have to provide proof of income or financial hardship.
Scholarships for Women (Institute/Employer-Level, Not ACCA-Official)
Some coaching institutes, universities, and employers run dedicated funding programs to encourage more women into finance and accounting.
These are not scholarships administered by ACCA Global — they vary by provider, so always confirm current availability directly with the institute or employer offering them.
Employer-Sponsored Scholarships
Some companies sponsor employees pursuing ACCA as part of professional development programs.
(Note: These are provider-level offers, separate from ACCA's own Simpson Scholarship.)
Coaching Institute Scholarships
Many ACCA coaching institutes offer scholarships based on entrance tests, academic merit, or promotional campaigns.
(Note: These are provider-level offers, separate from ACCA's own Simpson Scholarship.)
Types of ACCA Scholarships at a Glance
What is an ACCA Scholarship in India?
In recent times, the demand for ACCA scholarships in India has risen significantly as more students pursue globally recognized accounting and finance qualifications. To support aspiring professionals, several Indian coaching institutes, universities, and educational institutes now offer scholarships, fee waivers, and financial support to eligible ACCA students.
Things that are included in the scholarships can be like this:
Indian students can also look at the partnerships between ACCA and universities that give financial support to students who are eligible. Some schools have exams to see who gets a scholarship.
Once you're through the scholarship process, understanding the ACCA exam pattern will help you focus on the right topics.
B.Com with ACCA: Does It Come With Scholarship Benefits?
Many Indian universities now offer B.Com programs integrated with ACCA, allowing students to earn a degree alongside their professional qualification. Some of these university partnerships include fee waivers or partial scholarships for students who maintain strong academic performance throughout the program.
If you're exploring this dual path, check out our detailed guide on B.Com with ACCA to understand the structure, benefits, and eligibility.
Can Indian students get a 100 percent scholarship in India?
Yes, but it is very hard to get an ACCA scholarship in India. Some universities and schools that teach courses may give scholarships that cover a big part of the tuition or exam costs. Most of the time students in India get scholarships that cover only a part of the costs or they get discounts based on how well they do in school. Students should always check what they need to be eligible for the scholarship and how to apply before they send in their application.
Curious what you could earn after qualifying? Read our ACCA salary in India guide
What is an ACCA Scholarship for International Students?
These students can get scholarships from:
Universities that work with ACCA
Organizations that deal with money from countries
Schools that teach courses
Their employers
Groups that help students pay for school
Can students who are studying ACCA apply for more than one scholarship at a time?
Yes, students can apply for many scholarships at the same time as long as they meet the requirements for each scholarship. Some groups that give scholarships may not let students get money from more than one scholarship at the same time. So students should always read the rules of the scholarship carefully before they apply.
Here's a detailed comparison between ACCA and CA to help you choose.
Does ACCA offer fully-funded scholarships?
Yes, if we talk about a fully funded scholarship, then it includes the following features:
Registration fees
Annual subscription fees
Tuition costs
Exam fees
Study materials
Mentorship support
But remember, all these fully funded scholarships are highly competitive and usually awarded to very few truly exemplary students. 
What is the Simpson Scholarship ACCA?
The Simpson Scholarship is ACCA's official scholarship for students who have demonstrated strong performance in their ACCA examinations. Each year, five ACCA students are selected for the scholarship.
The scholarship provides financial support for eligible ACCA costs and access to approved digital learning resources.
What Does the Simpson Scholarship Cover?
According to ACCA, the scholarship fund covers:
ACCA exam entry fees
Annual student subscription fees
Annual affiliate subscription fees
Admission fee to ACCA membership
Digital learning materials from ACCA-approved content partners such as BPP or Kaplan
The fee coverage applies for up to five years or until the student becomes an ACCA member, whichever comes first.
What Does the Simpson Scholarship Not Cover?
The scholarship does not include the annual ACCA membership subscription fee.
