CA Course After 12th: Eligibility, Duration, Fees & Career Paths
Want to build your global career as an accountant? In this guide, we explain the different routes, popular CA courses after 12th, and the job prospects that await your choice of becoming a Chartered Accountant (CA) in the world.
Plan your CA journey after 12th — get expert guidance from AECC
What you'll learn in this article
Pursuing a CA degree after your 12th grade offers doors to a world of options in accounting, auditing, taxation, and financial management, thanks to its demanding curriculum and renowned universities.
Did you know that you can build your global accounting career without having to pursue a bachelor's or university degree? You heard correctly. With the UK's Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), which is recognised in over 180 countries, you can gain the legal authority to sign off on audits in the UK, manage corporate taxes in Dubai or even lead financial strategies in Singapore.
Navigating the transition from Class 12 Commerce stream to an international professional qualification can feel intimidating. But with the right strategy and knowledge, it can also make you a powerful and successful individual as well. In this guide, we will break down how you can become a certified chartered accountant across top destinations in the world.
Plan your CA journey after 12th — get expert guidance from AECC
What is a Chartered Accountant (CA)?
A professional accountant who has earned the Chartered Accountant credential from an approved professional accounting sector is known as a chartered accountant (CA). In many countries across the world, accounting professionals are awarded the internationally known CA qualification.
Chartered accountants (CAs) possess years of experience in a range of financial management competencies, including:
- Accounting
- Taxation
- Auditing
- Financial planning.
They advise people and companies on issues pertaining to financial management and are essential in guaranteeing the integrity and transparency of financial reporting.
CAs, or Chartered Accountants, can find employment in a variety of settings, such as corporations, government agencies, non-profit organisations, and public accounting organisations.
Interested in learning about the latest CA course details? Their fees, curriculum, internship opportunities, and job prospects? We can give you a definitive answer to your queries that are based on your interests, requirements, and qualifications.
Types of International CA Courses After 12th
As an Indian student planning to debut their global accounting career, there are several different routes that you can choose. If you are interested in learning how to become a certified chartered accountant with a legal right to work across the globe, then check out this list of the popular CA courses after 12th for Indian students wishing to study abroad.
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
Among the most accessible options for Indian CA aspirants abroad is the ACCA. To pursue this course, applicants can directly apply after completing their Class 12 board examinations. Applicants will need to prove sufficient knowledge and academic rigour in English and Mathematics to qualify.
- Exam Structure: Clear 13 exams, Ethics and Professional Skills Module and 3 Years of practical work experience.
- Exemptions:
- Students with a BCom degree are exempt from 4 foundational exams.
- A fully-qualified Indian CA with ICAI membership are exempt from 9 out of 13 exams.
Certified Public Accountants (CPA)
Offered across the USA and Canada, the US CPA is considered the gold standard for corporate accounting, while the Canadian CPA is an exceptional pathway for Indian CAs to immigrate to Canada.
- Eligibility for CPA in the USA:
- 120 US Academic Credits, equivalent to a US Bachelor's degree.
- Indian students with a B.Com and an M.Com or MBA, and an additional bridging course from a US university, can qualify for the US CPA exam.
- Exam Structure: 3 core sections, i.e. Auditing, Financial Accounting and Taxation, and 1 discipline of choice.
- Eligibility for CPA in Canada: Similar to the USA, if Indian applicants are not registered CAs with the ICAI. For Indian CAs:
- They are exempt from all CPA Professional Education Programme (PEP) modules.
- They must clear the 3-day Common Final Examination
- Take "Capstone 1 and 2' to learn the Canadian Tax and Business Law.
- Exemptions: No additional practical experience required if:
- Candidates have 2 years of work experience and a recognised university degree; or
- Candidates have 5 years of work experience with no university degree.
Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ)
The premier accountancy body for the Oceania region, CA ANZ, is the route available for Indian students.
- Eligibility Criteria: To qualify, Indian students must first earn an Australian or New Zealand Bachelor’s degree in accounting to enrol in the CA programme.
- Exemptions: Indian CAs who are qualified members of the ICAI, with a Letter of Good Standing from the ICAI and two references from the CA ANZ members can apply for the International Pathway Programme membership and be exempt from the CA course.
The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales Associate Chartered Accountant (ICAEW ACA)
Considered one of the most rigorous and elite accounting qualifications in the world, the ICAEW ACA heavily focuses on audit and corporate finance. Those graduating from high school have the opportunity to start the ACA independently; however, it can be extremely demanding. Indian students can take advantage of the MoU between ICAI and ICAEW.
