Is it better to do CA in Sri Lanka or abroad?
If you want to work in Sri Lanka long-term, CA SL is ideal. For global mobility and higher salaries, ACCA or CPA abroad is better.
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CA Course After 12th for Sri Lankan Students – Complete 2025 Guide
Why Consider CA After 12th Commerce?
For Sri Lankan students completing their A/Ls in Commerce or Accounting streams, Chartered Accountancy (CA) remains one of the most respected and rewarding career paths. It offers a clear progression into auditing, finance, tax, and corporate roles — both locally and globally.
But here's the big question:
➡️ Should you pursue CA in Sri Lanka or explore international options?
This guide will help you compare, understand, and decide.
What is the CA Course?
The CA course is a professional qualification in accounting. In Sri Lanka, it's governed by CA Sri Lanka (Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka).
It consists of:
- 3 levels: Certificate, Business, and Corporate Level
- Practical training (3 years)
- Exams, workshops, and ethics modules
Upon completion, you become a Chartered Accountant eligible to work in auditing firms, corporations, government roles, or even start your own consultancy.
Eligibility Criteria for CA After A/Ls in Sri Lanka
To enroll in the CA course after 12th (A/L), students must meet the following:
- Completed GCE A/Ls in Commerce, Mathematics, or Accounting stream
- Good English proficiency (for course material & exams)
- No prior degree is required
Note: Even students from non-commerce streams can apply but may need a foundation program.
Duration of CA Course in Sri Lanka
| Level | Typical Duration |
| Certificate Level | 1 year |
| Business Level | 1 – 1.5 years |
| Corporate Level + Training | 1.5 – 2 years |
| Total (with training) | ~3.5 to 4 years |
CA Course Fees in Sri Lanka (2025 Estimate)
- Registration Fee: LKR 15,000 – 20,000
- Course & Exam Fees (all levels): LKR 350,000 – 450,000
- Total Estimated Cost: LKR 400,000 – 500,000
These figures may vary slightly based on exemptions, resits, or additional workshops.
Career Scope of CA in Sri Lanka
Job Titles After CA:
- Audit Associate
- Financial Analyst
- Tax Consultant
- CFO/Finance Manager
Top Employers:
- KPMG, EY, PwC, BDO
- Banks like Commercial Bank, HNB
- Multinationals and large private firms
Chartered Accountants are in high demand in Sri Lanka's public and private sectors.
But What About International Opportunities?
Here's where students are curious:
"Can I become a Chartered Accountant abroad instead?"
Yes — and in many cases, it comes with better global mobility, pay, and exposure.
Popular Alternatives to CA Sri Lanka Abroad:
| Country | Course | Governing Body |
| UK | ACCA (Global CA equivalent) | Association of Chartered Certified Accountants |
| Australia | CA or CPA | Chartered Accountants ANZ / CPA Australia |
| Canada | CPA (Chartered Professional Accountant) | CPA Canada |
| India | CA (ICAI) | Institute of Chartered Accountants of India |
These qualifications are internationally recognized and can open doors to permanent residency in some countries. For example, see can I apply for PR while studying in Canada.
Study Accounting or Commerce Abroad – A Smart Alternative
If you want both a degree and career-ready qualification, you can pursue:
- B.Com / BBA in Accounting + ACCA/CPA
- Bachelor of Accounting + Internship Pathways
- Diploma-to-degree accounting programs abroad
✅ Top destinations: Australia, UK, Canada, New Zealand
✅ Bonus: Many of these courses offer post-study work visas
✅ Scholarships available for Sri Lankan students
Want to avoid IELTS? Here's how: Study in UK without IELTS
CA vs ACCA vs CPA: Quick Comparison
| Feature | CA (SL) | ACCA (UK) | CPA (Canada/Aus) |
| Global Recognition | Medium | High | High |
| Duration | 3.5 – 4 years | 2.5 – 3 years | 3 – 4 years |
| Cost | Low | Moderate | High |
| Flexibility | Low (fixed exams) | High (modular exams) | Medium |
| Local Relevance | Very High | Medium | Medium |
Conclusion
The CA course in Sri Lanka is cost-effective, respected, and job-ready — perfect if you want a stable accounting career locally.
But if you're aiming for international exposure, a globally recognized qualification like ACCA or CPA via a study abroad program offers more flexibility, higher income potential, and immigration options.