It is also important to distinguish ACCA scholarship benefits from coaching or tuition costs. ACCA's published list of covered benefits does not list coaching or tuition fees among the scholarship benefits. Therefore, students should not assume that receiving the Simpson Scholarship automatically makes their private coaching or tuition free.
What About Study Materials?
Scholarship winners can request digital learning materials from ACCA's approved content partners, BPP or Kaplan, for the ACCA exams they are studying for. These resources are provided online; ACCA states that physical materials are not issued through this benefit.
ACCA Scholarship Cost Impact: Without vs. With Simpson Scholarship (Estimated, INR)
INR conversion at approximately ₹128.5 per GBP (August 2026 mid-market rate). This fluctuates daily; reconfirm before republishing. Tuition/coaching fees paid to your institute are separate and not covered by the Simpson Scholarship.
keep an eye on the ACCA exam dates to plan your journey ahead.
What is the ACCA Scholarship 2026 Eligibility?
The Simpson Scholarship has specific eligibility requirements set by ACCA. Before applying, students should check their ACCA student status, fee status, and examination results against the current criteria.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the Simpson Scholarship, applicants must:
Be registered as an ACCA student.
Have paid their fees for the year ahead.
Have no outstanding fees with ACCA.
Route 1: 80% Average
Students may meet the academic requirement by achieving an average of 80% or more in the relevant Applied Knowledge examinations and the Corporate and Business Law (LW) examination.
The required results must be achieved at the first attempt.
Route 2: 66% in Two Applied Skills Exams
Students who are exempt from the Applied Knowledge examinations may qualify through an alternative route.
They must achieve 66% or more in at least two Applied Skills examinations, with the required results achieved at the first attempt.
Why Does the First Attempt Matter?
The first-attempt condition is an important part of the eligibility criteria. A student should not assume that a high score achieved after retaking an examination will satisfy the academic requirement.
Therefore, before applying, check your ACCA examination history and exemptions against the latest Simpson Scholarship eligibility requirements published by ACCA.
How to Apply for an ACCA Scholarship?
Generally, it's mostly the same process everywhere, but
Research Available Scholarships
Look for available scholarships for international students and local opportunities in your country.
Compare the scholarship benefits, eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and required documents before applying. This helps you identify the opportunities that best match your academic profile and financial needs.
Ready to start preparing? Here's a guide to choosing the right ACCA books.
Check the following in case you want an ACCA scholarship in India:
Check Eligibility Criteria
Academic requirements
Nationality restrictions
Financial criteria
Application deadlines
Check if you qualify for ACCA exemptions to pinpoint the fastest route to completing the course.
Carefully review the scholarship guidelines to ensure you meet all eligibility requirements before starting your application. Applying only for scholarships you qualify for can improve your chances of success and save time.
Prepare Required Documents
The documents needed are as follows:
Academic transcripts
Identification proof
Personal statement
Resume or CV
Recommendation letters
Financial documents
Write a Strong Personal Statement
Your personal statement plays an important role in scholarship selection.
Explain the following with clarity:
Why do you want to pursue ACCA
Your career aspirations and goals
What are the financial challenges you are facing
Leadership achievements so far
Future goal and direction you want to pursue in finance
Keep your personal statement honest, concise, and tailored to the scholarship you are applying for. Highlight your achievements with real examples and clearly explain how receiving the scholarship will support your academic and career goals.
Comparing ACCA with CMA? Here's a detailed breakdown to help you decide.
How to Write the ACCA Scholarship Essay?
The scholarship essay is an important part of the Simpson Scholarship application. It allows you to explain your ACCA journey, academic or professional experiences, career goals, and why the scholarship would support your future plans.
Essay Guidelines (Simpson Scholarship)
Must not exceed 1,000 words.
Must be written in English and should be personal and specific to your own journey.
Must be submitted along with the official Scholarship Submission Form and two references.
