ICAS Foundation Programme

The ICAS Foundation Programme provides an all-encompassing range of support for students planning to (or currently) study accounting or finance at university. There are a limited number of places reserved for Heriot-Watt students as we have agreed that for a number of students Heriot-Watt and the ICAS Foundation will each pay half of the costs towards the bursary.

The ICAS Foundation aim to support academically talented young people from family backgrounds with limited resources, who wish to attend university but may not have the means to do so without additional financial support. 

Eligible students joining the programme receive an annual bursary of up to £2,500 paid in 2 equal instalments each year. This bursary is designed to help with the costs involved in studying at university and preparing for the workplace.

Mentoring Scheme

There is also a mentoring scheme which matches every student with an experienced Chartered Accountant, who can offer guidance and encouragement throughout their time at university. ICAS mentors have a wide range of relevant experience, and the mentoring scheme is designed to ensure that, as far as possible, students are matched with a mentor who can relate to their learning experience and career ambitions.

Eligibility Criteria

The ICAS Foundation bursary is only open to students who are planning to study, or who are currently studying, an accountancy or finance related degree at university (Including Actuarial-related degrees)

In addition:

• Students should be UK citizens or UK residents with leave to remain (EU / international students are not eligible to apply).
• The student’s parental, guardian or household income should be under £34,000 per year.
• They should be in receipt of government support (from the Student Awards Agency Scotland, Student Finance England or similar) to study at university.
• Students should generally not be in receipt of similar financial support from any university, trust or foundation. (This excludes the SAAS Young Student Bursary or any standard funding provided by an eligible university to all of their students.)

How to Apply

Applications open each Spring for entry in the next academic year (for instance, 1 March to 31 May 2025 for Autumn 2025 entry). Applications will only be considered outside this period in exceptional circumstances. Please see the link to the ICAS Foundation website in related links below.