AAT Bursary: an opportunity to change lives

Applications are currently closed

Applications for the bursary are only open at certain times of the year. We plan to open applications again in the spring of 2024. In the meantime, use this page to understand if you're eligible and how to apply.

Move a step closer to achieving your dreams with our AAT bursary

With AAT you can build a career you can count on and learn in a way that suits you. As well as gain the practical finance skills and qualification which is in demand by employers around the globe. AAT qualifications are globally recognised and give thousands of people the chance to start an exciting career in finance.

Have you ever dreamed of studying for an AAT qualification, but not been able to because of your financial situation?

The AAT Bursary could change all that. We’re delighted to be able to offer a bursary to financially disadvantaged people, giving you the opportunity to change your life and unlock your potential with our AAT Bursary. 

Qualifications included in the AAT Bursary offer

Q2022 accounting qualifications

Q2022 bookkeeping qualifications

How it works

The process is simple: follow the three steps below, which include completing and submitting an online application form. Your form will then be reviewed by our judging panel.

1. Check you're eligible
2. Find a training provider
3. Complete your application

1. Check you're eligible

To be eligible for a bursary you must be:

  • 16 years old or over
  • a UK resident, wanting to study in the UK
  • able to demonstrate that you're in genuine financial need.

"The AAT Bursary got me one step closer to running my own practice"

"The AAT Bursary got me one step closer to running my own practice"

“Being awarded the Bursary has helped me to reduce my debts, especially as I have relied on student loans to fund my studies so far. I’m very grateful and my advice to other students considering applying would be to go for it – you have nothing to lose.”

Read Charlie’s story on how the AAT Bursary changed his life

 

The application process

The application consists of five sections.

Your contact information

This section will cover all your contact information so we have the right details to contact you during the application process.

  • Your name
  • Your email
  • Phone
  • Address
  • AAT Approved training provider you’re planning on studying with
  • Contact name at training provider (tutor if known)
  • Email address of tutor (if known)
  • Contact number of tutor (if known)

What you'd like to study

We want to know exactly what AAT qualification you want to study.

Before you complete this, be sure to speak with an AAT Approved training provider. They'll be able to advise you on the course that’s right for you and the total cost, which you should include in this section. Your fees should include:

  • course fees
  • learning materials
  • assessment fees.

Tell us about your financial position

This section will cover your financial information. Think about including the following in your response, up to 300 words.

  • Tell us why you're in financial need, including your current financial status.
  • Show proof of income and expenditure, and any debts and other financial responsibilities you have. You can upload documents.
  • What other avenues have you explored to fund your studies?

Why you're applying for the AAT Bursary

For this section, we want to understand what's brought you here in the first place. Tell us your story. Paint a picture for the judges so they can truly understand your current situation and what the bursary would mean to you. Include information on the following in your response, up to 300 words.

  • Why do you want to study AAT?
  • Where do you want to be in five years?
  • Is there anything that might stop you completing the studies?

Closing statement

Is there anything else you'd like to tell us? In this section, please include any additional information you'd like the judges to know about you and or your situation, in up to 200 words.

Note: applications are currently closed.

We plan to open applications again in the spring of 2024.

Terms and conditions

The AAT Bursary is offered to the person who is looking to study an AAT qualification and is in financial need.

The bursary fees are paid directly to the training provider the applicant wants to study with (from the list of AAT Approved training providers).

If awarded, the student is expected to complete the course in which the bursary is awarded for. On successful completion, the student will be able to apply for funding for further levels, within the next round of bursary applications, if they still meet the criteria.

The student is not expected to pay any of the bursary money back.

The bursary fees will cover the AAT qualification(s) listed in the application only.

The fees covered are for the AAT registration, course material, tuition and assessments only.

Any sensitive and/or personal information submitted as part of an application will be kept confidential by AAT.

You agree for AAT to contact you about the bursary campaign by phone or email where necessary.

If you need to change your training provider throughout your studies, you’ll need to contact AAT immediately at bursaries@aat.org.uk 

View the full AAT Privacy Policy

View the full Bursary Privacy Policy

AAT pride ourselves on the fact that we offer a route open to everyone into a rewarding career, giving people the opportunity to change their lives, by gaining a qualification which is in demand by employers around the globe. That's why I'm delighted to say that we will be not only continuing with the AAT Bursary scheme, but expanding it, to help even more future AAT members who need it the most.
Sarah Beale, Chief Executive, AAT