- Eligibility Criteria: University graduates and high school graduates qualify for the ACA programme.
- University graduates must possess at least a Bachelor's degree equivalent to the UK Bachelor's degree.
- High school graduates must possess sufficient grades and qualifications to enrol in a UK university, which are recognised to satisfy the ACA requirements as well.
- Exam Structure: Clear 15 ACA examinations, log 3 to 5 years of practical work experience and pass the ethics module.
- Exemptions: Indian CAs registered with the ICAI will be eligible for the "Credit for Prior Learning" exemption.
- Candidates are exempt from 12 out of 15 examinations
- They will need to clear 3 advanced-level exams (Corporate Reporting, Strategic Business Management and a Case Study), and pass the ethics training and an assessment programme.
Confused about US CPA credits or the ACCA paper exemptions? Every country enforces different regulations for Indian commerce students. Why risk it on a guess? Speak with our expert study abroad specialists for a free 1-on-1 profile evaluation session. We will help you understand the exact academic credits you need and the exams you are exempt from.
How to Pursue an International CA Course After 12th?
As an international student planning to earn their global CA qualification after 12th, the processes and steps involved in earning the globally acclaimed qualifications for chartered accountancy are. Highlighted in the table below are the steps involved for some of the popular CA qualifications in the world.
| CA Qualification | Steps to Qualify |
|---|---|
| Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), The United Kingdom (UK) | Satisfy entry requirements - Complete registration and identify eligible exemptions - Pass 13 examinations - Complete online interactive module on Ethics and Professional Skills - Earn relevant 36 months of Practical Experience Requirement (PER) - Apply for ACCA membership |
| Certified Public Accountant (CPA), United States of America (USA) | Earn 120 Academic Credits through a US Bachelor's degree or equivalent - Submit your academic transcripts for official international credential evaluation - Apply to a US State Board for the Uniform CPA Examination - Pass the 4 sections of the examination within a rolling 30-month window. For License - Candidates must earn 150 credits, i.e. a full Master's programme and pass a separate state ethics exam. Additionally, a 1-year or 2,000 hours of verified work experience under a licensed US CPA is also required. |
| Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Canada | Similar to the US requirement - earn 120 academic credits - Pass the CPA preparatory courses - Clear the 3-day Common Final Examination (CFE) - Log 30 months of paid and relevant Practical Experience Requirement (PER). |
| Chartered Accountancy Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), Australia and New Zealand | Earn a Bachelor's degree equivalent to an Australian or New Zealand Bachelor's degree - Meet the English language proficiency requirement - Fulfil the required competence areas like Accounting fundamentals, Audit and Assurance, Business Law, Finance, and more - Enrol in a CA Bridge Course to complete missing subjects - Enter CA Programme, i.e. Graduate Diploma in CA with work experience - Complete 3 years of Mentored Practical Experience (MPE). |
| Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Australia | Possess a degree equivalent to the Australian Bachelor's degree - Complete foundation courses to bridge academic gaps - Become an associate member of CPA Australia after completing foundation courses - Complete CPA examinations consisting of four compulsory subjects and two electives - Log 36 months of relevant practical experience, which can be done while studying - Earn CPA desgination |
Benefits of an Indian CA Certification for Foreign Migration
While many students choose to directly apply for international chartered accountancy programmes like the ACCA, CIMA, the US, Canadian and Australian CPA, the CA ANZ and many others, securing an Indian CA certification from ICAI has its benefits as well. Some of the benefits of earning a CA qualification from India before studying for an international CA qualification.
- The Safety Net: Whether you secure the US CPA or the UK's ACCA or CIMA, having earned the Indian ICAI CA certification allows you to come back to India and still practice the traditional roles like a tax auditor. Activities like signing off on statutory audits and tax auditing require a formal ICAI CA certification.
- Exemptions through Mutual Recognition Agreements: As an ICAI member, you will have access to Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRA)and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). For example:
- In the UK, an Indian CA will not have to give 12 out of the 15 ACA examinations
- In Canada, an Indian CA is exempt from the complete, yet exhaustive, CPA Professional Education Programme (CPA PEP) modules.
- For the CA ANZ qualification, Indian CAs would just be required to submit a Letter of Good Standing from the ICAI, two reference letters from CA ANZ members and complete specific bridging modules focused on Australian and New Zealand Taxations and Corporate law.
- For CPA Australia, Indian CAs would only be required to take a select number of specialised papers like Global Strategy and Leadership.
