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 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
- Wear the CA badge of prestige
- 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?
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 is widely viewed as one of the most prestigious accounting qualifications in the world.
The advanced syllabus delivers technical expertise in accounting and finance whilst instilling wider business acumen and an overall commercial awareness. It consists of three levels:
- Test of Competence
- Test of Professional Skills
- Test of Professional Expertise and Business Ethics
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 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.