XJTLU-ISCA partnership opens accelerated pathway to accountancy careers in Singapore

SUZHOU, China, March 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Students at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University can now fast-track towards a career in accountancy in Singapore thanks to a partnership between XJTLU's International Business School Suzhou (IBSS) and the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA).

The newly announced partnership, the ISCA's first with a university in China, provides eligible XJTLU undergraduate students with an accelerated pathway to the Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification (SCAQ).

IBSS students now enjoy exemptions for selected subjects under the SCAQ Foundation Programme, cutting the time it takes to receive their Professional Business Accountant designation, the first step in becoming a chartered accountant in Singapore. The ISCA will also award 20 scholarships to the top 5% of students every year to cover the programme fees.

Professor Jorg Bley, Dean of IBSS, said: "We're immensely proud that our BA Accounting programme has become the first in China to receive ISCA accreditation. This milestone not only underscores the global recognition of our programme's academic rigor and quality but also reflects our commitment to nurturing future-ready accounting professionals who meet international standards. At IBSS, we strive to bridge East and West by providing our students with a world-class education and opportunities to excel in a competitive global landscape. The cooperation with ISCA is a testament to our dedication to innovation, excellence, and the continuous pursuit of delivering value to our students and the broader business community."

The collaboration between ISCA and XJTLU is the first phase in a deeper and longer-term partnership. In addition, IBSS connects accounting students with major companies in China including Tencent, DBS China, PwC China, and the Singapore Nanjing Eco Hi-Tech Island, an ISCA-accredited training organisation.

To expand its presence in China, ISCA plans to launch professional services centres in 10 cities by June to promote regionalisation and the availability of professional services in sustainability, legal, and other corporate services.

Claire Qian, Chairperson of the ISCA Shanghai Chapter, said: "Our partnership with XJTLU marks a pivotal first step in our strategy to nurture and grow a robust pipeline of accounting professionals."

Since its inception, the IBSS Accounting programme has achieved leading international standards in curriculum design, teaching quality, and talent cultivation, and received multiple international professional accreditations. The partnership with ISCA will further enhance its global competitiveness, opening broader career development opportunities for students.

SOURCE Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University