ACCA Pathways in Ireland
Explore study and work opportunities in Ireland designed for ACCA students, affiliates, and qualified professionals. Choose from two distinct pathways to advance your career internationally.
Option 1 — One-Year Master's + 2-Year Post-Study Work Visa
Available to ACCA students, affiliates, and qualified candidates
Pathway Overview
- Study a full-time master's degree in Accounting or Finance
- Programme duration: 1 or 2 years
- Work rights: 20 hours per week during term, full-time during holidays
- After completion, graduates may obtain up to 2 years post-study work permission in Ireland
- Suitable for ACCA candidates planning academic progression and professional exposure in Ireland
Eligible Master's Programmes & Entry Requirements
MSc in Accounting & Finance Management
Griffith College, Dublin
This programme is suitable for ACCA-qualified candidates and senior ACCA students seeking a one-year academic qualification aligned with professional accounting careers.
Who Can Apply
- ACCA-qualified students are eligible to apply.
- ACCA students who have passed at least 9 ACCA papers and have 2–3 years of relevant accounting or finance work experience may also be considered.
- Applicants must meet English language requirements as per institutional policy.
MA in Accounting and Finance
ICD Business School, Dublin
This programme is designed for ACCA students and affiliates and is academically aligned with ACCA professional studies.
Who Can Apply
- ACCA students who have successfully passed 9 ACCA exams are eligible to apply.
- Suitable for candidates who wish to continue ACCA progression alongside a master's qualification.
- English language proficiency is required in line with visa and institutional guidelines.
MSc in International Accounting & Analytics – Pathway B
University of Galway, Ireland
This programme is designed for ACCA-qualified accountants and other professional accounting members seeking a one-year master's qualification aligned with international accounting and analytics careers. Only offered in January Intake.
Who Can Apply
- ACCA-qualified students are eligible to apply.
- ACCA students who have completed all professional exams and have been admitted as a full associate member of a recognised professional accounting body may also be considered.
- Applicants must meet English language requirements as per institutional policy.
Option 2 — ACCA Final Exams Progression & 4-Year Trainee Accountant Visa Pathway
For ACCA students who have completed the first 9 ACCA exams
Pathway Overview
This option is designed for ACCA students who have completed the first 9 ACCA exams and wish to progress to the ACCA Strategic Professional (Final) level in Ireland, followed by eligibility for a 4-year trainee accountant visa pathway.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a registered ACCA student.
- Must have successfully cleared the first 9 ACCA exams (Applied Knowledge and Applied Skills).
- Must enrol with an approved ACCA tuition provider in Ireland, such as Dublin Business School (DBS), for ACCA Strategic Professional (Final) exams.
ACCA Final Exams Progression
Dublin Business School (DBS)
At Dublin Business School (DBS), ACCA students can enrol in Strategic Professional (Final) level tuition, designed specifically for candidates progressing from the first 9 ACCA papers.
Programme Includes
- Preparation for Strategic Business Leader (SBL)
- Preparation for Strategic Business Reporting (SBR)
- Support for optional Strategic Professional papers
- Structured academic support aligned with ACCA progression requirements
4-Year Trainee Accountant Visa Pathway
- After progressing through ACCA finals and meeting regulatory requirements, students may transition into a 4-year trainee accountant visa programme in Ireland.
- This pathway enables candidates to complete ACCA practical experience requirements.
- Gain supervised, structured professional training.
- Progress toward long-term professional and employment opportunities in Ireland.
Pathway Benefits
- Extended 4-year work visa in Ireland
- Complete ACCA practical experience requirements
- Gain valuable international work experience
- Enhanced career prospects in accounting and finance
Career Outcomes
- Qualify as a Chartered Certified Accountant
- Access to Irish and EU job markets
- Potential pathway to long-term residency
- International professional network
Key Benefits of ACCA Pathways in Ireland
Why choose Ireland for your ACCA progression?
Academic Advantages
- Internationally recognized qualifications
- Alignment with ACCA professional requirements
- High-quality Irish educational institutions
- English-language instruction
Professional Benefits
- Post-study work visa opportunities
- Access to Ireland's growing finance sector
- International career exposure
- Networking with global professionals
Life in Ireland
- English-speaking EU country
- High quality of life and safety
- Rich cultural heritage and welcoming society
- Gateway to European travel and opportunities
Working and Studying in Ireland
Immigration guidance for non-EEA ACCA students
For non-EEA students who are not currently living in Ireland
- ACCA receives enquiries from international students who want to come to Ireland to study for ACCA exams on a part-time basis.
- Ireland's immigration rules set requirements regarding the duration of study, academic and professional progress, course changes and work placements.
- ACCA states that Accounting Technician training in Ireland is not permitted under this immigration scheme.
- ACCA does not directly arrange immigration or relocation for individual non-EEA students. Students should check the Irish immigration authorities for the appropriate visa and immigration requirements.
For Non-EEA Students Already in Ireland
Students on Stamp 1A must renew their permission annually while completing their ACCA exams.
For renewal, ACCA indicates that students may need documents including:
- Valid passport biometric page
- IRP card
- Private medical insurance
- Employment contract
- Proof of attendance at a Platinum or Gold ACCA Approved Learning Partner
- Individual ACCA exam history transcript
Requirements for First-Time Stamp 1A Registration
Students registering for Stamp 1A for the first time may need:
- An employer letter confirming employment in a relevant accounting/finance role supervised by a qualified accountant
- Proof of ACCA student registration and any exemptions
- A college letter from a Platinum or Gold Approved Learning Partner confirming the subjects being studied
- At least one subject must involve classroom-based lectures under the Stamp 1A conditions
Academic & Professional Progress
ACCA states that non-EEA students registered as Trainee Accountants must:
- Attempt at least 4 ACCA exams per year
- Pass at least 2 exams per year
- Complete at least 2 professional training objectives per year under their training contract
Important Point for Students
The key takeaway is that ACCA itself does not guarantee or provide an Irish student visa. International students must meet Ireland's immigration requirements. For non-EEA students pursuing ACCA in Ireland, the immigration route and conditions are particularly important because the ACCA study is linked with employment, training and progress requirements.