12 April, 2006 - Published 19:44 GMT

Studying accountancy in UK

Accountancy students

Every year, increased number of young people from Burma come to UK to study accounting, one of the favourite subjects of choice for Burmese students.

Mi Mi and Nge Nge arrived in UK only a few months ago and now they are studying at London College of Accountancy.

There are many reasons for Burmese students to choose UK for their studies, two Burmese students told the Education Gateway programme.

To become professional accountants

Hundreds of students are pursuing accountancy in Burma and there are different paths to become an internationally recognised accountant.

Examinations conducted by British accountancy organisations such as LCCI and ACCA can be taken through the British Council in Rangoon.

For those who have completed LCCI courses can be exempted in certain levels when they apply for CAT or ACCA courses.

Accountancy certificates commonly known to Burmese students are LCCI level I to III, CAT level A, B and C, and ACCA level I to III.

Most students aim to achieve ACCA level III which is the highest among these certification exams and it is equivalent to an honours degree.

Why UK for accountancy?

For Mi Mi and Nge Nge, international experience matter the most.

Nge Nge has worked in Rangoon before she came to London and she is hoping to do an accounting-related job after her studies.

Tuition fees for ACCA courses are relatively cheaper at about $1000 for one level.

Visa to UK is usually not very difficult to be approved for students with a valid acceptance letter from an accountancy school in UK, Mi Mi said.

Unless one is very rich, he or she should not expect an easy life in London, the two students laughingly share their experiences.