AAT Bursary: an opportunity to change lives

AAT has been changing lives for over 40 years, with our practical accounting qualifications that are in demand from employers around the world. Now we’re offering a unique opportunity to change your life too, with all your costs covered.

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 them the opportunity to change their lives.

Qualifications included in the AAT Bursary offer

AQ2016 qualifications (until 31 August 2022)

The following qualifications are available for registration until 31 August 2022 at 17.00 (UK time). Lapsed students who started but didn’t complete the qualification can reinstate or rebuy access until 30 September 2023, but should discuss this with their training provider before applying.

Accounting qualifications

Bookkeeping qualifications

Business skills qualifications

Qualifications 2022 (from 1 September 2022)

The following qualifications are available for registration from 1 September 2022.

Accounting qualifications

  • Level 2 Certificate in Accounting (SCQF Level 6)
  • Level 3 Diploma in Accounting (SCQF Level 7)
  • Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting (SCQF Level 8)

Bookkeeping qualifications

  • Level 1 Award in Bookkeeping
  • Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping
  • Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping

Business skills qualifications

  • Level 1 Award in Business Skills

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.

Applicants shortlisted will be informed by email in the week of 6 June 2022. (Applications may be asked for more information at this stage.)

The final decision will be announced on 1 July 2022. Successful and unsuccessful applicants will be informed by email. The decision of the AAT judges is final.

"The AAT Bursary gave me a second chance"

"The AAT Bursary gave me a second chance"

"Being chosen for the AAT Bursary gave me my confidence back and new hope for the future. I don’t know how to thank AAT for this opportunity to have a rewarding career."

Read Inga's story on how the AAT Bursary really has changed her 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.

The maximum amount offered per student is £5,000.

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.

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