Can Science or Medical Students Do ACCA? What You Need to Know

By IIC Lakshya

17 Oct 2025

Can Science or Medical Students Do ACCA? What You Need to Know

The question is, can a science student become an ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)? To know the answer to this, you have to read this article. Here, we explore the eligibility criteria for a science or a medical student to appear in an ACCA entrance exam. Additionally, you get to learn about the benefits, along with ACCA job opportunities and tips for science students.

Eligibility Criteria of a Science/ Medical Student for ACCA

In the past, most ACCA candidates had a history in finance and a business background. However, the course is open to students from diverse educational backgrounds, including those in science and medicine. The ACCA qualification can immensely help your career growth with its flexibility. It offers diverse career opportunities in consulting, auditing, accounting, and finance.

As an aspiring candidate, the ACCA eligibility requires passing a minimum of 5 subjects, including Mathematics/ Accounts and English.
You should achieve a minimum of 65% in English and Mathematics/ Accounts and 50% in other subjects.
Graduation is not compulsory, but if you have a relevant degree, it works in your favor.
As a science student, you will get Exemptions in the ACCA certification if any of your science course subjects align with the content of the 13 ACCA papers.

Can a Science or Medical Student Get Exemptions?

For a science or a medical student, it is dependent on their prior qualification. The coursework in their prior certification, which aligns with the ACCA papers, will reflect on their need for knowledge and insight. The integrity of the certification is maintained with the evaluation of the prior coursework, so that a uniform learning experience for all ACCA aspirants.

You have to calculate the ACCA exemptions by using the exemption calculator. It is made for science or medical aspirants for ACCA based on their prior qualifications. Below is a tabular format for the ACCA exemptions available for medical or science graduates.

Prior Qualification	Knowledge Level	Skill Level
B.Com	3 exemptions	1 exemption
CA Intermediate	3 exemptions	2 exemptions (audit & tax)
B.Com + CA Intermediate	3 exemptions	3 exemptions (law, audit & tax)
Qualified CMA & CA	3 exemptions	6 exemptions (law, audit, tax, financial reporting, financial management & cost accounting)
Complete MBA (Finance)	3 exemptions	-
US CPA	3 exemptions	5 exemptions

Benefits of ACCA for Science Students

There is a range of significant benefits for science students that will ensure diversity in your future career path and job opportunities. The finance and accounting industry offers a diverse range of opportunities. Let us explore these benefits in more detail below:

Transferable Skills

Most science students possess problem-solving, mathematical, and analytical skills. These skills are quite relevant in the finance and accounting fields. Therefore, when you pursue the ACCA course, you are equipped with specialized knowledge in the finance industry.

Global Recognition

The ACCA credential is well-known and globally recognized in many nations across the globe. One of the top benefits of ACCA certification is getting several job opportunities in both the domestic and international employment markets. Additionally, there are diverse industries apart from finance and accounting, such as consulting and compliance, where science students get professional opportunities.

Flexible Career Options

ACCA qualification. As a science or medical student, you can recognize the career opportunities that open up once you pursue ACCA after your science degree. There is no conventional educational and professional certification; instead, ACCA helps you create a unique resume.

As a science or medical student, you can earn a diploma in IFRS to get well-equipped for ACCA registration. You can explore a variety of professional opportunities after you have completed ACCA qualifications in risk management, financial analysis, and consulting.

Global Career Mobility

Global mobility is an important part of your career, as you can explore job opportunities in various countries. As a science student, you can explore jobs that will give you exposure to the international market, salary scope, and skills. ACCA has a great scope for your professional development on both, Indian and global scales.

Competitive Earning Potential

As an ACCA professional, you have the opportunity to enjoy competitive benefits and salaries. When a 12th pass student from any stream takes the ACCA registration and then gets the certification, they are preparing themselves for a financially rewarding career choice.

Continuous Learning

The professional development opportunities are quite effective as the ACCA certification fosters a continuous field of learning. In recent times, the finance and accounting fields have been quite advanced, with the popular ACCA certification hyping the market in India. Hence, you need to stay updated with the educational and professional skills needed.

ACCA Opportunities for Science and Medical Students

The ACCA qualification does need basic accounting knowledge; however, it is not necessary that a science or medical student pursue the accounting subject before the course. Apart from the fields of accounting and finance, there are additional industries where you can get the following job positions:

Management Accountant
Financial Analyst
Risk Manager
Financial Planner
Fintech
Investment Analyst

Tips for Science Students to Pursue ACCA

You might find difficulty when studying the ACCA course if you are a medical or science student initially. However, it depends on your commitment towards pursuing the course. Check the following tips that will guide Medical or Science students to pursue ACCA.

Mathematical Aptitude - Developing a learning approach and a unique attitude towards developing insights into mathematical concepts.

Commitment and Study Habits - you have to commit effort and time when pursuing the ACCA qualification. When it comes to Science majors, they need to put in more effort as they are initially unfamiliar.

Support Systems - As a science student, you need to access high-quality study materials, support from educational institutions and preparation classes. Of course, these resources are all approved by ACCA.

Knowledge Requirement - ACCA certification is open for anyone, be it students or working professionals, including science or medical streams. However, if you are a working professional, you need to balance work and ACCA preparation effectively.

Practice and Mock Exams - One of the most important aspects is to take mock tests and practice previous year exams. It can assist you in evaluating your progress and development as a science student in the foundational concepts.

Determination and Flexibility - for a science student pursuing the ACCA qualification, it is important for them to be determined to complete the course. Additionally, they should be flexible with their study hours and, when needed, put in extra effort.

How do Medical/ Science students complete ACCA?

With diverse backgrounds, students and working professionals can complete ACCA with comprehensive learning, put in effort, determination hard work. With high-quality resources, medical or science students are enabled to effectively perform in ACCA.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can a PCB student do ACCA?

A student from a background in Physical, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) can pursue ACCA. There are no limitations that only commerce students or students with an accounting subject in school can pursue ACCA.

How long does it take to finish ACCA?

There are 13 papers in the ACCA certification; hence, it can take from 2.5 to 3 years, whether you study full time or pass effectively.

Should I consider joining coaching if I haven’t studied accounting before ACCA?

The mentorship or coaching is highly recommended if you do not have accounting in your 12th standard. It will benefit you in the long run because you will understand the core concepts more easily, provide structured guidance and study plans. Confidence is boosted, along with clarifying any doubts you have.

How can I bridge the knowledge gap coming from a science background?

There are effective ways in which you can bridge the knowledge gap when from a science background. You should start with basic accounting tutorials on Udemy and Coursera. Additionally, you can take the “Introduction to Accounting” course before you plan to take the Applied Knowledge level of ACCA.