ACCA Internship: How Students in UAE & India Can Build Practical Skills
Introduction: Why Internships Matter in the ACCA Journey
Clearing ACCA exams is only part of the journey. To become a fully qualified ACCA member, you also need to complete the Practical Experience Requirement (PER) — 36 months of relevant work experience.
For students in India and the UAE, internships are the fastest and most effective way to gain this experience while studying. They not only help you tick off ACCA requirements but also give you the real-world skills that make you stand out in the job market.
At Stride Edutech, we constantly advise students that balancing studies with internship opportunities is the smartest way to build confidence and credibility.
What Is the ACCA PER Requirement?
To qualify as an ACCA member, you must:
- Complete 13 exams (with exemptions possible).
- Fulfill the Ethics and Professional Skills Module (EPSM).
- Complete 36 months of PER in a relevant finance/accounting role.
Internships, articleships, or full-time jobs can all count towards this PER, as long as you’re working in a finance-related role under proper supervision.
Why Internships Are Critical for ACCA Students
- Apply Theory in Practice: Move beyond books and apply IFRS, audit, and taxation concepts in real scenarios.
- Meet Employer Expectations: Gain the communication, Excel, and problem-solving skills employers in India & UAE expect.
- Faster Career Growth: Students with internships often get better entry-level packages and smoother transitions to mid-level roles.
- PER Fulfillment: Internships count towards the 36-month requirement, saving you time after exams.
ACCA Internship Opportunities in India
India has a booming demand for ACCA students, especially in metro cities like Chennai, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi.
Common Internship Roles
- Audit Assistant: Supporting statutory and internal audits.
- Tax Intern: Preparing returns, assisting with GST and corporate tax filings.
- Finance Intern: Handling MIS reports, financial analysis, and budgeting.
- Accounting Intern: Assisting in bookkeeping, reconciliations, and IFRS adoption.
Employers Hiring ACCA Interns in India
- Big Four firms: PwC, Deloitte, EY, KPMG
- Mid-tier firms and consultancies
- Indian startups scaling globally
- Shared service centers of MNCs
📌 Salary Outlook: ₹10,000 – ₹20,000 per month for internships, with higher stipends at Big Four firms.
ACCA Internship Opportunities in UAE
The Gulf is one of the most attractive destinations for ACCA students due to tax-free salaries and global exposure.
Common Internship Roles
- Finance Trainee: Working with multinational banks and corporates.
- Audit Intern: Supporting internal audits in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
- Compliance Intern: Helping firms comply with new VAT and corporate tax laws.
- Financial Analyst Intern: Assisting startups and fintech firms in projections.
Employers Hiring ACCA Interns in UAE
- Big Four offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh
- Multinational corporations in oil & gas, real estate, fintech
- Local audit firms offering PER-approved training
📌 Salary Outlook: AED 2,000 – AED 4,000 per month for internships; higher in global MNCs.
How to Find the Right Internship
- Leverage Stride’s Network: We connect students with recruiters in India & Gulf.
- Use LinkedIn & GulfTalent: Networking is crucial in the UAE.
- Approach Big Four Firms Early: Application cycles are competitive.
- Start with Mid-Tier Firms: Gain exposure faster, even if stipends are smaller.
How Stride Edutech Supports ACCA PER & Internships
- Placement Assistance: Partnered firms in Chennai and Gulf.
- Mock Interviews: Build confidence for recruiter rounds.
- PER Guidance: Step-by-step support in logging your PER correctly.
- Mentor Supervision: Get supervisors approved for PER tracking.
FAQs
Q1: Can part-qualified ACCA students get internships?
Yes. Even with 3–5 exams cleared, firms in India and UAE are open to interns.
Q2: Do internships count towards PER?
Yes, as long as they are relevant and supervised under ACCA guidelines.
Q3: Is work experience mandatory before qualifying?
Yes. Without 36 months of PER, you can’t become a full ACCA member even after clearing exams.
Q4: Can UAE internships be done remotely?
Some companies allow hybrid work, but in-person internships are more valuable for networking.
Conclusion
Internships aren’t just a formality — they are the bridge between exams and real-world success for ACCA students. Whether in India or the UAE, internships give you practical skills, global exposure, and help fulfill your PER requirement faster.
With the right guidance from Stride Edutech, you can secure internships that align with your career goals, get mentorship for PER, and move closer to your dream finance career.
🚀 Looking for ACCA internship opportunities in India or UAE?
Stride Edutech provides full support — from finding internships to guiding your PER journey.
📞 Chat with us today on WhatsApp or visit strideedutech.com.