Did you know that there are only 11 ICAEW Strategic Credits universities in the world?
This number includes three Malaysian universities: Multimedia University (MMU), which acquired the status in 2018, Universiti Malaya (UM) and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), which are the first two public universities in Malaysia to have obtained the status.
The country's international collaboration with the ICAEW amplifies the importance of accountancy in transforming socioeconomic well-being and contributing to a sustainable future. With that being said, it becomes ever important for eager learners of accounting to find the best tuition for accounting courses, such as the ACCA.
Don't stop here - let's read on to explore the top places for accounting classes in Malaysia.
Understanding the ACCA requirements for students in Malaysia
For any student in Malaysia aspiring to pursue the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants pathway, understanding the entry conditions is the first crucial step. The ACCA requirements are designed to ensure learners have the right foundation to succeed in both their studies and professional careers. By knowing what is expected in terms of qualifications, fees, and progression, you can prepare yourself more confidently and map out a clear journey towards becoming a Certified professional.
Key ACCA Requirements for Students in Malaysia
- Academic Qualifications: To begin your ACCA journey, you typically need at least two passes at A-Levels and three passes at GCSEs or equivalent. A recognised Degree in accounting or business from a local college or university may grant exemptions for certain papers. Alternatively, completing the ACCA Foundation in Accountancy (Diploma) provides a route into the main programme.
- Exemptions and Entry Routes: Students with a Commerce background, or those holding a relevant Diploma, may be eligible for exemptions in the Applied Knowledge and Skills modules. These exemptions save both years of study and costs, but all candidates must still complete the higher Strategic Professional level. Every exam passed counts towards progression and your eventual membership.
- Exam Structure and Progression: The qualification consists of 13 papers, divided into Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, and Strategic Professional modules. Students must sit mandatory exams such as Audit and Tax, which build technical expertise. As you progress, the workload requires careful time management and steady academic support from tutors or institutions.
Always check the official ACCA Global website for the latest syllabus updates, as modules and assessment methods are occasionally revised. This ensures that you are preparing with the most current information and prevents wasted effort on outdated material.
- Professional Experience Requirement: Beyond academic exams, ACCA also requires three years of relevant work experience. This ensures that becoming a member is not just about passing assessments but also about demonstrating practical skills. Most employers in Malaysia value this hands-on approach, as it proves you can apply your learning in a real-world business environment.
- Membership and Recognition: After completing the papers, exams, and professional experience, you can apply for full membership with ACCA. Becoming a Member opens global opportunities and enhances employability with respected employers across industries. For many Malaysian students, ACCA is not only a qualification but also a pathway to international recognition and long-term career growth.
- Fees and Registration: Registering with ACCA involves an initial admission fee and an annual subscription. In addition, there are separate charges for each exam entry, which vary depending on the chosen date and level. While the fees may feel like a significant investment, many members view them as worthwhile considering the career prospects that follow.
- Continuous Support and Resources: ACCA provides extensive online resources, technical guidance, and study support to help students succeed. Many local tuition providers and college partners in Malaysia also offer face-to-face or blended learning options. These networks of support are crucial, especially when preparing for complex areas like audit or advanced financial management.
For Malaysian students, understanding the ACCA requirements is not only about meeting entry conditions but also about planning a structured journey. From your first papers at the applied level to the strategic modules, every step builds your expertise while aligning with global standards. Balancing tuition, exams, experience, and fees requires determination, but with the right support, you can achieve membership and establish a respected career in accounting, auditing, or financial management.
Guidance on how to learn ACCA step by step
Preparing for a professional qualification requires more than enrolling and attending classes. It involves having a clear strategy that ensures steady progress, builds confidence, and avoids unnecessary stress. For Malaysian learners, developing a step-by-step approach can make the difference between feeling overwhelmed and achieving success in each stage.
Step 1: Assess Your Readiness
Before starting, it is important to reflect on your current strengths and areas where improvement is needed. Some students may have a strong background in numbers, while others might need to focus more on theory or written analysis. Taking time to evaluate your readiness helps in setting realistic expectations and planning the pace of your studies.
