17 New Best ACCA Internships for International Students in the UK 2026
ACCA Internships for International Students in the UK 2026
17+ ACCA Internship Opportunities for International Students in the UK 2026
1. PwC ACCA Graduate Development Program
Overview: 12-month structured internship program combining audit, tax, and advisory services with ACCA study support. Participants work on major client engagements while receiving comprehensive training and mentorship.
Qualifications: ACCA student status (minimum 7 papers completed), strong academic record, UK work authorization, excellent communication skills, analytical mindset.
Location: London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds (Office-based with client site visits)
Stipend Status: Paid (£24,000 annually plus study support and exam fees)
How to Apply: PwC UK Careers
Timeline: Applications open September 1, 2025, deadline November 30, 2025
2. Deloitte ACCA Audit & Assurance Internship
Overview: 10-week intensive audit experience working with FTSE 100 clients, gaining exposure to complex financial reporting, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance under ACCA-qualified supervision.
Qualifications: ACCA part-qualified status, accounting degree or equivalent, proficiency in Excel and data analytics tools, strong attention to detail, teamwork abilities.
Location: London, Edinburgh, Belfast (Client sites and office locations)
Stipend Status: Paid (£1,800 per month plus travel allowances)
How to Apply: Deloitte UK Careers
Timeline: Applications open October 1, 2025, deadline January 15, 2026
3. EY Tax Technology and Innovation Internship
Overview: 8-week placement focusing on digital tax solutions, automation in tax compliance, and fintech applications in taxation. Combines traditional ACCA tax knowledge with cutting-edge technology.
Qualifications: ACCA student with completed taxation papers, programming skills (Python/R preferred), interest in fintech, innovative mindset, Bachelor’s degree in finance or related field.
Location: London, Canary Wharf (Hybrid working available)
Stipend Status: Paid (£2,000 per month plus technology training certification)
How to Apply: EY UK Careers
Timeline: Applications open November 15, 2025, deadline February 28, 2026
4. KPMG Management Consulting for Finance Internship
Overview: 12-week consulting internship specializing in financial transformation, regulatory compliance, and business advisory services. Direct exposure to C-suite financial decision-making processes.
Qualifications: ACCA advanced level, consulting aptitude, presentation skills, strategic thinking ability, experience with financial modeling, client-facing communication skills.
Location: London, Manchester, Bristol (Client sites across UK)
Stipend Status: Paid (£2,200 per month plus performance bonuses)
How to Apply: KPMG UK Careers
Timeline: Applications open September 15, 2025, deadline December 1, 2025
5. BDO International ACCA Trainee Program
Overview: 6-month comprehensive internship covering audit, tax, and business advisory services specifically designed for ACCA students. Includes international client exposure and cross-border accounting experience.
Qualifications: ACCA student status, multilingual abilities preferred, international mindset, adaptability to diverse client needs, strong academic performance in ACCA papers.
Location: London, Birmingham (Office-based with international project opportunities)
Stipend Status: Paid (£1,600 per month plus international travel opportunities)
How to Apply: BDO UK Careers
Timeline: Applications open December 1, 2025, deadline March 15, 2026
6. Grant Thornton Corporate Finance Internship
Overview: 10-week intensive placement in corporate finance transactions including M&A, due diligence, and financial restructuring. Hands-on experience with ACCA-level financial analysis and valuation techniques.
Qualifications: ACCA student with financial reporting expertise, strong analytical skills, Excel proficiency, understanding of corporate finance principles, attention to detail.
Location: London, Leeds, Birmingham (Deal execution sites)
Stipend Status: Paid (£1,900 per month plus deal completion bonuses)
How to Apply: Grant Thornton UK Careers
Timeline: Applications open October 15, 2025, deadline January 31, 2026
7. RSM UK Tax Advisory Internship
Overview: 8-week specialized tax internship focusing on corporate tax planning, international tax structures, and regulatory compliance. Exposure to diverse client base from SMEs to multinational corporations.
Qualifications: ACCA taxation papers completed, tax law knowledge, research abilities, client service orientation, professional communication skills, detail-oriented approach.
Location: London, Manchester, Birmingham (Client advisory locations)
Stipend Status: Paid (£1,500 per month plus professional development funding)
How to Apply: RSM UK Careers
Timeline: Applications open January 1, 2026, deadline March 31, 2026
8. Mazars International Audit and Advisory Internship
Overview: 12-week program combining statutory audit, risk advisory, and business consulting services. Focus on European and international accounting standards with ACCA framework integration.
