Bursary opportunities for Scots accountancy and finance hopefuls

The Foundation will offer bursaries to students commencing undergraduate degrees in qualifying subjects at the University of Glasgow in the 2016-2017 academic session.

The charity said: “The bursaries will provide real benefits to students, their families, firms, business and society as a whole by widening access to the accountancy profession.”

The value of the bursaries will range from £1,000 to £2,500 per annum, dependent on household income, and will normally be made available for the duration of a student’s undergraduate degree.

The ICAS Foundation scheme includes mentor support and the possibility of a paid internship at the end of year 3.

ICAS CEO Anton Colella said: “The ICAS Foundation is providing opportunities to students who have the talent but lack the financial means to realise their ambitions in studying accountancy and finance. The foundation, which is generously supported by ICAS members and other benefactors, is widening access to the profession and we now have more than 70 students who are benefiting from its work.”

Professor Anton Muscatelli, principal and vice-chancellor of the University of Glasgow, said: “The University of Glasgow is committed to inspiring people with potential. We aim to do all we can to support young people to realise their aspirations, overcome barriers and fulfil their promise. As an economist myself, I recognise the hugely important role played by accountants and finance experts in the Scottish economy and further afield. I am therefore delighted to welcome the creation by the ICAS Foundation of new bursaries for undergraduate students of accountancy or finance from the next academic year as well as a paid internship in Year 3.”

Linda Jamieson, head of the ICAS Foundation, added: “We welcome the support of the University of Glasgow in giving young people, whatever their background, an equal chance of entering the accountancy profession. The wider positive impact on their communities cannot be underestimated.”

The bursaries will be open to applicants resident in Scotland who are accepted on to an undergraduate course at the University of Glasgow in accountancy or finance. Students must, while demonstrating ability and potential to complete an undergraduate degree, have financial or personal circumstances that might otherwise inhibit that progression.

Applications for the ICAS Foundation Bursaries can be made by downloading the bursary application from the ICAS Foundation website. The closing date for applications is May 20, 2016.