Accounting Schools and Programs in Singapore

Accounting Studies in Singapore

Singapore trains accountants at three levels: university degrees, polytechnic diplomas and the national chartered accountant qualification that follows the degree. The school SpainExchange lists for this page, Insworld Institute, works one step earlier: it is a private pre-university school where Accounting is one of the A-level subjects students can take before applying to a degree.

Accountancy degrees and diplomas

The Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA), the government regulator, lists the local accountancy programmes. At university level they are:

• Nanyang Technological University (NTU): Bachelor of Accountancy
• National University of Singapore (NUS): Bachelor of Business Administration (Accountancy Specialisation)
• Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT): Bachelor of Business in Accountancy (Honours)
• Singapore Management University (SMU): Bachelor of Accountancy
• Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS): Bachelor of Accountancy

All five are among Singapore's six autonomous universities. The polytechnics offer diplomas in accountancy, and the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) offers a Higher Nitec in Accounting.

At NTU the Bachelor of Accountancy is a full-time, three-year direct honours degree run by Nanyang Business School. Besides accounting, it teaches data analytics, programming and automation. Students entering with A-levels, the IB diploma or a polytechnic diploma can apply for exemption from some core courses. NTU lists accreditation or recognition by bodies such as the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA), ICAEW, ACCA and CPA Australia.

The Singapore CA Qualification

To use the title Chartered Accountant, graduates complete the Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification (SCAQ), the national qualification. Holders of an accredited accountancy degree from a local autonomous university go straight to the Professional Programme of four technical modules and a capstone module. Others, including non-accountancy graduates and diploma holders, start with a Foundation Programme of six modules. Candidates also need three years of relevant practical experience with an Accredited Training Organisation, after which they can apply for the CA (Singapore) designation. ACRA oversees the SCAQ, and ISCA has administered it since 1 January 2024. Through reciprocal agreements with members of Chartered Accountants Worldwide, the SCAQ is recognised abroad.

Admission, fees and the Student's Pass

For UK A-level holders, NTU asks for good passes in at least four A-level subjects taken in the same sitting, and students whose schooling was not in English must show proficiency, for example IELTS with at least 6 overall.

For the 2026-27 academic year, NTU charges international students outside ASEAN S$21,800 a year for Accountancy with an MOE Tuition Grant, or S$45,600 without it; fees stay fixed for the whole degree. International students who accept the Tuition Grant must work in Singapore for three years after graduating. Anyone accepted for full-time study needs a Student's Pass from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).

Insworld Institute: A-level Accounting

Insworld Institute, founded in 2000, prepares students for Pearson Edexcel A-level and International A-level exams in English. The programme lasts 18 to 22 months in classes of 4 to 12, with main intakes in January and July, and is aimed at students aged 16 to 18 with an International GCSE or equivalent and IELTS 5.0. Students usually take three or four subjects; Accounting and Business are among them. The school states that it is regulated by the Skills and Workforce Development Agency (SWDA) through EduTrust.

Careers

According to ACRA, about 120,000 people work in accountancy in Singapore (2026). Core roles include financial and management accounting, audit and assurance, tax, treasury, risk management and financial forensics, and ACRA lists emerging roles such as ESG specialist, IT auditor and finance automation lead.

Frequently asked questions

How long is an accountancy degree in Singapore?

At NTU the Bachelor of Accountancy takes three years and gives direct honours. Becoming a Chartered Accountant then requires the SCAQ and three years of practical experience.

How much does an accountancy degree cost for international students?

At NTU in 2026-27, a non-ASEAN international student pays S$21,800 a year with the MOE Tuition Grant (with a three-year work bond) or S$45,600 without it.

Can I study accounting at Insworld Institute?

Yes, as an A-level subject. Insworld prepares students for A-levels and university entry; it does not award accountancy degrees.

Which universities teach accountancy in Singapore?

ACRA lists accountancy degrees at NTU, NUS, SIT, SMU and SUSS.