Qualifications: ACCA student status, European language skills advantageous, cross-cultural competency, audit methodology understanding, teamwork and leadership potential.
Location: London (Office and client sites across Europe)
Stipend Status: Paid (£1,700 per month plus European assignment opportunities)
How to Apply: Mazars UK Careers
Timeline: Applications open November 1, 2025, deadline February 15, 2026
9. Moore Kingston Smith ACCA Training Contract
Overview: 6-month training contract designed specifically for ACCA students, offering rotations through audit, tax, corporate finance, and business advisory departments.
Qualifications: ACCA student with minimum 5 papers passed, strong academic record, professional demeanor, client interaction capabilities, commitment to ACCA completion.
Location: London, various client locations (Office-based with client visits)
Stipend Status: Paid (£1,400 per month plus ACCA exam support)
How to Apply: Moore Kingston Smith Careers
Timeline: Applications open December 15, 2025, deadline April 1, 2026
10. Barclays Corporate Banking ACCA Finance Internship
Overview: 10-week banking internship focusing on corporate finance, credit analysis, and relationship management. Integration of ACCA financial analysis skills with banking operations.
Qualifications: ACCA student with financial management papers, banking interest, analytical skills, customer service orientation, numerical aptitude, professional presentation abilities.
Location: London, Birmingham, Manchester (Banking centers)
Stipend Status: Paid (£2,100 per month plus banking certification)
How to Apply: Barclays Careers
Timeline: Applications open October 1, 2025, deadline January 15, 2026
11. HSBC Investment Banking ACCA Finance Analyst Internship
Overview: 8-week elite investment banking internship combining ACCA financial expertise with investment analysis, mergers & acquisitions, and capital markets activities.
Qualifications: ACCA advanced student, top academic performance, financial modeling skills, investment banking interest, high-pressure environment adaptability, analytical excellence.
Location: London, Canary Wharf (Investment banking floors)
Stipend Status: Paid (£2,500 per month plus networking events)
How to Apply: HSBC Global Careers
Timeline: Applications open September 1, 2025, deadline November 15, 2025
12. Lloyds Banking Group Management Accounting Internship
Overview: 12-week management accounting placement focusing on budgeting, forecasting, performance analysis, and strategic financial planning within one of the UK’s largest banking groups.
Qualifications: ACCA management accounting papers completed, budgeting experience, Excel advanced skills, strategic thinking, banking sector interest, analytical mindset.
Location: London, Edinburgh, Bristol (Various banking locations)
Stipend Status: Paid (£1,800 per month plus banking benefits)
How to Apply: Lloyds Banking Group Careers
Timeline: Applications open November 15, 2025, deadline February 28, 2026
13. Tesco Corporate Finance and Treasury Internship
Overview: 10-week placement within Europe’s largest retailer’s finance department, covering treasury management, financial planning, and retail-specific accounting practices.
Qualifications: ACCA student with retail interest, financial analysis capabilities, treasury knowledge preferred, adaptability to fast-paced environment, commercial awareness.
Location: Hertford, Welwyn Garden City (Corporate headquarters)
Stipend Status: Paid (£1,600 per month plus retail industry insights)
How to Apply: Tesco Careers
Timeline: Applications open January 1, 2026, deadline March 31, 2026
14. BP Finance and Accounting Internship
Overview: 8-week energy sector finance internship covering commodity accounting, project finance, and sustainability reporting. Exposure to international energy markets and environmental accounting.
Qualifications: ACCA student with interest in energy sector, sustainability awareness, project finance understanding, international business acumen, analytical skills.
Location: London, Aberdeen (Energy sector locations)
Stipend Status: Paid (£2,000 per month plus energy sector certification)
How to Apply: BP Careers
Timeline: Applications open October 15, 2025, deadline January 31, 2026
15. AstraZeneca Pharmaceutical Finance Internship
Overview: 12-week pharmaceutical industry finance placement focusing on R&D accounting, regulatory finance, and healthcare economics within global pharmaceutical operations.
Qualifications: ACCA student with life sciences interest, regulatory awareness, healthcare economics understanding, analytical capabilities, attention to compliance requirements.