Step 2: Create a Structured Study Plan
Once you know where you stand, build a schedule that breaks the syllabus into smaller, manageable parts. A practical study plan should include time for reading, practising questions, and reviewing weak topics. By spreading the workload evenly, you reduce the chance of last-minute pressure and maintain a consistent rhythm.
| Study Mode | Recommended Weekly Study Hours | Key Advantage | Main Challenge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time Student | 25–30 hours | Faster progress through syllabus | Higher workload and intensity |
| Part-Time with Work | 12–15 hours | Balances work experience with study | Requires strong time management |
| Self-Paced Learner | 8–12 hours | Flexibility and control over schedule | Risk of slower progression |
| Intensive Revision Mode | 20–25 hours | Focused preparation before assessments | Can be mentally demanding |
Step 3: Use Quality Learning Materials
Relying on recognised textbooks, updated notes, and practice kits is crucial. High-quality resources ensure you are learning the correct material and practising in line with what will be assessed. In Malaysia, many students benefit from choosing publishers or providers officially linked to the qualification body to guarantee accuracy.
Step 4: Practise with Past Assessments
Working through previous assessments helps you understand how questions are structured and what examiners are looking for. This step builds familiarity with the format, reduces anxiety, and strengthens time management skills. Regular practice also highlights gaps that may not appear during normal study sessions.
Step 5: Seek Guidance from Experienced Tutors
Even with independent study, professional guidance is often essential. Tutors can explain difficult topics more clearly, suggest effective techniques, and provide feedback on your progress. For Malaysian learners, choosing a local tutor or centre also ensures that the teaching style and pace align with the academic environment you are familiar with.
Step 6: Balance Study with Well-Being
Studying for a professional qualification can be demanding, so managing health is part of the process. Taking breaks, exercising, and ensuring proper rest help maintain focus and prevent burnout. A balanced lifestyle often results in better concentration and long-term retention of knowledge.
Step 7: Build a Supportive Network
Learning with peers can provide motivation and accountability. Study groups or discussion circles allow you to exchange ideas, ask questions, and share resources. This sense of community can make the journey less isolating and more enjoyable, especially when preparing for challenging sections.
Step 8: Evaluate and Adjust Regularly
As you progress, review your study plan and adapt where needed. Some subjects may require more time than originally expected, while others may feel more straightforward. By evaluating and adjusting regularly, you stay flexible and ensure that no area is overlooked before the assessments arrive.
Learning a professional qualification step by step requires patience, consistency, and a thoughtful approach. By assessing readiness, following a structured plan, using trusted materials, and balancing study with personal well-being, learners can progress with clarity. The key is to treat each stage as part of a bigger picture, where small, steady steps eventually lead to professional achievement.
Are you looking for an accounting online course or other useful online resources for ACCA?
Top options on where to study ACCA in Malaysia
When considering where to study a professional accounting qualification, it is important to focus on options that are reliable and recognised. For learners, this usually means turning to institutions that operate directly under government authority, which guarantees high standards and strong credibility. Alongside these, flexible tutoring platforms can provide personalised learning opportunities to match individual study needs.
Government-Operated Study Options
- Universiti Malaya (UM): As Malaysia’s oldest public university, Universiti Malaya operates under the Ministry of Higher Education and provides a respected pathway for accounting education. While it offers degree-level programmes, students interested in professional studies can use the foundation built at UM to progress into more advanced stages of professional qualifications. The strong academic environment and research culture make it a trusted choice for those seeking a rigorous education in the field.
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM): Another prominent public institution under government management is Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Its business faculty provides structured programmes that equip students with the analytical and theoretical background necessary for professional progression. UKM’s emphasis on national development also ensures that its graduates are well-prepared to contribute to Malaysia’s economic and financial sectors.
- Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM): Universiti Putra Malaysia is a public research university that places strong emphasis on business and economics. Its academic programmes serve as a solid platform for learners who plan to pursue specialised qualifications in accountancy. Being a government institution, UPM ensures academic quality and relevance that align with the country’s workforce requirements.
- Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM): UiTM is one of the largest public universities in Malaysia and has a well-established reputation for producing skilled graduates in business and finance. With comprehensive support systems and a wide range of programmes, UiTM offers a government-backed environment for students aiming to advance towards professional qualifications. Its accessibility across different campuses in Malaysia makes it particularly attractive to students in various regions.
