As part of our mission to raise standards and support inclusion in the global financial markets, ICMA is offering 15 scholarships to young people interested in a career in the capital markets but who are unable to pursue a financial qualification due to their economic circumstances. The scholarships will be available to those from the following countries:
Sub-Saharan Africa: Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe
Asia Pacific: Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam
Latin America: Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay
The ICMA Scholarship Programme is delivered in partnership with the ICMA Centre, Henley Business School, University of Reading and provides an opportunity to study for one of the ICMA Diplomas, namely:
- ICMA Diploma in Debt Capital Markets
- ICMA Diploma Securities & Derivatives
- ICMA Diploma in Financial Market Operations
Since launching the programme in 2021, over 100 individuals from over 23 countries have been awarded the scholarship.
All scholarship courses are studied online over 12 months in a mix of self-study and virtual classroom formats, some of which include online exams. The ICMA Scholarship Programme will fully cover the course and examination fees for the relevant Diploma.
A good level of education (but not necessarily a university degree), interest in financial markets and proficiency in English are necessary application criteria. Candidates may be in full-time education, working in finance already or looking to move into it.
About the selection process:
- Candidates must meet the eligibility criteria;
- A panel of ICMA staff will shortlist and make the final selection;
- Selection is based on a number of factors, including academic merit, evidence of interest in financial markets, financial need, among others.
Scholarship outcomes:
- Scholarship selection will take place in the last two weeks of January 2025 and shortlisted candidates may be called in for a further interview (to be conducted virtually);
- Announcements of successful recipients will be made by 3 February 2025. If you have not heard from us by this date, then please assume that you have not been selected. We will be unable to contact unsuccessful applicants individually or provide feedback
Successful recipients must complete the programme within 12 months of commencing their first course. In addition, candidates must pass the exams for the foundation and advanced courses in order to move forward with the programme, failure to do so will invalidate the scholarship. ICMA will only cover exam fees once for each level.
View the list of 2024 recipients
View the list of 2023 recipients
View the list of 2022 recipients
View the list of 2021 recipients