Location: Cambridge, London (Pharmaceutical research sites)
Stipend Status: Paid (£1,900 per month plus healthcare industry training)
How to Apply: AstraZeneca Careers
Timeline: Applications open December 1, 2025, deadline March 15, 2026
16. Financial Conduct Authority Regulatory Finance Internship
Overview: 10-week unique opportunity to work within the UK’s financial regulator, focusing on regulatory impact assessments, financial institution supervision, and policy development.
Qualifications: ACCA student with regulatory interest, law awareness, policy analysis skills, public sector motivation, ethical standards commitment, research abilities.
Location: London, Stratford (FCA offices)
Stipend Status: Paid (£1,300 per month plus regulatory expertise development)
How to Apply: FCA Careers
Timeline: Applications open November 1, 2025, deadline February 15, 2026
17. Sage Software Financial Technology Internship
Overview: 8-week fintech internship combining ACCA accounting knowledge with software development for accounting solutions. Focus on cloud-based accounting platforms and AI in finance.
Qualifications: ACCA student with technology interest, basic programming knowledge, software testing abilities, innovation mindset, user experience awareness.
Location: Newcastle, London (Software development centers)
Stipend Status: Paid (£1,750 per month plus technology training)
How to Apply: Sage Careers
Timeline: Applications open January 15, 2026, deadline April 15, 2026
Essential Application Tips for ACCA Students
Optimizing Your ACCA Credential for UK Applications
ACCA qualifications are highly valued in the UK market, but international students must effectively communicate their progress and achievements. Clearly indicate how many papers you’ve completed, your current ACCA level (Foundation, Skills, or Professional), and any exemptions received. UK employers particularly value the practical experience requirement embedded in ACCA training.
Highlight your understanding of UK GAAP, IFRS, and regulatory frameworks covered in your ACCA studies. Many employers seek candidates who can navigate both international standards and UK-specific requirements, making your global ACCA perspective a competitive advantage.
Big 4 Application Strategy
The Big 4 firms (PwC, Deloitte, EY, KPMG) are highly competitive but actively recruit ACCA students. Start applications early as these firms typically have September-December application windows for summer 2026 positions. Focus on demonstrating commercial awareness, analytical thinking, and leadership potential.
Each firm has distinct cultures and service lines. Research their recent deals, industry focus areas, and innovation initiatives. Big 4 firms recognize ACCA’s rigorous training and global standards, making ACCA-certified professionals ideal candidates for their international operations.
Technical Skills and Digital Competency
Modern ACCA internships increasingly require digital skills beyond traditional accounting knowledge. Develop proficiency in data analytics tools (Excel advanced functions, Power BI, Tableau), cloud accounting software (Sage, Xero, QuickBooks), and basic programming skills (Python, R, SQL).
Many firms are implementing AI and automation in accounting processes. Demonstrate your adaptability to technological change and understanding of how digital transformation affects the accounting profession. This technical competency combined with ACCA fundamentals makes you highly marketable.
Professional Network Development
Join ACCA UK’s student network and attend local chapter events. The ACCA Global website provides extensive networking opportunities and career resources specifically for UK-based students.
Connect with ACCA-qualified professionals on LinkedIn, particularly those working in your target companies. Many ACCA professionals are willing to provide guidance and insights into their career paths. Consider attending ACCA conferences, webinars, and industry events to build meaningful professional relationships.
Understanding Sponsorship and Visa Requirements
While studying in the UK, your student visa typically allows internship participation during holidays. However, some longer-term internships or training contracts may require sponsor license verification from employers. Research each company’s international student policies early in your application process.
Prepare documentation demonstrating your commitment to completing your ACCA qualification and understanding of UK professional requirements. Some firms prefer candidates who plan to pursue UK residency or have long-term UK career aspirations.
Interview Preparation and Assessment Centers
ACCA internship interviews often include technical accounting questions, case study analysis, and competency-based scenarios. Practice explaining complex accounting concepts clearly, as communication skills are as important as technical knowledge.
Prepare for numerical reasoning tests, logical reasoning assessments, and group exercises common in Big 4 and major corporate recruitment processes. Many firms use assessment centers to evaluate teamwork, leadership potential, and problem-solving abilities alongside technical competency.
Stay updated with current accounting standards changes, regulatory developments, and major business news affecting your target industries. Demonstrate your ongoing commitment to professional development and awareness of the evolving accounting landscape.
