Study in Ireland · Professional Pathways

ACCA Pathways in Ireland

Study and work routes for ACCA students, affiliates and qualified professionals — from one-year master’s degrees to final-exam progression and trainee accountant pathways. Planned with Student Matters counsellors.

Master's Degree OptionsWork Visa PathwaysInternational ExperienceCareer Progression

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Option 1 — Master's + PSW

Eligible Master's

Option 2 — Finals + Trainee Visa

Key Benefits

Working & Studying

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Pathway 1

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 at an Irish partner institution.
Programme duration is typically 1 year (some routes run up to 2 years).
Student work rights: up to 20 hours per week in term time, full-time in official holidays (confirm current ISD rules).
After graduation, eligible students may apply for up to 2 years of Third Level Graduate Scheme (Stamp 1G) permission.
Best fit for ACCA candidates who want an academic upgrade plus Irish professional exposure.

Eligible Master's Programmes & Entry Requirements

Indicative eligibility — always verify current entry rules with the college before you apply.

MSc in Accounting & Finance Management

Griffith College · Dublin

Suited to ACCA-qualified candidates and advanced ACCA students who want a one-year academic qualification aligned with professional accounting careers.

Who Can Apply

ACCA-qualified applicants are typically eligible to apply.
ACCA students who have passed at least 9 papers and hold 2–3 years of relevant accounting or finance experience may also be considered.
English language requirements must be met as set by the college and visa rules.

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MA in Accounting and Finance

ICD Business School · Dublin

Designed for ACCA students and affiliates, with academic alignment to ACCA professional studies so you can progress papers alongside a master's.

Who Can Apply

ACCA students who have successfully passed 9 ACCA exams are typically eligible.
Ideal if you want to continue ACCA progression while completing a master's award.
English proficiency is required under college and Irish immigration guidelines.

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MSc in International Accounting & Analytics — Pathway B

University of Galway · Galway

January intake only

Aimed at ACCA-qualified accountants and members of recognised professional accounting bodies seeking a one-year master's focused on international accounting and analytics.

Who Can Apply

ACCA-qualified applicants are typically eligible to apply.
Applicants who have completed professional exams and been admitted as full associate members of a recognised accounting body may also be considered.
English language requirements apply as per university policy.

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Pathway 2

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 route is for students who have finished Applied Knowledge and Applied Skills (first 9 exams) and want to sit Strategic Professional papers in Ireland, then move toward a structured trainee accountant visa pathway.

Eligibility Criteria

Must be a registered ACCA student.
Must have cleared the first 9 ACCA exams (Applied Knowledge + Applied Skills).
Must enrol with an approved ACCA tuition provider in Ireland — commonly Dublin Business School (DBS) — for Strategic Professional (Final) papers.

ACCA Final Exams Progression

Dublin Business School (DBS)

At DBS, ACCA students can enrol in Strategic Professional tuition built for candidates progressing from the first 9 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

View DBS ACCA on Intakes

4-Year Trainee Accountant Visa Pathway

After finals progression and meeting regulatory conditions, candidates may transition into a multi-year trainee accountant permission route in Ireland.
Supports completion of ACCA practical experience requirements under supervised training.
Builds structured Irish professional experience toward longer-term career options.

Pathway Benefits

Extended multi-year work permission pathway in Ireland
Progress ACCA practical experience requirements
International accounting work experience
Stronger career profile in accounting and finance

Career Outcomes

Qualify toward Chartered Certified Accountant status
Access to Irish and wider EU job markets
Potential longer-term residence options (case-by-case)
Professional network in Ireland’s finance sector

Key Benefits of ACCA Pathways in Ireland

Why students choose Ireland for ACCA progression with Student Matters

Academic Advantages

Internationally recognised qualifications
Alignment with ACCA professional requirements
Strong Irish colleges and universities
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
Welcoming student communities
Gateway to European travel

Working and Studying in Ireland

Immigration guidance notes for non-EEA ACCA students (verify with ISD / ACCA)

For non-EEA students not currently living in Ireland

Many international students ask about coming to Ireland to study ACCA — including part-time exam routes.
Irish immigration rules cover study duration, academic progress, course changes and work placements.
Accounting Technician training is generally not permitted under the typical non-EEA student scheme referenced for ACCA study.
ACCA does not arrange immigration for individuals. Student Matters guides your file — final visa decisions rest with Irish authorities.

For non-EEA students already in Ireland

Students on Stamp 1A typically renew permission annually while completing ACCA exams.
Keep employment, tuition attendance and exam progress evidence ready for renewals.

Documents often needed for Stamp 1A renewal

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

First-time Stamp 1A registration

Employer letter confirming a relevant accounting/finance role supervised by a qualified accountant
Proof of ACCA student registration and any exemptions
College letter from a Platinum or Gold Approved Learning Partner confirming subjects studied
At least one subject with classroom-based lectures under Stamp 1A conditions

Academic & professional progress

Non-EEA trainee accountants are typically expected to show measurable progress:

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 the training contract

Important for students

ACCA does not guarantee an Irish student visa. International students must meet Ireland’s immigration requirements. For non-EEA trainees, ACCA study is closely linked to employment, training and measurable progress — plan these with a Student Matters counsellor before you apply.

Ready to map your ACCA route?

Tell us how many papers you have passed, your work experience and preferred city. We will shortlist master’s vs finals/trainee pathways and a realistic visa timeline.

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