ACCA Exam and Subscription Fees in Zimbabwe: What You Need to Budget For

For aspiring accountants in Zimbabwe, the ACCA qualification represents a golden opportunity to join a globally recognized professional network. However, one of the first questions many students ask is: how much will it cost? Understanding the full financial commitment — including registration, annual subscriptions, and exam fees — is essential to plan your ACCA journey without surprises.

In this guide, we break down the various ACCA exam and subscription fees in Zimbabwe as of 2025, and give you practical budgeting tips so you can confidently pursue your dream career in finance.

1. Initial Registration Fee

To become a part of ACCA, you must first register as a student. As of 2025, the initial registration fee for new ACCA students in Zimbabwe is approximately £89 (USD equivalent applies depending on exchange rates). This is a one-time payment and is required before you can book any exams or access learning materials.

2. Annual Subscription Fee

After registering, students are required to pay an annual subscription fee to maintain their student status. In 2025, this fee is £122 per year. Failing to pay this could result in being removed from the ACCA register, requiring re-registration and incurring additional charges.

This yearly fee ensures continuous access to ACCA resources, the myACCA portal, and eligibility to sit for exams.

3. Exam Fees (Per Paper)

ACCA consists of 13 papers, divided into three main levels: Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, and Strategic Professional. Each level has different fees:

• Applied Knowledge Exams (BT, MA, FA)

  • Standard Entry: ~£84 per paper

• Applied Skills Exams (LW, PM, TX, FR, AA, FM)

  • Standard Entry: ~£120 per paper

• Strategic Professional Exams (SBL, SBR, Options like AFM, APM, ATX, AAA)

  • Standard Entry: ~£160–£170 per paper

Late registration can cost significantly more, so always register during the early or standard entry windows.

4. Exemption Fees

If you’re eligible for exemptions (often due to prior qualifications), you’ll need to pay a fee per exemption, which is equal to the exam fee for that level. While exemptions reduce the total number of papers you need to write, they still require a financial outlay — plan accordingly.

5. Practical Experience and Ethics Module

To complete ACCA, students must complete the Ethics and Professional Skills Module (EPSM), which costs £69. While it’s a one-time fee, this module is a crucial component of the qualification and cannot be ignored.

Budget Summary (Estimated)

Here’s a rough estimate of your total expenses if you’re starting ACCA from scratch in Zimbabwe:

• Registration Fee: £89

• Annual Subscription (for 3 years avg.): £366

• Exams (13 total): £1,600+

• Ethics Module: £69

• Estimated Total: £2,100–£2,300 (not including learning materials or coaching)

How to Manage These Costs

Given the investment, many students seek cost-effective options for ACCA Coaching and exam prep. One way to manage your costs wisely is by choosing an institute that offers affordable, high-quality coaching and flexible payment plans.

Institutions like Hamzah Academy, known for their global partnerships and supportive learning environment, provide both on-campus and online ACCA Courses tailored to Zimbabwean students. Their personalized study plans and strategic exam guidance can help you pass papers on the first attempt — ultimately saving you exam retake fees.

Another great tip: take advantage of early-bird discounts and bursaries provided by ACCA or approved learning partners.

Conclusion

Planning for your ACCA fees in Zimbabwe isn’t just about paying your dues — it’s about understanding the journey and committing to it strategically. From registration to final exams, every stage has associated costs. But with proper guidance, budgeting, and support from reputable institutes like Hamzah Academy, students in Zimbabwe can successfully navigate their ACCA qualification with financial confidence.