The OBU Certification in Bangladesh is one of the most valuable additions an ACCA student can pursue. Offered through Oxford Brookes University (OBU) in partnership with ACCA, this program allows students to earn a BSc (Hons) in Applied Accounting while completing their ACCA qualification. For accounting students in Bangladesh, it’s not just a degree, it’s an early opportunity to graduate with an internationally recognized credential that boosts both credibility and career prospects.
Let’s break down everything you need to know in 2025 about OBU Fees in Bangladesh, eligibility, the registration process, and key exam details.
1. What Is OBU Certification?
The Oxford Brookes University (OBU) BSc (Hons) in Applied Accounting is designed exclusively for ACCA students. It combines ACCA’s rigorous professional standards with OBU’s academic framework, enabling students to gain both a professional qualification and a university degree.
The program bridges practical accounting knowledge and academic research. Students who complete it demonstrate not just exam-level competence but also analytical, research, and communication skills that employers value. For Bangladeshi ACCA students, this certification opens doors to global job opportunities and can serve as a stepping stone toward postgraduate studies such as an MBA or MSc in Accounting and Finance.
2. OBU Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the OBU Degree Program in Bangladesh, students must meet a few key criteria:
ACCA Exam Requirements
You need to have completed or been exempted from the Applied Skills level ACCA papers:
- Financial Reporting (FR or F7)
- Audit and Assurance (AA or F8)
- Financial Management (FM or F9)
These are the core knowledge areas that provide the foundation for your Research and Analysis Project (RAP).
Ethics and Professional Skills Module (EPSM)
Before submitting your project, you must also complete the Ethics and Professional Skills Module (EPSM). This module helps you develop professional judgment and ethical awareness, which are crucial for your degree and your career.
Currency of Knowledge Requirement
You must submit your RAP within 10 years of your first ACCA exam pass or exemption. Alternatively, you can qualify if you have passed at least three ACCA exams within the past five years before submission. Full ACCA members in good standing also remain eligible, provided they have completed their Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Other Requirements
There’s no strict age limit, but you should have completed your academic entry requirements to ACCA and opted in for the OBU degree program before starting your Applied Skills level exams. You’ll also need to ensure your registration with ACCA and OBU is active before the submission deadlines.
3. OBU Exam and Project Details (RAP)
The OBU degree is not based on traditional written exams. Instead, students complete a Research and Analysis Project (RAP), which is a unique combination of academic research and practical analysis.
What Is the RAP?
The RAP is a 7,500-word research paper plus a 2,000-word reflective statement. You choose one of the approved topics, such as financial performance analysis, risk management, or sustainability reporting, and apply your accounting knowledge to a real organization. It’s your opportunity to demonstrate how theory connects with practice.
Submission Windows
OBU accepts RAP submissions twice a year, during May and November. Each submission window has strict deadlines for registration, mentor meetings, and uploading your project. Missing these could delay your degree by six months.
Mentor Requirement
Every student must work with a registered OBU mentor. This mentor helps you plan your research, review your progress, and ensures your project meets academic standards. You’ll need to meet your mentor at least three times during the RAP process.
Assessment Structure
The project is graded on analytical depth, presentation, referencing, and the ability to apply ACCA concepts. If your project is not passed, you can resubmit it in a later session, although extra fees may apply.
4. OBU Fees in Bangladesh 2025
While ACCA handles the academic partnership, local institutions in Bangladesh often assist students with mentoring and submission support. Here’s a breakdown of OBU Project Fees and Deadlines for 2025:
ACCA and OBU Registration Fees
- The degree registration and submission fee is paid directly to OBU through ACCA’s online portal. It is typically charged in GBP, and the exact rate can vary depending on exchange rates and OBU updates for 2025.
Local Mentorship and Project Fees
Institutions like LCBS Dhaka offer comprehensive mentorship packages for students preparing their RAP.
As of 2025, their fee structure includes:
- Admission Fee: ৳8,000
- Mentor Fee: ৳32,500 – ৳45,000 (depending on mentor experience and course support)
These fees cover mentor sessions, guidance on research, and submission assistance.
