Did you know some of the first accountants were employed around 300 BC?
The history of accounting can be traced back thousands of years. It is even said to have developed alongside writing and counting! Accounting has been linked to early civilisation in Mesopotamian times, although auditing systems appear to have been created by early Egyptians and Babylonians, while the Romans seem to be the pioneers of detailed financial information.
As history went on, so did the modernisation of accounting - what was once just simple bookkeeping has now grown to become an integral part of the economy, its laws, regulations, and ethical practices. Nowadays, even members of society who do not know basic accounting can take up accounting classes at the higher education level.
Let's explore some of the accounting essentials, accounting courses, classes, and costs.
Types of accounting courses in Malaysia
Have you already set your mind to an accounting course in Malaysia? You'll be happy to know that a variety of accounting courses are offered throughout the country, which are popular in the following three categories.
Diploma in Accounting
With a diploma in accounting, you will be equipped with the skills and competencies of a middle-level accountant, including bookkeeping, financial accounting, income tax, and reporting standards. You can provide technical support in accounting, auditing and taxation for the public and private sectors.
Colleges and universities in Malaysia offering diplomas related to accounting include:
- Tunku Abdul Rahman University College, Kuala Lumpur
- KDU University College, Shah Alam
- Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU), Kuala Lumpur
- Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), Kajang
Degree in Accounting
If you would like to become a professional accountant, getting a degree in accounting will teach you the knowledge of accounting theories and fundamentals in the field to help you succeed. A degree in accounting also opens up career opportunities in financial analysis, forensic accounting and investigation, and accounting information systems.
For accounting courses for the bachelor's level, you can check out:
- Sunway University, Subang Jaya
- HELP University, Kuala Lumpur
- Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya
- Curtin University, Miri
Professional accounting qualifications
Perhaps you would like to specialise in accounting or gain membership in the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA). In Malaysia, future accountants often develop their career through gaining the ACCA qualification, although other qualifications, such as becoming a Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) and an accountant with The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), are also available in the country.
The higher education institutions below help students earn professional accounting qualifications:
- Taylor's College, Sri Hartamas (ACCA)
- Sunway College, Ipoh (ACCA)
- KDU University College, Shah Alam (CAT)
- Tunku Abdul Rahman University College, Kuala Lumpur (CIMA)
Online resources to gear you towards gaining the ACCA qualification may be just what you need.
Understanding ACCA Exam Fees for Each Level
When you embark on your ACCA journey, it helps to know how the price varies by level—Knowledge, Skills, and Strategic Professional. Each unit has its exam entry fees in Malaysia, so planning your study path and budget becomes easier.
Fee Breakdown by Level
Here is a breakdown of current exam fees, converted into Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) using official ACCA figures and local estimates:
- Applied Knowledge (Knowledge level): Approximately RM 600 to RM 900 per unit.
- Applied Skills (Skill level): Roughly RM 900 to RM 1,200 per exam, depending on whether you study privately or with institutional support.
- Strategic Professional: Fees rise to around RM 1,500 to RM 1,800 per paper, reflecting its advanced and strategic content.
Each level builds on the previous one—not just in complexity but also in the level of learning and management costs.
Why Fees Differ by Level
- Knowledge level exams are the most affordable, focusing on essential theory and core principles.
- Skill level units demand greater depth and include topics such as audit and management techniques, reflecting the higher fee.
- Strategic Professional units require advanced skills—such as strategic management and audit planning—hence the steeper price per unit.
How to Manage Your Budget
To optimise your spend:
- Plan your study schedule to avoid late entry surcharges—these can raise the exam price noticeably.
- Consider combining self-study with selective support services rather than full tuition; this can lower your overall fees.
- Track exchange rates closely—ACCA charges are in GBP and converted to MYR, so fluctuations can affect the final cost.
Smart planning of your study and entry can make advanced units more affordable.
