Please make sure you've fully read the Programme details before applying. 

Read about the Programme

An Overview 

Prospective students apply each spring for Programme entry at their stage of study. New students are matched with a mentor for monthly meetings, and regular progress reports enable tailored support and the release of bursary payments. Career development events help prepare students for internships and graduate recruitment. In 2025, 86% of graduating students achieved a first or upper second class degree, with most going on to graduate training roles.

We take a holistic approach to student support:

• Identifying Talent: Helping ambitious students excel in their course.
• Financial Assistance: Bursaries to reduce financial pressures and cover essential study costs.
• Mentorship: Personalised support from sector professionals, usually a Chartered Accountant
• Career-Ready: Access to internships, networking opportunities, and professional guidance.

Read more about the Programme →

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Hear from our Managing Director, Sanjay Singh, on what the Programme offers and how it works.

Check you're eligible before you apply

You could be eligible if you're studying, or planning to study, an undergraduate accounting or finance degree at:

• Any Scottish university
• Partner universities in England: Lancaster University, University of Birmingham, Middlesex University (current students only), City St George's, University of London, and the University of Portsmouth
• Selected Scottish colleges: Forth Valley College, Fife College, and Glasgow Clyde College (HND Accounting Year 2 courses)

If your course isn't accountancy or finance-related, please don't apply, we're unable to consider these applications.

Not sure you're eligible? Get in touch first →

What we ask of you once you join

If you're accepted onto the Programme, you'll be expected to:

• Maintain your academic performance, staying on track for a first or upper second class degree
• Stay in regular contact with us, including completing progress reports and sharing exam results
• Actively take part in the mentoring programme

This is how we make sure our support keeps working for you throughout your degree, not just at the start.

Your Next Steps

What to expect when you apply

1. Complete the online form
Applications open each spring, on 1 March, and close 31 May. The form takes around 30 minutes, and includes four short written questions about you and your circumstances. We recommend applying early, as this means we can offer you more support throughout the process.

2. Your application is reviewed
Applications are reviewed by the ICAS Foundation Trustees and other advisors, supported by our Student Assessment Panel, which includes Foundation alumni.

3. Interview, if shortlisted
If your application progresses, you'll be invited to an informal virtual interview to discuss it in more detail.

4. Decision
We aim to let you know the outcome within 6 weeks of the closing date. Successful applicants generally receive support for their full course, there's no need to reapply each year.

Start your application

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Our Formal University Partners

The ICAS Foundation works with a number of partner universities to deliver our programme of student support. 

Are you planning to study, or currently studying, at one of the following universities? We have match funding agreements in place where the costs associated with providing a bursary for eligible students are split between the ICAS Foundation and our university partners.