Student Finance for 1st Bachelors degree (holder of ACA professional/vocational qual)
NEED WRITTEN OPINION FROM SFE ASSESSOR (AT EARLIEST CONVENIENCE)
(there's no easy way to email SFE/SLC. Web live chat is out of action)
I understand that Dept of Education (through bodies such as SFE/SLC) as the final decision maker on determining the level where a specific qualification is ranked.
Hence I require a definitive opinion in writing to bring to the Uni's attention rather than a phone conversation about the matter, which holds no weight.
QUESTIONS:
1/ Holder of ACA qualification (in 1993), applying for 1st ever Bachelors degree (STEM/eligible, full time, 3yr) wants to know exact level of ACA (ICAEW) UK accountancy professional/vocational qualification?
2/ If eligible for student finance (tuition fee loan)?
FACTS:
- Home student. UK Citizen. Under age 60
- have A levels
- do NOT have prior Bachelors nor Masters degree
- hold ACA (ICAEW) qualification (awarded in 1993)
(UK vocational accountancy qualification).
From 1993. 32 years ago. Bear in mind back then there was no “Level X” classification, as used today.
Seems a stretch to retrospectively rank the level of a UK qualification from 32 yrs ago, in today's terms...
NOTE: ACA is NOT a degree, in legal terms. One does not need a degree to enter the ACA programme. ACA is not Higher Education(HE) per legal definition.
Please do not rely on "conventional wisdom" such as "degree equivalent" as it may not be necessarily true, in legal terms
- Prospective Bachelors degree, start 2025/2026 (BSc, STEM/eligible, Full time, 3 yr) (STEM/eligible, non ELQ-exempt)
COMMENTS:
1/ I do understand that if the prospective Bachelors degree is PART TIME (STEM/ eligible, non ELQ-exempt) I would be eligible for student finance (tuition fee loan) regardless of level of ACA qualification in relation to prospective Bachelors degree
2/ The following supports my case as prospective Bachelors degree would be my 1st higher education qualification.
ACA qualification is NOT higher education nor degree.
"You'll usually only get student finance if you're doing your first higher education qualification - even if your previous course was self-funded."
QUERIES:
Q1/ Given above facts, does prospective Bachelors degree (STEM/eligible, FULL TIME, 3 yr) count as ELQ for purposes of student finance (tuition fee loan)?
Q2/ Does SFE have a definitive list of UK qualifications (vocational or otherwise) along with their exact level as recognised in the UK?
If so, what is ACA (ICAEW - UK accountancy/vocation professional qualification) recognised level on that list?
Please do not rely on "conventional wisdom" such as "degree equivalent" in determining the level of ACA, as it may not be necessarily true, in legal terms
Q3/ Can you clarify previous advice in a thread from 'Leah SLC' & 'Graeme SFE' on 'The Student Room' forum, which supports my opinion (am eligible for Student Finance):
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7509114&page=2
"Effect of ACCA on Student finance eligibility."
Given that ACA (ICAEW) is a UK qualification comparable to level of ACCA (professional vocational qualification), the advice (from 1 yr ago) from SLC & SFE Official Reps in the thread states:
-----------------------------------------------------------------
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7509114&p=99788761 Leah SLC (Official Rep): Hi there. Professional qualifications are not considered ELQ's, therefore you would be eligible for funding to apply for an eligible course with SFE. Thanks, Leah.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7509114&p=99790152 Graeme SFE (Official Rep): You don't need to declare this on the application, that's correct - we only ask you to declare previous study at degree-level. Thanks, Graeme
-----------------------------------------------------------------
From SFE Isaac, after Senior Assessor reviewed thread: Thread: https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7043766
Post: https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7043766&p=95417087
SFE Isaac Official Rep 10 Original post by shahj242 So I can take the correct steps and not have an "after the fact" situation, how can I get a concrete answer? Just regular email/phone to SFE?
---
I've had a senior assessor review this thread. They have stated the CIMA is a vocational qualification and won't affect your entitlement and you don't need to declare that you have received the qualification when applying for finance. Thanks, Isaac
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Comments?
Q4/ Accordingly, given the confusion regarding the level of ACA (ICAEW) qualification, I wish to obtain a definitive, written opinion from a SFE Assessor. (bear in mind I gained the ACA qualification in 1993, 32 years ago when there was no Level X classification, as used today.
I do not wish to leave the final decision making to the University on whether ACA qualification counts as 'equivalent or higher' than prospective Bachelor's degree (thus applicant is not eligible for student finance/tuition fee loan).
Most importantly, SFE/DofE is the final decision-maker:
"The Department for Education (DfE) in England makes the final decision on whether a qualification, such as ACA, is an Equivalent or Lower Qualification (ELQ) and thus may affect student finance eligibility, with this decision guided by established government policy and guidelines for ELQs and student finance in England. While universities may provide initial advice, the DfE, through bodies like the Student Loans Company (SLC), is the authority that determines eligibility based on the specific rules for ELQs."
