Introduction: Why Cost Matters in Your ACCA Journey
Choosing ACCA is an exciting step toward a global career in accounting and finance.
But before diving in, most students and parents ask:
- 👉 “How much does ACCA fees cost?”
- 👉 “Is it cheaper in India or in the UAE?”
- 👉 “Will I get a good return on my investment?”
This blog breaks down the ACCA fees in India vs UAE, including registration, exam, and coaching costs — and most importantly, the ROI (Return on Investment) you can expect after becoming ACCA-qualified.
ACCA Fees Structure: What Makes Up the Cost?
- Registration Fees – one-time payment to ACCA Global.
- Annual Subscription Fees – paid every year to remain active.
- Exam Fees – for each paper at Knowledge, Skills, and Professional levels.
- Coaching Fees – optional but highly recommended for structured learning.
- Study Material – ACCA-approved books (BPP/Kaplan) and practice kits.
ACCA Fees in India (2025 Estimate)
- Registration Fee: ~₹8,000 – ₹10,000
- Annual Subscription Fee: ~₹9,000 per year
- Exam Fees:
- Applied Knowledge: ~₹8,000–₹10,000 per paper
- Applied Skills: ~₹10,000–₹12,000 per paper
- Strategic Professional: ~₹12,000–₹14,000 per paper
- Coaching Fees: ₹30,000 – ₹45,000 per level at institutes like Stride Edutech
- Study Material: ₹3,000–₹5,000 per paper
👉 Total Cost in India: ₹3.5 – ₹4.5 Lakhs (depending on exemptions & coaching model).
ACCA Fees in UAE (2025 Estimate)
- Registration Fee: ~AED 400–450 (₹9,000–10,000 equivalent)
- Annual Subscription Fee: ~AED 450 (₹10,000 equivalent)
- Exam Fees:
- Applied Knowledge: AED 350–400 (~₹8,000–9,000)
- Applied Skills: AED 450–500 (~₹10,000–11,000)
- Strategic Professional: AED 550–600 (~₹12,000–13,500)
- Coaching Fees: AED 5,000–8,000 (~₹1–1.6 Lakhs per level)
- Study Material: AED 200–300 (~₹4,500–6,000 per paper)
👉 Total Cost in UAE: ₹6 – ₹7.5 Lakhs (higher due to coaching and living costs).
ACCA ROI: India vs UAE
Here’s why students still choose ACCA despite higher fees in some regions:
Salary in India after ACCA
- Entry-level: ₹6–9 LPA
- Mid-level (3–5 years): ₹12–18 LPA
- Senior-level: ₹20–30 LPA
Salary in UAE after ACCA
- Entry-level: AED 8,000–12,000 (~₹2.0–2.5 LPA/month)
- Mid-level: AED 15,000–20,000 (~₹40–50 LPA/year)
- Senior-level: AED 25,000–35,000 (~₹70+ LPA/year)
💡 ROI is higher in the Gulf because salaries are tax-free and companies offer allowances for housing, travel, and healthcare.
Cost Comparison Table: ACCA in India vs UAE
Which Option Should You Choose?
- If you’re living in India → Cheaper to study locally, and coaching like Stride offers online support even for Gulf students.
- If you’re already in UAE/GCC → You can benefit from local coaching + placement opportunities, despite higher fees.
- Many students in the Gulf still enroll with Stride Edutech (India pricing) because it’s more affordable and time-zone-friendly.
How Stride Edutech Helps Reduce Your ACCA Cost
- Affordable Coaching Packages – lower than UAE averages.
- Online Classes for Gulf Students – study at Indian pricing with Gulf timing.
- Flexible EMI Options – so cost doesn’t become a barrier.
- Placement Support – to ensure faster ROI through internships and jobs.
💬 “I saved almost 40% by enrolling in Stride’s online classes from Dubai. Same quality, lower cost.” – Sana, ACCA Student
FAQs
Q1: Is ACCA cheaper in India than UAE?
Yes, mainly because coaching fees are significantly lower in India.
Q2: Can Gulf students enroll in Indian ACCA coaching?
Yes, institutes like Stride Edutech offer Gulf-friendly batches at Indian pricing.
Q3: What is the ROI of ACCA?
Typically, you recover your investment within 2–3 years of working in the Gulf or India.
Q4: Is ACCA worth the higher cost in UAE?
Yes, because of tax-free salaries, better allowances, and global exposure.
Conclusion
The cost of ACCA in India vs UAE varies, but the ROI is positive in both regions. India offers affordability, while the Gulf offers faster career growth and higher salaries.
With Stride Edutech, you get the best of both worlds — affordable coaching, Gulf-friendly classes, and placement support to maximize your ROI.
📲 Want to know the most affordable way to complete ACCA?
Stride Edutech offers flexible coaching for students in India & the Gulf with EMI options.
👉 Start today — Chat with us on WhatsApp or visit strideedutech.com.