Quick Tips for Choosing the Right ACCA Study Path in Malaysia
| Tip | Why It Matters | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Accreditation | Ensures your qualification is recognised by employers and regulators | Check if the institution is linked to professional bodies |
| Learning Environment | Shapes your ability to focus and succeed | Campus facilities, class size, teaching style |
| Flexibility | Important for balancing study with work or personal life | Options for part-time, online, or blended study |
| Costs | Helps you plan your education budget realistically | Compare tuition fees, extra costs, and scholarships |
| Support Systems | Boosts success through guidance and resources | Access to libraries, career counselling, and mentorship |
Tutoring Option: Superprof
- Global Reach and Local Access: Superprof is a global tutoring platform with over 29 million teachers available worldwide. It has a presence in more than 50 countries, which includes a strong base in Malaysia. This ensures that learners across the nation can access high-quality tutoring support tailored to their own pace and style.
- Face-to-Face and Online Learning: The platform connects students with tutors who provide both face-to-face and online lessons. This flexibility allows Malaysian learners to choose what best fits their lifestyle, whether they prefer in-person guidance or the convenience of digital sessions. Superprof ensures that tutors are available in nearly every area, making it highly accessible.
- Transparent and Affordable Pricing: One of the notable features of Superprof is its transparency regarding lesson costs. Students can review tutor profiles and see fees clearly listed, which makes budgeting straightforward. In addition, most tutors on Superprof offer the first class for free, giving learners a risk-free opportunity to find the right match.
- Diverse and Skilled Tutors: With millions of educators available, students can connect with experienced professionals who specialise in accounting and professional qualifications. The platform’s diversity of teaching methods and subject coverage means that learners can find tutors who fit their exact needs, whether they are preparing for exams or reinforcing core knowledge.
For learners, choosing where to study a professional qualification should involve trusted institutions and effective tutoring support. Public universities such as UM, UKM, UPM, and UiTM provide strong government-backed academic foundations. Alongside these, Superprof offers a flexible, affordable, and globally connected tutoring option, ensuring students can access personalised guidance wherever they are in Malaysia. By combining the strength of government-operated institutions with the adaptability of a global tutoring platform, students can chart a well-rounded and effective learning pathway.
What are the different types of accounting?
There are many types of accounting out there. Let's see what they mean to businesses.
Financial accounting
By generating financial statements for people outside of the company, including important stakeholders such as investors, potential buyers, and auditors, financial accountants can find out more about how well the company is doing in terms of financial health or status, and profitability.
Therefore, the company must prepare its financial statements, which are done annually or via interim, for these stakeholders - this is known as financial accounting.
Financial accounting is conducted by adhering to accounting principles and standards - in Malaysia, this usually means the Malaysian Financial Reporting Standards (MFRS), which are set by the Malaysian Accounting Standards Board (MASB).
Managerial accounting
Also called business accounting, managerial accounting is similar to financial accounting because it also involves the preparation of financial statements. However, instead of helping other parties make business decisions, the performance of the company is measured to help its management make internal decisions.
Additionally, managerial accounting calls for a more frequent preparation of financial statements, which can be monthly or quarterly. The information gathered assists the company in reviewing its finances, deciding on better tactical approaches, and updating its management with these decisions.
Cost accounting
How should the company increase its margin (or profits made from the sale of products)? Should the company raise or lower its product prices? To solve these questions, cost accounting is done to analyse all the costs linked to the production of an output, which may be physical products or services.
Accountants and even analysts, business owners and managers use the cost accounting data to make decisions about business costs, so the company can decide on the cost of their products or services. Therefore, instead of money being a measurement of performance like in managerial and financial accounting, cost accounting considers cash flow to be an important economic factor in its production.
What do you know about the opportunities to become an accountant in Malaysia?
Where to learn accounting for beginners?
Where should I start if I want to study accounting in Malaysia?
Whether it's Accounting 101 or learning accounting for beginners, you can start your journey towards a career in accounting at any level. A great place to start would be through a Foundation in Accounting, which would give you the basic knowledge and beginner skills you'll need to start learning what accounting is all about.
Whether you are familiar with accounting or are still new to the subject, you can learn accounting for beginners with these institutions:
Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (TARC)
Do you want to build a solid accounting foundation and progress into a bachelor's in accountancy? TARC is known for its accountancy and commerce-based courses, including their Foundation in Accountancy. During Foundation in Accountancy, learn about subjects such as basic economic principles, management principles, business law and finance to prepare for an accounting degree.
For this one-year course, students can study accounting at the foundation level for a tuition fee of only RM9,900, which is a reasonable price compared to those of other higher education institutions. Students who have taken relevant subjects in SPM, UEC, or O-Level, with a Pass in English and Grade B in at least one mathematics subject, can apply for this Foundation in Accountancy.