(there's no easy way to email SFE/SLC. Web live chat is out of action)
I understand that Dept of Education (through bodies such as SFE/SLC) as the final decision maker on determining the level where a specific qualification is ranked.
Hence I require a definitive opinion in writing to bring to the Uni's attention rather than a phone conversation about the matter, which holds no weight.
QUESTIONS:
1/ Holder of ACA qualification (in 1993), applying for 1st ever Bachelors degree (STEM/eligible, full time, 3yr) wants to know exact level of ACA (ICAEW) UK accountancy professional/vocational qualification?
2/ If eligible for student finance (tuition fee loan)?
FACTS:
- Home student. UK Citizen. Under age 60
- have A levels
- do NOT have prior Bachelors nor Masters degree
- hold ACA (ICAEW) qualification (awarded in 1993)
(UK vocational accountancy qualification).
From 1993. 32 years ago. Bear in mind back then there was no “Level X” classification, as used today.
Seems a stretch to retrospectively rank the level of a UK qualification from 32 yrs ago, in today's terms...
NOTE: ACA is NOT a degree, in legal terms. One does not need a degree to enter the ACA programme. ACA is not Higher Education(HE) per legal definition.
Please do not rely on "conventional wisdom" such as "degree equivalent" as it may not be necessarily true, in legal terms
- Prospective Bachelors degree, start 2025/2026 (BSc, STEM/eligible, Full time, 3 yr) (STEM/eligible, non ELQ-exempt)
COMMENTS:
1/ I do understand that if the prospective Bachelors degree is PART TIME (STEM/ eligible, non ELQ-exempt) I would be eligible for student finance (tuition fee loan) regardless of level of ACA qualification in relation to prospective Bachelors degree
2/ The following supports my case as prospective Bachelors degree would be my 1st higher education qualification.
ACA qualification is NOT higher education nor degree.
"You'll usually only get student finance if you're doing your first higher education qualification - even if your previous course was self-funded."
QUERIES:
Q1/ Given above facts, does prospective Bachelors degree (STEM/eligible, FULL TIME, 3 yr) count as ELQ for purposes of student finance (tuition fee loan)?
Q2/ Does SFE have a definitive list of UK qualifications (vocational or otherwise) along with their exact level as recognised in the UK?
If so, what is ACA (ICAEW - UK accountancy/vocation professional qualification) recognised level on that list?
Please do not rely on "conventional wisdom" such as "degree equivalent" in determining the level of ACA, as it may not be necessarily true, in legal terms
Q3/ Can you clarify previous advice in a thread from 'Leah SLC' & 'Graeme SFE' on 'The Student Room' forum, which supports my opinion (am eligible for Student Finance):
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7509114&page=2
"Effect of ACCA on Student finance eligibility."
Given that ACA (ICAEW) is a UK qualification comparable to level of ACCA (professional vocational qualification), the advice (from 1 yr ago) from SLC & SFE Official Reps in the thread states:
-----------------------------------------------------------------
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7509114&p=99788761 Leah SLC (Official Rep): Hi there. Professional qualifications are not considered ELQ's, therefore you would be eligible for funding to apply for an eligible course with SFE. Thanks, Leah.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7509114&p=99790152 Graeme SFE (Official Rep): You don't need to declare this on the application, that's correct - we only ask you to declare previous study at degree-level. Thanks, Graeme
-----------------------------------------------------------------
From SFE Isaac, after Senior Assessor reviewed thread: Thread: https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7043766
Post: https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7043766&p=95417087
SFE Isaac Official Rep 10 Original post by shahj242 So I can take the correct steps and not have an "after the fact" situation, how can I get a concrete answer? Just regular email/phone to SFE?
---
I've had a senior assessor review this thread. They have stated the CIMA is a vocational qualification and won't affect your entitlement and you don't need to declare that you have received the qualification when applying for finance. Thanks, Isaac
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Comments?
Q4/ Accordingly, given the confusion regarding the level of ACA (ICAEW) qualification, I wish to obtain a definitive, written opinion from a SFE Assessor. (bear in mind I gained the ACA qualification in 1993, 32 years ago when there was no Level X classification, as used today.
I do not wish to leave the final decision making to the University on whether ACA qualification counts as 'equivalent or higher' than prospective Bachelor's degree (thus applicant is not eligible for student finance/tuition fee loan).
Most importantly, SFE/DofE is the final decision-maker:
"The Department for Education (DfE) in England makes the final decision on whether a qualification, such as ACA, is an Equivalent or Lower Qualification (ELQ) and thus may affect student finance eligibility, with this decision guided by established government policy and guidelines for ELQs and student finance in England. While universities may provide initial advice, the DfE, through bodies like the Student Loans Company (SLC), is the authority that determines eligibility based on the specific rules for ELQs."
