ICAEW Foundation is particularly grateful to the family of the late Paul KK Cheng, for fully funding a 4-year scholarship with the Chinese University of Hong Kong to commence in 2024. Paul Cheng was extremely proud to represent the accountancy profession having been a longstanding member of ICAEW since 1976. The family are sponsoring this scholarship as a way of continuing his memory and to help other aspiring professionals achieve their career goals within the accountancy profession.
ICAEW Bursary recipients
Read about current and previous bursary recipients and learn about the impact the bursary has had on their studies.
Applying for an ICAEW Foundation Changing Futures Bursary
We offer a very limited number of bursaries each year and the awarding criteria is strictly applied. Our bursaries are specifically for talented but financially disadvantaged (a family income of circa £25,000 pa) school leavers who would like to study for an accountancy or finance related degree at university. We would like to assist students who specifically do not qualify for any other form of financial assistance or funding.
The application process is directly via each university and please watch out for participating universities on our website from April – October annually.
2024 Bursary programme
We are rolling out our 2024 bursary programme with the following universities for students undertaking a degree in accountancy and/or finance:
Some of our current and past bursary university partners
- Chinese University of Hong Kong
- PA College, Cyprus
- Queen Mary University of London
- The University of Lincoln
- City University
- Alliance Manchester Business School
- Birmingham City University
- London South Bank University
- University of Strathclyde
- Lancaster University
- Swansea University
- University of Gloucestershire
- University of Leicester
- Queen's University Belfast
- Aston University Manchester
- Cass Business School - City University London
- University of Glasgow
- Leeds Business School - Leeds University
- The University of Liverpool
- University of Nottingham
ICAEW Foundation in Hong Kong SAR
ICAEW Foundation in Hong Kong, our sister charity, closed in 2018 but we are continuing to provide meaningful annual bursaries to talented aspiring accountancy and finance undergraduate students in Hong Kong universities.
By offering life-changing opportunities to ambitious students who may otherwise miss out, our charity is a leading example of how the traditions and values of chartered accountants make a difference to individuals and societies everywhere.
The bursary programme
We are currently supporting a student in the Chinese University of Hong Kong for each year of their four-year degree course. Hear from our student on what the bursary has meant to them:
Entering the second year of college life, the academic pressure continues unabated. I still get overwhelmed and anxious with lots of group assignments, papers and tests. But what has improved is that I have gradually figured out the rules of college life and can better deal with various affairs. I know that even if you are extremely busy, as long as you arrange things in an orderly manner, tasks can be gradually completed. I realized that refusing to procrastinate and starting to do the tasks as soon as possible can reduce anxiety, which can be regarded as the achievement of my mentality construction.
In terms of academic achievements, this semester I focused more on my studies and for the first time surpassed myself with a GPA of over 3.3 in my sophomore year. Although it's not a major accomplishment, it's enough to motivate me to continue working hard.
In terms of extracurricular activities, this year I also participated in a business case competition with my friends. We participated in J.P. Morgan's virtual bank competition, which was more formal and challenging than any competition I had participated in before. Although we didn't win any awards, the experience taught me to view the business world with a more professional perspective, and I learned a lot about finance and the business environment. Moreover, through interacting with my teammates, we helped and encouraged each other, which gave me a sense of belonging and friendship, which are "precious treasures" I obtained.
Regarding career planning, I tried to send out resumes to apply for internships. In the process of selecting internship companies, I have gained a deeper understanding of accounting positions and the recruitment process of companies. My future plans have become clearer. Although I don't know the final result or whether I have a chance of being accepted, I still want to encourage myself for taking the first step in job-seeking.
Thank you again for the generosity from ICAEW Foundation.
How can you help?
If you would like to support our bursary programme in Hong Kong please email Trusts@icaew.com or complete the donation form.
Contact the Foundation
To discuss how you can become involved with and support ICAEW Foundation, get in touch.