International students’ route to becoming a Chartered Accountant (CA)
International students from outside the UK 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 becoming an ICAS CA, you’ll unlock some of the most powerful and rewarding positions in business and accounting, in the UK and abroad.
- qualify for more than accountancy
- wear the CA badge of prestige
- unlock international opportunities
- competitive salaries and job security
- join a global business community
- ICAS’ unrivalled professional support
Can international students/graduates become a CA?
International students from outside the UK must confirm the UK-comparability of their degree and the employer’s requirements before applying for an ICAS CA training position.
How is the ICAS CA qualification structured?
The ICAS CA qualification sits at the level of a master’s degree and is structured to deliver the skills and knowledge you’ll need to succeed.
- 13 technical subjects covered
- accounting, finance and broader business skills
- gain real-world, professional experience
- dedicated Public Trust & Ethics assessment
Do I qualify for any exemptions to the CA qualification?
Exemptions may be available from five out of 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 AAT & ICAEW
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:
Where can I download the ICAS 'Become a CA' brochure?
Our Become a CA brochure gives you more information on ICAS, why you should become a CA, and all the training steps required to become a CA.