ACCA exam fees in Malaysia rise steadily from Knowledge to Professional levels, with a clear link to the complexity and skills required. By understanding the price structure and preparing carefully—with timely entry and a balanced blend of self-learning and guided support—you can keep your costs manageable while progressing effectively through your ACCA study. At the same time, building good habits and following practical ACCA study tips can make the journey smoother and improve your chances of success.
Understanding the ACCA Membership Fee for Students and Affiliates
If you're on your ACCA journey in Malaysia, it's important to know that keeping your status current with the professional body requires an annual subscription. Students and affiliates pay different sums and under different conditions. Understanding this helps with planning your budget clearly. Below, you’ll find a clear comparison in words and some straightforward context.
Comparison: Students vs Affiliates
Students must pay an annual subscription to keep studying and entering professional units. The standard cost is RM137 per year. But, if you're new, you pay just RM58 in your first year, giving you a helpful discount. If you forget to pay, there’s a re-registration fee of RM89 on top of any unpaid amounts to get back your status. This shows just how important it is to keep up with payments promptly.
Affiliates, those who’ve completed exams but haven’t yet become full members, face higher annual charges. For the first three years, they pay RM156 each year. After three years, the fee usually increases: affiliates must pay the full member rate of RM311 per year. If removed from the register, the cost to return is RM70, which is lower than for students but still a cost to watch.
Extended Support and Reduced Fees
Both students and affiliates may qualify for fee reductions in special circumstances. For affiliates not working or earning less than RM15,750 per year, there may be subscription assistance available. Likewise, if you’re on extended leave, for reasons such as full-time caring, long-term study, or unemployment, you may be entitled to a reduced rate. Applications are made via the secure ACCA portal, with documentation required.
Why the Fee Difference Matters
From a practical view, students enjoy lower annual charges—especially in the first year—making it easier to start learning. The jump in charges for affiliates reflects their closer proximity to full membership. After three years, seeing the subscription rise to RM311, many choose to complete their final requirements to become a full member. Many Malaysian learners may benefit by pushing toward membership rather than paying high affiliate fees for a long.
The difference in prices emphasises the importance of progressing steadily through your ACCA journey. For students in Malaysia, timely payments and a clear path to membership can save you from higher affiliate rates. If you're facing difficult circumstances, do explore reduced or extended-leave options via ACCA’s system.
ACCA Scholarship in Malaysia: Eligibility and Benefits
Securing a scholarship for ACCA study in Malaysia can greatly ease financial concerns. It gives students access to better learning opportunities and reduces study costs. Knowing what scholarships are out there and how to become eligible is key.
Local Partner Scholarships
In Malaysia, several institutions offer scholarships for ACCA programmes:
- Taylor’s College provides up to 100% tuition waiver for ACCA and ACCA Foundation in Accountancy (FIA). There is also the Excellence Award offering partial fee aid. They even partner with Yayasan Peneraju to support Bumiputera students with full scholarships.
- Methodist College Kuala Lumpur (MCKL) extends up to 100% tuition fee support to ACCA students, often based on merit. No interview is required for qualification.
- UOW Malaysia also offers up to 100% waiver for ACCA-related programmes. The scholarship is merit-based and again does not require interviews.
These scholarships typically deduct the fees directly from your study costs.
Special Institutional Scholarships
- Sunway-ACCA Global Leader Scholarship is offered through Sunway University/College. For ACCA FIA, achieving 8As in SPM or equivalent may earn full fee coverage for both tuition and exam fees for the FIA programme. For the full ACCA programme, high A-level (AAA/AAB), UEC (10 points or less), or strong STPM/Foundation results can qualify applicants for extensive benefits—such as tuition, exam fees for Applied Knowledge and Skills, initial registration, and even two years of membership subscriptions.
These offerings make studying more affordable and encourage strong performance from the get-go.
Scholarship from ACCA Global
Beyond local institutions, ACCA itself grants the prestigious Simpson Scholarship:
- Each year, five students globally are chosen based on excellence in ACCA exams.
- This scholarship covers exam fees, student and affiliate subscriptions, and the one-time admission fee to full membership. It also includes learning materials from ACCA’s content partners for all current exams.
