ACCA Scholarship 2025: Eligibility, Benefits & Application Guide
Published on: August 22, 2025
The Simpson Scholarship rewards talented ACCA students who have performed excellently in ACCA exams. Gifted by Muriel Simpson FCCA, the scholarship fund aims to recognise students’ hard work and dedication, and celebrate their success with ACCA.
Every year, five ACCA students are chosen to receive the scholarship who have proven themselves to be of sufficient merit and distinction in ACCA exams.
ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP
Miss Muriel Simpson FCCA died on 22 December 1977 and, in her will, left her residuary estate to ACCA to fund a Scholarship to be called the 'Simpson Scholarship'.
Miss Simpson's wishes were that the Scholarship Fund be used to fund the further education of ACCA students who have already proven themselves to be of sufficient merit and distinction in ACCA examinations.
How students benefit
The Simpson Scholarship covers the costs of ACCA subscription fees and exams for five years, or until students become ACCA members – whichever is sooner. And then, it covers the cost of their admission to ACCA membership.
As a bonus, scholarship winners will also get a set of learning materials from ACCA's Content Partners for each ACCA exam they are currently studying for.
The scholarship fund pays:
- exam fees
- annual student subscription fees
- annual affiliate subscription fees
- membership admission fee.
To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must meet the qualification criteria and submit a 1,000-word essay.
Important dates
HOW TO CHECK ELIGIBILITY
You can apply for the Simpson Scholarship if you meet the following criteria.
- You are registered as an ACCA student, and
- You have paid your fees for the year ahead, and
- You have no other fees outstanding, and
- You have completed and achieved an average of 80% or more in the Applied Knowledge and Corporate & Business Law (LW) exams of the ACCA Qualification - at your first attempt, or
- If you have exemptions from the Applied Knowledge exams, then you must have achieved 66% or more in at least two Applied Skills exams - at your first attempt.
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE ACCA SCHOLARSHIP?
If you meet the eligibility criteria for the Scholarship, then the next step is to submit your application to ACCA.
The applicant must write an essay entitled:
'How the award of a Scholarship will help me to realise my full potential'.
The judging panel select five essays as the winners that will really inspire them and where they can see that the candidate will really benefit from receiving it.
For example, the essay could include:
- How will it make a positive contribution to your career
- How will it make a positive contribution to the community in which you live
- How will it make a positive contribution to the accounting profession in your country
- How will it help with your journey to membership?
The application must be accompanied by a Scholarship submission form including two references. Full criteria for the essay and Scholarship Submission form can be found in the sections below.
Submitting your application
The application for the award can be submitted using this online form.
ACCA cannot accept any responsibility for postal applications that do not arrive before the closing date.
The Simpson Scholarship Fund (the fund) may use your personal data for the purposes of:
- application and administration of the fund
- evaluation of your eligibility for scholarship benefits
- publicising the fund if you have given such permission to ACCA
- responding to enquiries and investigating complaints
- complying with our regulatory obligations
FAQ
1. What is the ACCA Simpson Scholarship?
The Simpson Scholarship is awarded every year to 5 ACCA students globally who have demonstrated exceptional merit and distinction in their ACCA exams.
2. What does the Simpson Scholarship cover?
The scholarship fund pays:
- exam fees
- annual student subscription fees
- annual affiliate subscription fees
- membership admission fee
3. How do I apply for the Simpson Scholarship?
The candidates have to submit an application containing a 1000-word essay in an online form.
4. Can I apply if I have already completed some ACCA exams or hold exemptions?
Yes, you may still apply if you meet the eligibility criteria. ACCA reviews academic performance in completed exams as a key metric.
5. How are scholarship winners selected?
Winners are chosen based on exam performance, the quality of their submitted essay, and overall merit. A judging panel reviews applications and makes the final selection.
