AAT Bursary now open for new applications
Have you thought about pursuing an AAT qualification but found financial barriers holding you back? The AAT Bursary might be the opportunity that makes it possible.
The AAT Bursary provides financial support for those who need it most and we’re delighted to announce that we are now open for applications to both UK and international students. The application window will be open from 9.00 (UK time) Friday 25 April to 23.59 (UK time) on Friday 23 May 2025.
If you’re interested in applying, check whether you’re eligible by reading the eligibility criteria below, and follow the link to start your application.
Why apply for an AAT Bursary?
With an AAT qualification, you can build a career you can count on and gain the practical finance skills and qualifications that are in demand by employers.
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.
The bursary offer pays for these fees
✔ The full training provider fees for your chosen AAT qualification
✔ Your one-off AAT registration fee
Qualifications included in the AAT bursary offer
Bookkeeping qualifications
How it works
Follow the three steps below which include completing and submitting an online application form. The application form requires basic personal information, details about the applicant’s financial situation, and a statement outlining their career aspirations and how the AAT qualification will help them achieve their goals.
1. Check you’re eligible
To be eligible for a bursary you must be:
- 16 years old or over
- able to study with an AAT Approved training provider and to sit assessments at an approved assessment venue
- not currently studying the course you are applying for
- able to demonstrate that you’re in genuine financial need.
2. Find a training provider
To apply for an AAT Bursary, you need to have spoken to an AAT approved training provider like Osborne Training and confirmed the costs required for your chosen qualifications. AAT will pay Osborne Training directly if successful.Studying for an AAT qualification requires you to sit assessments at an approved assessment venue. If you’re not sure if there’s one in your area, please speak to an advisor at Osborne Training.
3. Complete your application
The application window is now open and you can now submit your application.
While AAT don’t require you to upload evidence at the point of application, AAT may need to contact you for more information, including showing proof of income and expenditure, and any debts and other financial responsibilities you have.Your application will be assessed by a team of judges once the deadline closes at 23.59 (UK time) on Friday 23 May 2025. You’ll be informed of the decision within six to eight weeks of this date.
“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
Terms and conditions provided by AAT for the bursary application
- The bursary is offered to a person who is looking to study an AAT qualification and is in financial need.
- The Bursary cannot be awarded for a qualification that you are currently studying. If you are looking for funding for a current qualification, please look at our fees and funding information and/or speak to your training provider or employer.
- The bursary fees are paid directly to the training provider the applicant wants to study with.
- If awarded, the student is expected to:
- register as a student with AAT within six months of the bursary being awarded
- complete the qualification for which the bursary is awarded. 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 the student selected within the application.
- The fees covered are for the AAT registration, training provider fees and assessments only, including one set of resits if needed.
- Any sensitive and/or personal information submitted as part of an application will be kept confidential by AAT.
- If the student needs to change their training provider during their studies, they’ll need to contact AAT immediately at bursaries@aat.org.uk.