Additional Costs
You may need to account for costs related to printing, data collection, and currency conversion when paying OBU directly. Students are encouraged to budget ahead since exchange rates can affect payment deadlines.
5. OBU Registration Process 2025
If you’re ready to begin, the OBU Registration Process in 2025 is straightforward. Follow these steps:
- Opt-in for the OBU Degree while registering for your ACCA exams. You can check your status on your ACCA portal.
- Complete the required ACCA exams (FR, AA, FM) and pass all Applied Skills level papers.
- Finish the Ethics and Professional Skills Module (EPSM) — this is mandatory before RAP submission.
- Find a registered OBU mentor (for instance, through LCBS Dhaka or other approved centers).
- Select your RAP topic and start your research. Ensure it aligns with your mentor’s guidance.
- Pay your OBU fees and upload your project during the May or November submission window.
- Wait for your results, which are usually released about 10–12 weeks after submission.
6. OBU Exam Requirements and Timeline
There are no additional written exams for the OBU certification. Instead, your Research and Analysis Project acts as your final assessment. However, your ACCA exam performance directly impacts your eligibility, so your ACCA progress remains essential.
Submission Windows
- May Session: Opens in February and closes in May.
- November Session: Opens in August and closes in November.
Make sure you meet all OBU and ACCA eligibility deadlines before these dates. Delaying even one component can shift your project to the next submission window.
7. Common Challenges and Tips for Success
Pursuing the OBU Degree Program in Bangladesh is rewarding but can be demanding. Here are some practical tips:
- Plan early: Choose your topic at least two months before the submission window opens.
- Work closely with your mentor: Your mentor’s feedback is key to producing a strong RAP.
- Follow OBU guidelines: Stick to formatting and citation rules to avoid resubmission.
- Manage your time: Balancing ACCA exams and the OBU project requires discipline.
- Budget wisely: Include exchange rate fluctuations and mentor fees in your planning.
Remember, missing a submission or failing to meet eligibility requirements can delay your degree by half a year, so stay organized.
8. 2025 Updates: What’s New for Bangladesh Students
As of the 2025 update, ACCA and Oxford Brookes University have announced a few important changes:
- The final intake for the OBU BSc (Hons) in Applied Accounting will remain open through 2026, so 2025 students are still eligible.
- Submission fees have been slightly adjusted due to global inflation and GBP conversion rates.
- Local institutions in Bangladesh are offering enhanced online mentorship options to help students prepare from home.
Always check the official ACCA Global website for the latest information on fees, eligibility, and submission dates, as these details can change each academic year.
9. Why the OBU Degree Matters
For many ACCA students in Bangladesh, the OBU Certification is the first academic recognition they receive on their professional journey. It adds value to your CV, boosts your confidence, and signals to employers that you have not only technical accounting skills but also the ability to conduct independent research.
Graduates often find that holding both an ACCA qualification and an OBU degree makes them more competitive for roles in audit firms, financial institutions, and multinational corporations.
Conclusion
The OBU Certification in Bangladesh is a powerful combination of academic and professional success. Whether you aim to work locally or abroad, earning the BSc (Hons) in Applied Accounting through OBU gives you an edge that purely exam-based qualifications can’t.
So, if you’re an ACCA student, take advantage of this opportunity. Understand your OBU Eligibility Requirements, budget for your OBU Fees in Bangladesh 2025, and start preparing your Research and Analysis Project early. With the right planning and mentorship, this degree can become one of the best decisions of your accounting career.
Frequently asked questions
What if I don’t finish by May 2026?
If you haven’t submitted or passed your RAP by May 2026 (or by the final allowed submission for your region), you won’t be able to complete the OBU BSc degree via ACCA under this scheme anymore.
Can I get support or mentorship locally in Bangladesh?
Yes local ACCA-Approved Learning Partners act as mentors or arrange mentorship for the RAP. Example: LCBS Dhaka has a mentorship programme for OBU / RAP applicants in Bangladesh.