Reply 1
Hi tsrdud,
'Students who already hold a qualification which is equivalent to or higher in level than a Master's will not be eligible for a PGM. This includes integrated Master’s and the Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA) qualification. This applies to students whose courses were funded and self-funded.'- This is direct from guidance and policy.
ACA is level 7 which is in line with a Masters Degree level for student finance purposes.
If you wish to receive support, you would be eligible if the specific course is an exception to previous study and equal level qualification rules.
There a different categories of exceptions, dependent on whether you are applying for a full time or part time course.
Do you have an specific courses in mind (Including the name of the university)?
Thanks, Clare
'Students who already hold a qualification which is equivalent to or higher in level than a Master's will not be eligible for a PGM. This includes integrated Master’s and the Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA) qualification. This applies to students whose courses were funded and self-funded.'- This is direct from guidance and policy.
ACA is level 7 which is in line with a Masters Degree level for student finance purposes.
If you wish to receive support, you would be eligible if the specific course is an exception to previous study and equal level qualification rules.
There a different categories of exceptions, dependent on whether you are applying for a full time or part time course.
Do you have an specific courses in mind (Including the name of the university)?
Thanks, Clare
Reply 2
Sorry, I just noticed in some of your questions you have mentioned ACA and also ACCA, those are different. Can you confirm which one you have?
Thanks, Clare
Thanks, Clare
Reply 3
tsrdud
OP
2
Original post
by SFE ClareHi tsrdud,
'Students who already hold a qualification which is equivalent to or higher in level than a Master's will not be eligible for a PGM. This includes integrated Master’s and the Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA) qualification. This applies to students whose courses were funded and self-funded.'- This is direct from guidance and policy.
ACA is level 7 which is in line with a Masters Degree level for student finance purposes.
If you wish to receive support, you would be eligible if the specific course is an exception to previous study and equal level qualification rules.
There a different categories of exceptions, dependent on whether you are applying for a full time or part time course.
Do you have an specific courses in mind (Including the name of the university)?
Thanks, Clare
'Students who already hold a qualification which is equivalent to or higher in level than a Master's will not be eligible for a PGM. This includes integrated Master’s and the Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA) qualification. This applies to students whose courses were funded and self-funded.'- This is direct from guidance and policy.
ACA is level 7 which is in line with a Masters Degree level for student finance purposes.
If you wish to receive support, you would be eligible if the specific course is an exception to previous study and equal level qualification rules.
There a different categories of exceptions, dependent on whether you are applying for a full time or part time course.
Do you have an specific courses in mind (Including the name of the university)?
Thanks, Clare
Hi
UCAS code: I113
Computer Science BSc (Hons): 4 yr, PART-TIME, start Oct 2025
Institution: B24
Birkbeck College
1/ Am I eligible for Student Finance (Tuition Fee Loan) because the (PART TIME) degree is STEM/eligible - and given my circumstances?
2/ Would any Maintenance Loan be classified as Undergraduate or Postgraduate?
3/ If course start is 2026/2027 (FULL TIME), presumably I am eligible for Student Finance regardless of holding the ACA (Masters equivalent) under the new LLE rules, correct?
Reply 4
tsrdud
OP
2
Original post
by SFE ClareSorry, I just noticed in some of your questions you have mentioned ACA and also ACCA, those are different. Can you confirm which one you have?
Thanks, Clare
Thanks, Clare
I hold ACA (awarded in 1993)
ACA (UK Chartered Accountant) is broadly of a similar level to ACCA (Certified Accountant)
I mentioned the ACCA because previous advice from SLC / SFE staff on this forum were in relation to ACCA so i assumed the advice also applied to ACA
1/ Does Guidance & Policy apply to vocational qualifications from 32 yrs ago?
2/ How come in the thread links, there was no mention of Guidance?
Advice seems conflicting (substituting ACA for advice on ACCA):
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7509114&page=2
Thread: "Effect of ACCA on Student finance eligibility."
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7509114&p=99788761
Leah SLC (Official Rep): Hi there. Professional qualifications are not considered ELQ's, therefore you would be eligible for funding to apply for an eligible course with SFE. Thanks, Leah.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7509114&p=99790152
Graeme SFE (Official Rep): You don't need to declare this on the application, that's correct - we only ask you to declare previous study at degree-level. Thanks, Graeme
(edited 1 month ago)
Reply 5
Hi tsrdud,
As advised, those are both referring to ACCA which would not be taken into account as previous study however, the ACA is considered to be a level 7 qualification that would be counted.
That course is an exception to previous study rules as it is a part time computer science course therefore you would be eligible. A BA Hons is undergraduate support, therefore it would attract the Tuition Fee Loan.
Thanks, Clare
As advised, those are both referring to ACCA which would not be taken into account as previous study however, the ACA is considered to be a level 7 qualification that would be counted.
That course is an exception to previous study rules as it is a part time computer science course therefore you would be eligible. A BA Hons is undergraduate support, therefore it would attract the Tuition Fee Loan.
Thanks, Clare
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