How to Approach Your Essay
Keep your essay focused on your own experience rather than using generic statements. Explain why you chose ACCA, highlight relevant academic or professional experiences, connect your ACCA journey with your career goals, and clearly explain how receiving the scholarship would help you move towards those goals.
Use specific examples wherever possible and keep the essay within the 1,000-word limit. The aim should be to give the scholarship committee a clear understanding of who you are, what you want to achieve, and why the scholarship matters to your journey.
What are the Tips to Improve Your ACCA Scholarship Chances?
Some of the tips to improve your chances of selection are as follows:
Maintain Strong Academic Performance
Build Leadership Experience
Prepare a Clear Career Vision
Apply to Multiple Scholarships
Improve Communication Skills
Other than financial support, additional benefits include:
Conviction in your skills and qualities
Better networking opportunities
Reduced financial stress
Enhanced professional credibility
What are the Challenges Students Face While Applying?
Some of the challenges that come with applying for the scholarship are as follows:
Preparing for intensive ACCA subjects? Here's a breakdown of all ACCA course subjects.
Are ACCA Scholarships Difficult to Get?
Scholarship competition depends on the provider and funding amount.
Fully funded scholarships are usually more difficult to get because they attract applicants from multiple countries. However, partial scholarships and tuition discounts are more accessible.
ACCA Scholarships and Career Growth
Scholarships reflect discipline, academic brilliance, dedication, diligence, and leadership potential, among other qualities. The scholarship recipients are respected because they have goals and aspirations and want to work toward them, even with challenges. This realization can positively influence future job opportunities.
Your detailed analysis of ACCA Success rates is here
What Is the Future of ACCA Scholarship Programs?
Today, innumerable organizations and institutes focus on education accessibility and diversity. There are opportunities for women, international students, and economically disadvantaged learners and this is only increasing. Online learning platforms and online tuition providers are also introducing new scholarship models to attract talented students worldwide.
Also comparing ACCA with CPA? Here's how the two qualifications stack up.
FAQs
1. What does the Simpson Scholarship cover?
The Simpson Scholarship covers annual subscription fees, exam fees, the membership admission fee, and study materials for up to five years or until membership, whichever is sooner. It does not cover the one-time registration fee or tuition/coaching fees.
2. How many ACCA scholarships are awarded each year globally?
The number of ACCA scholarships awarded globally is not fixed. It varies every year depending on funding partners, tuition providers, and regional initiatives.
3. Are there ACCA scholarships specifically for Indian students or women?
ACCA Global itself does not run a separate India-only or women-only scholarship; the Simpson Scholarship is open globally to all eligible students. However, several Indian coaching institutes, universities, and employers run their own fee-waiver or sponsorship programs targeted at women or Indian students. These are provider-level offers, not official ACCA scholarships, so check directly with the institute for current terms.
4. Where can I get a 100% scholarship?
Students can explore opportunities through official ACCA partnerships, universities, tuition providers, educational foundations, and international scholarships for 100% scholarship programs.
5. Who is eligible for an ACCA scholarship?
Eligibility depends on the scholarship provider. Some of the criteria they consider are strong academic performance, enrollment in ACCA, real financial need, leadership potential, and meeting specific nationality or demographic criteria.
If you’re looking for some extra guidance while preparing for ACCA, you might want to check out the ACCA Course by IIM SKILLS. A structured course can make your preparation more organised and could also add weight to your scholarship application.
Summing Up
It can significantly reduce the financial burden and financial pressure of pursuing one of the world’s leading accounting qualifications. Whether you are exploring ACCA scholarships in India fully or partially funded, researching your options early can improve your chances of success as well as save you a lot of money.
A strong academic record, leadership qualities, and well-defined career goals often strengthen scholarship applications. With more funding opportunities becoming available each year, the right preparation can help you secure financial support and take the next step towards a successful global career in accounting and finance.
Let us know what you think should be the criteria for this and whether it is worth taking up ACCA. IIM SKILLS is here to provide the Best Online Courses in India.