- Applicants must submit a thoughtful 1,000-word essay explaining how the scholarship will help them contribute to their career, community, and profession. Full guidelines are on the ACCA site.
This is a highly competitive but well-supported route for outstanding performers.
Tips to Maximise Your Chances
Here are practical steps to strengthen your scholarship application:
- Achieve Strong Academic Results: For local scholarships, high SPM, STPM, UEC, A-level or equivalent grades greatly increase eligibility. Maintain these throughout your study.
- Apply Early and Follow Instructions: For institutional awards, check deadlines and complete all forms carefully. Full documentation, including result slips and sometimes an online application, is commonly needed.
- Attend Interviews if Needed: While many scholarships waive interviews, some, such as those from Genesis Origo, may require one. Be ready to discuss your goals clearly.
- Craft a Reflective Essay: For ACCA’s Simpson Scholarship, your essay should show how the scholarship will help you grow personally, academically, and professionally. Keep it honest and focused.
- Demonstrate Leadership and Extra-Mural Involvement: Some scholarships value participation in clubs, school leadership, or community efforts. Highlight these to boost your application.
- Plan for Continuation: Scholarships often require maintaining a certain grade or pass rate. Know the terms and commit from the start.
ACCA scholarships in Malaysia are available through institutions like Taylor’s, MCKL, UOW, and Sunway, as well as through ACCA’s global Simpson Scholarship. Each has its own set of criteria and benefits, but all aim to reduce financial barriers and support students committed to their studies. By focusing on strong results, timely applications, leadership, and careful planning, Malaysian applicants can significantly improve their odds. These opportunities not only help fund your education but also reinforce your dedication to becoming a chartered accountant.
Costs of Studying Accounting in Malaysia (2025)
Pursuing accounting in Malaysia can follow different routes, from diplomas and degrees to professional qualifications like ACCA. Each path comes with its own set of tuition fees, living costs, and exam charges. Knowing the approximate expenses in advance helps students and families plan realistically.
Diploma in Accounting
A diploma is often the first step after SPM. In Malaysia, tuition fees typically range between RM 20,000 and RM 32,000, depending on the university. For example, UNITEN charges around RM 28,800 for its diploma programme, with extra costs for registration, medical cover, and accommodation. Private institutions such as MMU and UNISEL offer similar programmes starting from RM 19,745 upwards.
Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting
A degree is the most popular choice for students aiming for professional recognition. Tuition at public universities, like USM, is relatively affordable at about RM 22,000 for the first year, with living expenses averaging RM 1,260 annually. Private universities vary: City University charges roughly RM 46,000 for four years, while Mahsa University lists fees near RM 79,370, though scholarships may lower this. UTAR and UCSI provide mid-range options, starting around RM 36,000 for the full programme.
Professional Pathway: ACCA
Many students pursue the CAT and ACCA route, either alongside or after their degree. Tuition fees for this pathway range from RM 50,000 to RM 60,000, covering both the classroom teaching and professional exam charges. The official ACCA fees include an initial registration (about RM 534), exemption charges (around RM 516), exam papers (up to RM 900 each), and an annual subscription of RM 804. Costs can differ based on whether you study full-time with a provider or mix tuition with self-study.
Planning for Expenses
When calculating study costs, it’s important to budget for accommodation, food, and transport. In urban centres like Kuala Lumpur, monthly living expenses can add RM 1,200 to RM 1,800 on top of tuition. Students choosing public universities or applying for scholarships may find the overall cost more manageable. Those targeting ACCA should factor in not just tuition but also exam retakes and professional subscriptions, which are compulsory for membership.
