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ACCA vs a university degree: which is the better route?
Do you need a degree to become an accountant, or is ACCA a better route? Here is how ACCA compares to a university degree on cost, time, earning and where each leads.
Updated August 2026 · 8 min read
If you want a career in accountancy, one of the first big questions is whether you need a university degree at all, or whether a professional qualification like ACCA is the better route. The honest answer is that they are different things, and for many people ACCA is not just an alternative to a degree but a faster and cheaper way into the profession.
This guide compares ACCA and a university degree on the things that actually matter: entry, cost, time, earning and where each route leads.
Do you need a degree to do ACCA?
No. ACCA is open access, so you do not need a degree to start. With relevant qualifications you begin at the Applied Knowledge level, and without them you can start through ACCA's Foundations route. A degree can earn you exemptions from some early papers, but it is never a requirement. Our plain-English guide to ACCA explains how the qualification works.
Cost compared
This is where the routes differ most starkly. A full-time UK degree carries tuition fees plus three years of living costs, and it is common to finish with significant student debt. ACCA's own fees, by contrast, usually total only a few thousand pounds spread over the qualification, and you can remove the largest variable cost, tuition, by studying for free. For many people, ACCA costs a fraction of a degree.
Time and earning compared
A traditional degree is typically three years of full-time study during which you are usually not earning. ACCA is designed to be done while you work, so you can be earning a salary and gaining the practical experience you need from the start, rather than after you graduate. That combination, no three-year gap in earnings and real work experience built in, is a major part of ACCA's appeal.
What each route gives you
They are not the same prize. A degree gives you a broad academic education, the university experience, and a qualification that is valued across many careers, not only accountancy. ACCA gives you a focused professional qualification, real work experience, and chartered status recognised worldwide. If your goal is specifically to become an accountant, ACCA takes you there directly; if you want a broader or non-accounting education first, a degree may suit you better.
Can you do both?
Yes, and many people do. A relevant degree can give you ACCA exemptions, so university then ACCA is a well-trodden path. It is also possible to work towards a related university degree alongside your ACCA studies through an ACCA university partnership; the specific programme changes over time, so check ACCA's website for the current option. Combining the two gives you both an academic degree and a professional qualification, though it is a longer road.
Which is right for you?
Lean towards ACCA if you know you want to be an accountant, you want to start earning and qualifying sooner, and you want to avoid large debt. Consider a degree first if you want the university experience, you are not yet certain accountancy is for you, or you want a broader or different field of study to keep your options open, and then add ACCA afterwards with exemptions. If you are starting from scratch with no qualifications, beginning with AAT and then moving to ACCA is another strong, low-cost route.
Whichever you choose, the ACCA papers themselves are free to study on Clevernest, so the professional route can be as affordable as possible.
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Frequently asked questions
Do you need a degree to do ACCA?
No. ACCA is open access. With relevant qualifications you start at the Applied Knowledge level, and without them you can begin through ACCA's Foundations route. A degree can bring exemptions from some early papers, but it is never required.
Is ACCA better than a degree?
They are different. If your goal is specifically to become an accountant, ACCA is often faster and cheaper and lets you earn while you qualify. A degree gives a broader academic education valued across many careers. Many people do a degree and then ACCA, using the degree for exemptions.
Is ACCA equivalent to a degree?
ACCA is a professional qualification whose levels are benchmarked at degree and master's standard, but it is not the same as a university degree; it is a professional route to becoming a chartered certified accountant. You can also earn a related university degree alongside ACCA through a university partnership.
Is ACCA cheaper than university?
Usually, yes, and often by a large margin. A full-time degree involves tuition fees and three years of living costs, while ACCA's own fees total only a few thousand pounds over the qualification, and you can study for free and earn a salary at the same time.
Can you do ACCA straight after school?
Yes. Because ACCA is open access, school leavers can start it directly, often alongside a job or apprenticeship. Those starting from scratch sometimes begin with AAT first and then progress to ACCA, which also brings exemptions.