ICAS Foundation - ICAS Foundation Bursaries

ICAS Foundation Bursaries

You will receive a grant of bursary of up to £2,500 per year (about 2,900 EUR) towards your study costs, usually for the entire duration of your Bachelor’s degree. You will also be supported by a mentor who is an experienced chartered accountant (who will guide you and offer career advice), receive assistance in finding work placements and entry-level roles, and gain access to a professional network. The funding is provided by the ICAS Foundation, a Scottish charity that supports students studying accountancy and finance from low-income backgrounds. Once selected, your funding will usually continue for the remainder of your degree without you having to reapply each year.

Who can apply

• Field of study: You are currently studying or planning to undertake a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance at the University of Edinburgh. If you are on a combined degree programme, at least half of your course must consist of modules in Accounting or Finance.
• Nationality: You are a British citizen or are permanently resident in the United Kingdom.
• Government support: You are already receiving government study grants, for example from the ‘Student Awards Agency Scotland’ or ‘Student Finance England’.
• Household income: The income of your parents, your legal guardian or your household is less than £34,000 per year before tax.
• No double funding: You do not receive any comparable financial support from another higher education institution, a foundation or a friends’ association.
• Grades: You are maintaining a standard of performance that leads to a 2:1 honours degree. The degree may be withdrawn if you no longer meet this standard.
• First degree: You do not yet hold a university degree (there are some exceptions).

How to apply

Applications must be submitted via the online form on the ICAS Foundation website. It takes approximately 30 minutes to complete and consists of four questions, each of which must be answered in at least 200 words. The application period begins on 1 March and ends on 31 May. If you are shortlisted, you will take part in an informal interview and receive feedback within six weeks of the application deadline.

How realistic are your chances?

This funding scheme is very narrowly defined. You must be studying accountancy or finance at the University of Edinburgh, already be receiving funding from the UK Government, and have a household income below £34,000,, meaning that the pool of eligible applicants is small. If you clearly meet these criteria, your written responses are of the utmost importance, as they are the foundation’s main criterion when assessing applications. Applying early will ensure you receive more support throughout the process.