Making the Right Choice
The cost of accounting education in Malaysia reflects the level of qualification, university choice, and study location. Diplomas are the most affordable entry, while private degrees and professional certifications demand larger investments. However, scholarships, financial aid, and the potential career return make these costs worthwhile for students serious about building a career in accountancy.
| Qualification / Level | Estimated Cost (2025, MYR) |
|---|---|
| Diploma in Accounting | RM 19,745 – RM 31,800 |
| Bachelor (City University) | RM 46,000 |
| Bachelor (Mahsa) | RM 79,370 (approx. RM 66,000 after aid) |
| Bachelor (UTAR) | RM 36,350 – RM 43,680 |
| Bachelor (UCSI) | RM 16,340 – RM 19,750 per year |
| Bachelor (USM) | RM 22,000 (tuition) + RM 1,260 living (1st year) |
| Bachelor (UniKL) | RM 67,600 total |
| CAT + ACCA Tuition (est.) | RM 50,000 – RM 60,000 |
| ACCA fees detail (reg/exam) | ~RM 2,754 + tuition |
How many accounting classes are there?
What types of accounting classes can I study?
Most accounting courses will require that you study a set of compulsory subjects, especially in the first year of your degree. Classes related to financial accounting, laws in business, investment, finance, marketing, economics, and management principles are no exception.
For a better look at the syllabus for your accounting classes, here is the program structure of a 3-year Degree in Bachelor of Accounting with KDU University College (excluding MPU subjects). The subjects with asterisks represent ACCA qualification papers:
| Year of Study | Accounting Subjects |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | Business Law Company Law Financial Accounting Management Accounting 1 Principles of Economics Principles of Finance Principles of Management Quantitative Methods Oral Communication Writing & Referencing |
| Year 2 | Auditing Accounting Information System Financial Reporting 1 & 2 Management Accounting 2 Financial Management Introduction to Taxation Intermediate Taxation Principles of Marketing |
| Year 3 | Governance, Risk & Ethics* Advanced Audit & Assurance* Advanced Taxation* Business Analysis* Corporate Reporting 1 & 2* Public Sector Accounting Research Methodology Internship |
Here are some books to help you get ready for the ACCA qualification papers.
Where to find an accounting coach in Malaysia?
Are you looking for an accounting coach in Malaysia? Someone who can guide you through the theories and concepts of accounting? You may be on the lookout for the best accounting tutor in Malaysia.
What are the qualities of a good tutor?
We at Superprof believe that a good tutor is someone dedicated and passionate about teaching. A great tutor is someone who has proven successful learning outcomes time and time again. The Superprof Private Tutors page is a platform that connects experienced tutors to students, even if that tutor is an accounting coach!
Look for tutors offering accounting classes in Malaysia and get an immediate link to our Super Tutors, Experienced Tutors, and Superprof Ambassadors! You can find an accounting coach who suits your needs by visiting a tutor's profile. Let the tutor tell you about themselves and their teaching experience, or read about what others have to say about the tutor.
Booking a lesson in accounting is super simple, at an average price of only RM36! When you sign up with Superprof, you can contact any tutor of your choice to let them know you are interested. Tell the tutor whether you'd like to have your class in-person or online, or if you'd like a group class over a one-on-one session.
No time for a lesson during the weekdays? No worries! You can suggest a date and time suitable for you to have a lesson with your accounting coach - the first lesson, kami belanja!
Are business accounting and financial accounting the same?
What is financial accounting?
When we talk about financial accounting, we are talking about a form of accounting that is required by law. This involves adhering to standards that accountants need to apply when generating financial statements.
Malaysia practises the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) for financial accounting, allowing regulators, investors, and tax authorities to have a consistent basis for reviewing the financial records of businesses and companies.
What about business accounting?
Also called managerial accounting, financial statements are created to serve business needs rather than meet regulatory accounting standards. Business accounting is not mandatory, and it is usually the larger companies that incorporate it into their business models.
By also making future projections and modelling activities, business accounting helps a company's management team make important business decisions and evaluate the company's performance.
And the difference?
Thus, although both these types of accounting generally involve the preparation of financial statements, business accounting looks towards supporting a business in making informed decisions, whereas financial accounting serves the general purpose of helping external parties evaluate the performance of the business.
Would you like to know more about the opportunities and prerequisites to become an accountant in Malaysia?
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