International applicants’ route to becoming a Chartered Accountant (CA)
Students with non-UK degrees must confirm the comparability of their degree and the employer’s requirements before applying for an ICAS CA training position.
The ICAS CA qualification is instantly recognised and respected around the world and becoming a CA will provide extraordinary career opportunities wherever you go.
Check your degree’s UK comparability
For an international student looking to train as an ICAS Chartered Accountant, the first step is to confirm that your degree is equivalent to a UK degree.
To check the UK-comparability of your degree please visit naric.org.uk
After you have obtained confirmation of degree comparability, you can then apply directly to the ICAS-authorised employers listed on our dedicated Become a CA website.
Each employer will specify their own minimum entry requirements, in addition to those required by ICAS, so please check before applying – you're unlikely to be successful if you don't meet these requirements.
Remember that ICAS itself doesn’t offer any training agreements – you must apply directly to the employers listed on the website.
Employers should help you obtain a Training & Work Experience Scheme permit (TWES).
Find a CA training vacancy that's right for you
Why should I become a Chartered Accountant?
By training to become an ICAS Chartered Accountant (or CA for short), you’ll be on the fast track to unlock some of the most powerful and rewarding positions in business, accounting and industry, in the UK and internationally.
- Qualify for more than accountancy
- Use the prestigious CA letters after your name
- Unlock international opportunities
- Enjoy competitive salaries and job security
- Join a global business community
- Access ICAS’ unrivalled professional support
Can international students/graduates become a CA?
Yes, but it varies by employer. Students who need a visa to work in the UK, must check with the Authorised Training Office (ATO) to see whether this is possible with their individual employer.
How is the ICAS CA qualification structured?
The ICAS CA is widely viewed as one of the most prestigious accounting qualifications in the world.
The CA syllabus begins with an Ethics module, which will be part of our Fundamentals onboarding course.
The remainder of the syllabus is structured over three levels, starting with Knowledge, leading to Skills, and finishing with Integration.
As illustrated below, the core subjects at the Skills level are supported by four new in-depth electives: Advanced Tax: Data Analytics; Innovation for Growth and Transformation; and Sustainability for Accountants.
Assessment is by examination (UK only) and, in addition, candidates must complete, and have validated, 450-750 days of relevant practical experience.
The qualification is credit rated at Level 11 on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) and is recognised nationally and internationally as sitting at the level of a Masters degree.
Do I qualify for any exemptions to the CA qualification?
Exemptions may be available from all six papers of the Test of Competence (TC) level, depending on your qualifications and memberships.
Who may be eligible for an exemption?
- graduates with an ICAS-accredited degree
- graduates with some non-ICAS-accredited degrees
- members of ICAEW
- AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting
Where do I apply for a CA training agreement?
Our dedicated job site Becomeaca.org.uk offers an interesting range of firms to work and train with, from small local companies to large corporations.
What are the other routes to becoming a Chartered Accountant?
There are various ways to become an ICAS Chartered Accountant (CA), with options for school leavers, graduates, professionals and apprentices: