phd on accounting scholarship

AICPA scholarships can support your accounting education

Hundreds of scholarships are given each year.

The AICPA has supported accounting students for more than 130 years. One of the ways we do this is through our scholarship program, which offers educational funding for accounting college students aspiring CPA licensure and for CPAs pursuing accounting doctoral studies. The AICPA Foundation awards more than $1 million in scholarships, grants and fellowships to hundreds of students each year, with recipients receiving on average $5,000 towards their education.

College students : If you’re currently enrolled in an accounting program, check out the National Scholarship Search page for more information on the scholarships below, as well as additional opportunities offered by state CPA societies, National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) chapters and other not-for-profits. We also encourage you to contact your state CPA societies and school financial aid offices for other potential sources of financial assistance.

And be sure to visit ThisWayToCPA.com to learn more about the CPA profession and join the AICPA for free as a Student Affiliate Member . Member-exclusive benefits include scholarship opportunities and competitions, special discounts on AICPA resources, and access to professional and career-building content through newsletters, webinars, Exam tips, and more to help you along your journey to becoming a CPA.

AICPA Foundation Fellowship for Accounting Doctoral Students

The Fellowship seeks to support CPAs with recent accounting experience who want to serve as role models and mentors to young people in the academic environment.

Multiple $15,000 fellowships will be awarded to CPAs starting or already pursuing a full-time accounting Ph.D. or DBA degree at an AACSB-accredited accounting/business school who demonstrate significant potential to become accounting educators. The fellowship may be renewable for up to three consecutive years from the initial award. Current fellows must provide proof of enrollment and program progress for award renewal. Priority will be given to applicants of diverse ethnic backgrounds and underrepresented ethnic minorities in the accounting profession.

Amount: $15,000

Learn more and apply for the AICPA Foundation Fellowship for Accounting Doctoral Students

PCPS George Willie Ethnically Diverse Student Scholarship & Internship

Available to ethnically diverse undergraduate (5th year) or graduate accounting students who are pursuing CPA licensure.

Amount: Up to $10,000

Learn more and apply for the PCPS George Willie Ethnically Diverse Student Scholarship & Internship .

AICPA Scholarship for Minority Accounting Students

The AICPA Minority Scholarship Award program provides awards to outstanding undergraduate and graduate minority students who plan to pursue the CPA licensure.

Amount: Up to $10,000/year

Learn more and apply for the AICPA Scholarship for Minority Accounting Students .

AICPA Scholarship for Future CPAs

The AICPA Foundation Scholarship for Future CPAs provides financial assistance to accounting majors who plan to become CPAs.

Learn more and apply for the AICPA Scholarship for Future CPAs .

AICPA Two-year Transfer Scholarship Award

The Two-year Transfer Scholarship Award provides financial assistance to students looking to transfer from a two-year college to a four-year institution to complete their degree in accounting or an accounting-related field.

Amount: $5,000/year

Learn more and apply for the AICPA Two-year Transfer Scholarship .

AICPA Foundation CPA Exam Scholarship

The CPA Exam Scholarship assists students and CPA candidates with some of the costs they may have incurred while taking the CPA Exam.

Amount: Up to $1,000

Learn more and apply for the AICPA Foundation CPA Exam .

AICPA Accounting Scholars Leadership Workshop

The ASLW program is an all-expenses-paid annual interactive event where minority students strengthen their professional skills and understanding of the benefits of earning the CPA credential.

Amount: N/A

Learn more and apply for the AICPA Accounting Scholars Leadership Workshop .

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24 Accounting Scholarships To Apply For Now!

What is the one thing nearly every business and company around the world have in common? They all deal with money! As a result, they all need the expert services of professional accountants. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that by 2029 there will be 1.5 million accountants and auditors working in the US. 

Job prospects are strong, but those with the best academic credentials may have more opportunities. That’s why we’ve put together a list of accounting scholarships that can help cover the costs of tuition, so you can focus on your studies instead of your bills!

Scholarship Tips For College Students

Accountants are in such demand that several private organizations sponsor scholarships that help students get trained to enter the workforce. But that doesn’t mean they give free money to just anyone. So before we get to our list, let’s review some essential tips to give you an edge over the competition when applying for an accounting scholarship!

Start Early

Once you’ve chosen your major and school, it’s time to get cracking on those scholarship applications. There’s no reason to wait, and the earlier you start, the more opportunities you’ll discover! If you see a scholarship you’re interested in, but the application window has not yet opened, just make a note of it and come back later.  

Save Time By Screening For Eligibility 

The first thing you should do when reviewing scholarship listings is to determine your eligibility. There’s no reason to read through lengthy passages explaining the history and purpose of a scholarship if you don’t qualify to begin with. Feel free to skip ahead to the eligibility requirements. 

Be Mindful Of Deadlines

After finding the eligibility details, the next bit of info to hunt for is the application deadline. It’s helpful to create a tracker listing all the scholarships you intend to apply for, then filtering the results by due dates. Stay organized so you won’t miss out on any opportunities. 

Write A Persuasive Essay 

Organizations that sponsor scholarships want to give their money to the best candidates. It’s your job to persuade them you are such a candidate! Meeting minimum eligibility requirements isn’t enough. Research their mission and values; figure out what might excite their application review board. Put yourself in their shoes and write an application that makes them say, “Wow!” 

Edit, Edit, Edit! 

Nobody wants to get an application riddled with errors and typos. Make sure to carefully proofread your materials before submitting them. If you have to input text into an online form, draft your text in a document first. Edit until it’s perfect, then cut and paste the info into the online form. Give it one more look to make sure you didn’t miss any words or letters. 

Take Note Of How Scholarships Impact Other Financial Aid

Financial aid is designed to help students who need assistance to pay for college (which is the majority of students!). Be aware that any scholarships you win can impact your financial need calculations. We strongly recommend talking to your school’s financial aid office to discuss how funding sources might affect each other. 

24 Scholarships for Accounting Students

Aicpa foundation two-year transfer scholarship award.

Accounting students who plan to transfer from a two-year to a four-year institution may be eligible for AICPA’s Two-Year Transfer Scholarship. Worth $5,000+, this award requires students to possess a 3.0 GPA or higher and be AICPA Student Affiliate members. Funds are sent to the financial aid office of the awardee’s school. The application window will open in December.  

AICPA Scholarship Award for Minority Accounting Students

The AICPA Scholarship Award for Minority Accounting Students pays between $3,000 – $5,000 to ethnic minority undergraduate or graduate students studying accounting or a related subject. Applicants must have finished 30 semester hours, have a 3.0 GPA or better, and be enrolled full time. The application window will open in December. 

AlixPartners/UNCF Scholarship

In partnership with the UNCF, AlixPartners provides up to $5,000 to college juniors majoring in accounting, business , finance , or other listed subjects. Applicants must be Black US citizens or permanent residents with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA, attending a UNCF member institution. Applications are due July 3, 2023.  

ASCPA Educational Foundation Scholarship

The ASCPA Educational Foundation Scholarship gives out $2,500+ to accounting students in Alabama. Applicants must be members or obtain membership at the time of applying for the scholarship. They must also have a “B” average on any completed accounting classes and have at least a year remaining in college. This application will open in February so mark your calendars!  

AWSCPA Scholarship Award

The AWSCPA Scholarship Award, part of AICPA’s Legacy Scholars program, provides $5,000+ non-renewable scholarships to “outstanding women undergraduate or graduate students majoring in accounting or an accounting-related field” who have finished 30 semester hours and intend to pursue licensure. The application window will open in December. 

CMA Scholarship

The Institute of Management Accountants offers a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) scholarship that allows students to take the CMA program for free. Applicants should be high-achieving students at an accredited college and must be nominated by a professor. The window to apply runs from September 1 – June 30. 

Crush The CPA Exam Scholarship

Crush The CPA Exam is a website offering CPA students an online study course, as well as a scholarship! An applicant must be an “actively enrolled college student in the last semester of obtaining your accounting degree or a recent graduate with a final cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher who plans on taking the CPA Exam.” Award amounts and submission due dates may vary, so it’s best to check the site for updates. 

Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting

The Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting gives scholarships to undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate female students majoring in accounting. Each scholarship opportunity has a unique set of eligibility criteria and differing application due dates, so please check their website for full details and current deadlines. 

Excellence in Accounting Scholarship

The South Dakota CPA Society sponsors generous $10,000 accounting scholarships for students who’ve completed 90 credit hours by April 1st. The primary scholarship programs are Accounting Excellence, focused on students engaged in activities and displaying leadership; and Accounting Opportunity, aimed at students with financial needs who’ve shown academic achievement. Applications are due April 30, 2024.  

Finance and Accounting Undergraduate Scholarship

The American Society of Women Accountants sponsors an Undergraduate Scholarship that awards various amounts to “support the costs of attending 3rd, 4th, or 5th year when pursuing an accounting or finance degree.” Applications are due April 1, and should include transcripts, a financial need analysis, a personal essay, resume, and endorsement form.

Greater Washington Society of CPAs Scholarship

The Greater Washington Society of CPAs offers awards of $3,000 – $5,000 to students attending accredited accounting programs at schools near the White House. Applicants must be rising seniors for undergrad awards or starting their graduate program if applying for a graduate award. The deadline to apply is in April.

Gregory T. O’Gorman, CPA, Memorial Scholarship

Sponsored by the Educational Foundation of the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants, the Gregory T. O’Gorman, CPA, Memorial Scholarship gives $5,000+ to students who have a financial need and demonstrated academic excellence. Applicants must also intend to work as a CPA within Massachusetts. This scholarship is closed for the 2023-2024 academic year, but should reopen early 2024. 

HSCPA Scholarship Program for Accounting Students

Scholarship for Hawaii residents currently attending an accredited Hawaii college or university . Minimum 3.0 GPA required. Must be majoring, or concentrating, in accounting with the intention to sit for the CPA exam, and have completed an intermediate accounting course. Preference given to students involved in their school’s accounting club. This application is due by August 5, 2023. 

International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association Scholarship Program

The International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association’s scholarship aids students in many academic majors, including Accounting. Award winners are chosen based on academics, school and community leadership, honors, work experience, and other factors. Scholarship amounts are $5,000+; the application window is from February to April, and must include a personal statement, resume, transcripts, and two online recommendations. 

MACPA Educational Foundation Scholarship Award

The Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants Educational Foundation offers scholarship awards in varying amounts to students majoring in accounting at a Maryland college or university . Applicants must show financial need plus prove their commitment to becoming a CPA by joining MACPA. This application is closed for the 2023-2024 academic year, but will reopen in January 2024. 

National Society of Accountants Scholarship

In the past, the National Society of Accountants has offered scholarship opportunities to students majoring in accounting or related fields. Currently, the scholarship page of their website is down, but please check in from time to time. Past award amounts have ranged from $500 to $2,200, with April 1st deadlines to apply. 

Ronald and Karel Bennett Scholarship

Oregon’s Office of Student Access and Completion manages several financial aid programs, including the Ronald and Karel Bennett Scholarship. This award is for Jackson County high schools grads in financial need who will attend a public and nonprofit college. Applicants must hold a minimum 3.0 GPA and major in accounting or other listed fields. Award amounts and due dates vary, so check the website for more information! 

Ruth S. Widener Scholarship

The United Daughters of the Confederacy sponsors the Ruth S. Widener scholarship for students attending Washington and Lee University . Applicants must major in one of the listed subjects, which includes accounting. Award amounts vary; submissions should include transcripts and a letter of endorsement from the sponsoring UDC Chapter. Email the UDC Business Office for more information! 

SCACPA Educational Fund Scholarships

The South Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants gifts scholarship awards of up to $2,500 to South Carolina rising juniors and seniors majoring in accounting. To qualify, students must have an overall GPA of 3.25 or more, plus have finished one intermediate accounting course. Applications will reopen December 1, 2023.

Society of Louisiana CPAs Scholarships

The Society of Louisiana Certified Public Accountants gives out $500 – $2,500 scholarships to current student members who have a 3.0 GPA or higher on their accounting courses. Applications should include transcripts, an essay, and letters of recommendation. SLCPA’s site encourages students to check in September for updated information. 

UNCF Medline Corporate Scholars

The UNCF Medline Corporate Scholars Program offers financial aid to full-time juniors majoring in accounting, business, finance, or other listed fields. Applicants should submit a resume and explain how their “college experience demonstrates leadership and analytical ability during their college career.” UNCF has various award amounts and due dates so check the website for the most up-to-date information. 

VSCPA Educational Foundation Accounting Scholarships

The Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants Educational Foundation awards tens of thousands of dollars each year to Accounting students in the state. Interested students can simply turn in one application to be considered for all the awards they’re eligible for. Scholarships range from $1,500 – $3,000. The 2024 applications will open on January 1 and will be due April 1, 2024 

W. Allan Herzog Scholarship

The Tau Kappa Epsilon Education Foundation offers several scholarships, including the W. Allan Herzog Scholarship for TKE’s Nu Chapter undergraduate members. Applicants must have at least a 2.75 GPA, be enrolled as a full-time accounting, finance, or economics student, and have a year or more of school left. Submissions are closed for the 2023-2024 school year, but will reopen early 2024.

Washington CPA Foundation Scholarships

The Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants offers $5,000 – $8,000 scholarships to students transferring from community college to accredited Washington State universities . Applicants must submit two 500-word essays plus cite their involvement in extracurricular activities. Submissions are due by either February or April, depending on the applicants grade level. 

Data Source: Peterson’s Databases copyright 2023 Peterson’s LLC All rights reserved

School of Accounting & Finance PhD Scholarship

Award type: Scholarships

Award description: The scholarship is to be awarded to excellent students who have been admitted to the PhD program in accounting at the University of Waterloo. Up to 12 scholarships will be granted per year (this may vary). The amount of the scholarship will be used to reduce tuition for the year until that amount has been reduced to zero. The excess will be paid during that term.

Each scholarship is for a maximum of four years, subject to the student remaining in satisfactory academic standing. Recipients will be selected by the Director or Co-Director of the PhD program in the School of Accounting and Finance.

Value description: Subject to the discretion of the Director or CoDirector of the PhD program, the amount of the scholarship may be adjusted on a year-to-year basis between the amount promised on admission and the ceiling of $10,000.

Level: Doctoral Program: Arts→Accounting Citizenship: Canadian/Permanent resident, International/study permit student Selection process: Student selected automatically by Faculty/Department

Contact person:

Department Graduate Co-ordinator

• Award type ,
• Scholarships ,
• Program Level ,
• Accounting ,
• Citizenship ,
• Canadian/Permanent resident ,
• International/study permit student ,
• Selection process ,
• Student selected automatically by Faculty/Department
• Faculty of Arts