INTEC Education College
What if you'd like to pursue an ACCA qualification but don't know where to start? When you study at INTEC Education College, you can take up its ACCA Foundation in Accounting (ACCA FIA), which is a fast entry route to your ACCA qualification. Designed to build knowledge of accountancy and management, ACCA FIA provides students with technical skills and knowledge at a technician level.
At a tuition fee of RM13,620, students will study this one-year course via a full-time mode of learning. Learners who are interested only need a Pass in their SPM, with a minimum of Grade C in five subjects including English and Mathematics or Additional Mathematics (or any equivalent certification approved by the Malaysian government) to qualify for the ACCA FIA.
If you’re starting in accounting, consider taking advantage of scholarships and financial aid offered by Malaysian institutions such as PTPTN (Perbadanan Tabung Pendidikan Tinggi Nasional) or internal college grants. These can ease the cost of foundation courses and help you focus on building a strong academic base.
University College of Technology Sarawak (UCTS)
Perhaps you are looking for an accounting course for beginners in East Malaysia? Located in Sibu, UCTS offers a Foundation of Arts in Accounting, teaching its students core subjects involving accounting principles, computer systems and applications, business communication and statistics.
Entry requirements include a minimum of 5Cs in SPM, including Mathematics and a Pass in English, although UCTS also considers candidates who have taken the O Level or UEC. Academic fees, inclusive of tuition, registration, and resource fees, are estimated at RM11,400 for a one-year course. You can even apply for their RM 5,000 UCTS Foundation Scholarship.
Where to study advanced accounting classes in Malaysia?
Besides taking an accounting degree in Malaysia, you can also opt for professional accounting qualifications if you are keen on becoming a professional accountant recognised both in Malaysia and overseas. Professional accounting qualifications that are globally recognised, such as the ACCA, CIMA, and CFA, are widely available in the country.
You could use these books to study for the ACCA and other accounting qualifications. Now, let's look at where to study advanced accounting classes in Malaysia:
Sunway College
If we're talking about excellence in accounting training, the Sunway TES Centre for Accountancy Excellence (Sunway TES CAE) is a great option for those looking for quality training in line with global accounting standards. Sunway TES CAE collaborates with professional accounting bodies such as the ACCA and ICAEW to provide accounting classes and financial programmes to students who want to gain these professional accreditations.
Having gained Platinum Status as an ACCA Tuition Provider, it is without a doubt that students will get the full experience of quality professional accounting training with Sunway TES CAE. Students can learn advanced accounting skills in areas such as taxation, audit and assurance, strategic business reporting, and business technology.
Kaplan Learning
Do you fancy an accounting online course? Kaplan Learning is a trusted global accountancy provider, with its main medium of instruction being online learning platforms. With over 70 years of training future accountants, this accountancy provider offers professional accounting qualifications such as ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW, and AAT.
Students can opt for a free trial of any of their professional accounting courses before subscribing to the course. Recently, Kaplan Live Online was launched as the first live online course in Malaysia for the ACCA and CIMA professional accounting qualifications.
Would you like to know about the costs to study ACCA and other accounting courses?
Are there any accounting classes near me?
Even if you are taking an accounting for beginners course or an advanced accounting online course, it may be a challenge to grasp the accounting concepts being taught or know the accurate ways to apply the practical skills of accounting.
Did you know there are accounting classes near you?
Superprof is a learning platform to connect tutors to students, which includes lessons for accounting students, just like you!
Whether you'd like to take accounting classes online or in person, Superprof has over 18,000 tutors across Malaysia and 29M+ instructors around the world, who are ready to bring accounting to your doorstep (or to your screen!). Learn how to study accounting and prepare for your ACCA exam.
You can visit our list of accounting tutors on the Superprof Private Tutors page - feel free to click on any tutor's profile. Read about any tutor's hourly rate, response time, mode of teaching (individual or group lessons), as well as personalised job descriptions that are unique to each tutor - we at Superprof are ready to help you get to know your tutor better.
Can I book a lesson with a Superprof tutor?
Absolutely! When you sign up with Superprof, you can book a lesson with no hassle. After clicking on the "Book a Lesson" button, you can introduce yourself to tell him/her about what you want to learn - this will let him/her know a little bit about yourself while communicating your learning expectations. Then, you can schedule the date for your first lesson, and leave your contact information so that your tutor can get back to you.
Easy, isn't it? Sign up with Superprof today to get your first lesson for free!
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