Changes to the Level 7 Accountancy Professional Apprenticeship funding

What changed from 1 January 2026?

• Level 7 apprenticeships continue to be government-funded for young people aged 16-21, and under 25 for care leavers and those with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) at the start of their apprenticeship in England.

What does this mean for ICAEW apprenticeships?

• Any apprentice who started a Level 7 apprenticeship before 1 January 2026 will be fully funded through to completion.
• From 1 January 2026, levy funds can only be spent on the Level 7 apprenticeship for those under 22, or under 25 as detailed above.

Practical implications on recruitment and retention

• Level 4 students coming to the end of their studies who are planning to complete their Level 7 may need to have their timelines reviewed to start their Level 7 before turning 22, for example, by moving their End Point Assessment.
• A large number of graduates will still be eligible for funding, but those with extended routes to graduation, for example taking a gap year or studying on a four-year course, will fall outside the eligibility criteria, as they will be over 22 upon graduation. 

Alternative training routes and uses of levy funding

Apprenticeship route for students up to age 22:

• Students who start a level 7 apprenticeship before they turn 22 will continue to be funded until they complete their apprenticeship.
• Prior Learning expectations, membership requirements, the Level 7 apprenticeship and eligibility will all stay the same.

Apprenticeship route for students over age 22:

• These students will be eligible for the Level 4 apprenticeship. Funding of up to £12,000 is available for the Level 4 apprenticeship. 
• This route is suitable for those without a degree or a non-relevant degree.
• From here, students can then take their Level 4 End Point Assessment, which awards an exception for the Fundamental Case Study (FCS) exam and automatic awarding of the Business Finance Profession (BFP) designation.
• Students can then move onto the seven remaining ACA exams (Professional and Advanced Level), with the ability to privately fund, or on a Level 7 employer-funded apprenticeship route.

Non-apprenticeship options for students aged over 22, with a relevant degree:

• These students will not be eligible for the Level 4 or Level 7 apprenticeship.
• Relevant degree holders may still be eligible for exemptions, and this will be the most time efficient option.
• Students will complete all elements of the ACA including the Certificate, Professional and Advanced Level exams.

Please contact your Client Relationship Manager if you need any further information. 

Last updated: July 2026