- An extensive Global Network: Apart from the exam exemptions, an ICAI membership connects you to an immense global network and overseas chapters. The ICAI has been successful in establishing 44 Overseas Chapters and 33 Representative Offices across 77 cities in 47 countries. Such a massive network allows Indian CAs to find jobs while they prepare for the respective country's accountancy qualification.
Job Prospects for International CA After 12th
As an Indian student planning to pursue their chartered accountancy certification abroad, you have chosen one of the most lucrative career pathways in the world. The table below highlights the salary potential of every certified chartered accountant at different stages of their career in different countries.
| Country Name/Designation | Annual Entry-level Salary | Annual Mid-Level Salary | Annual Senior Level Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPA in USA | US $55,000 - $72,000 | US $85,000 - $130,000 | US $150,000 - $240,000 |
| CPA in Canada | CA $65,000 - $92,000 | CA $90,000 - $130,000 | CA $140,000 - $270,000 |
| ACA in UK | £22,000 - £60,000 | £65,000 - £92,000 | £100,000 - £200,000 |
| ACCA in UK | £26,000 - £48,000 | £45,000 - £75,000 | £60,000 - £140,000 |
| CPA / CA in Australia and New Zealand | AU $70,000 - $85,000 | AU $90,000 - $130,000 | AU $135,000 - $210,000 |
Sources: ACCA Careers, SEEK Australia, 2025 CPA Compensation Study by Leger, US Bureau of Labour Statistics
While the top financial hubs of the world are actively hiring international chartered accountants, getting there requires a flawless application. From selecting a university that aligns with US/Canadian CPA credit requirements to navigating the post-study work visa in the UK or Canada, a single mistake can derail your entire timeline by years. Partner with an AECC counsellor who will personally guide you on your journey from Class 12 to your global accounting career.
CA Courses After 12th FAQs
While many foreign CA courses require applicants to have earned a minimum of a Bachelor's degree equivalent to their respective native Bachelor's degree, qualifications like the ACCA, the Chartered Institute of Management Accountancy (CIMA), and the ICAEW CFAB (Certificate in Finance, Accountancy and Business) do not specify the same undergraduate requirement.
No, you can not pursue the US CPA after completing your Class 12 board examinations as the primary requirement for the US CPA programme is 120 academic credits, which is earned by completing a US Bachelor's degree or an equivalent international post-secondary qualification. In India, this would equate to a Bachelor's and Master's degree, preferably in Commerce.
No, a valid and recognised high school qualification in Mathematics is not a mandatory requirement to qualify for the ACCA qualification. Indian students who have successfully scored a minimum of 65% in English and Mathematics or Accountancy, and 50% in other subjects, qualify for the UK's globally acclaimed CA course after 12th.
For those pursuing the ACCA programme right after class 12, it will take a minimum of 3-4 years to complete the programme. Since applicants are required to clear 13 examinations, an Ethics and Professional Skills module and log a minimum of 3 years of practical experience, candidates will have to plan and budget for at least 3 years of international stay and expenses.
Yes, but with strict limitations. For those planning to sign statutory audit reports for Indian companies or practice as a traditional tax auditor in India, an ICAI CA qualification is required. However, the ACCA, CIMA and US CPA qualifications are highly recognised by the "Big Four" accounting firms, i.e. Deloitte, PwC, EY and KPMG and other multinational global corporations in India.
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About the Author
Published and reviewed by AECC counsellors who guide students through every step of their study-abroad journey.
Published by Bindu Mary Idicula
Test Prep, Courses and Application Expert | 20 Years Advising Students from India
Bindu Mary Idicula has spent over 20 years in international education, writing on three areas that students from India navigate across every study abroad destination: standardised tests, course selection and application documents. She covers TOEFL, SAT, ACT, OET, GRE and GMAT, writes on standalone course guides across disciplines, and covers the application documents students need including Letters of Recommendation, Statements of Purpose, academic essays and CVs.
Her articles are written around the questions Indian students consistently ask during consultations. Which test gives a student from India the best chance at a particular university. How preparation timelines work for students coming from Indian schooling systems. What a particular course looks like for Indian applicants across different countries. What makes an SOP stand out for an Indian student applying to an international institution. These are the specifics that generic guides do not address.
Her articles across the AECC platform have been read over 650,000 times. The breadth of topics she covers reflects the range of questions Indian students bring to consultations, from which exam to take first to how to write a CV that works for an international university application. She holds an MBA in Marketing and is based at AECC's Tamil Nadu offices.
