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ICMA Scholarship Programme

Last verified 21 May 2026 by the Scholarships for Africans editorial team

The ICMA Scholarship Programme 2026 offers 15 fully funded scholarships to young individuals (ages 19–30) from Africa, Asia Pacific, and Latin America to pursue internationally recognised diplomas delivered online by the ICMA Centre, Henley Business School, University of Reading.

Provider
International Capital Market Association (ICMA)
Host country
Multiple
Deadline
To be confirmed for the 2027 intake
Region
Africa, Asia Pacific, Latin America
Official source Track this application

Topics

Applying from your country? See your edition: Kenya · Nigeria · Ghana · Ethiopia · Uganda · Tanzania · Rwanda · Angola · Mozambique · São Tomé & Príncipe · Senegal · Cameroon · Ivory Coast · Benin · Togo · DR Congo

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Review the recorded eligibility, funding and deadline information below. Confirm the current award conditions on the provider's official source.

Who can apply
Applicants must be citizens of Africa, Asia Pacific, or Latin America, aged 19–30 years, have a good level of education (university degree not mandatory), demonstrate interest in financial markets, and be proficient in English.
Funding
Fully Funded
Study level
Professional Diploma
Deadline
To be confirmed for the 2027 intake

Key eligibility criteria

  • Applicants must be citizens of Africa, Asia Pacific, or Latin America, aged 19–30 years, have a good level of education (university degree not mandatory), demonstrate interest in financial markets, and be proficient in English.

Recorded funding information

  • Fully Funded

About the ICMA Scholarship Programme (2026)

## Overview The International Capital Market Association (ICMA) is proud to announce its 2026 Scholarship Programme, an exceptional opportunity designed to empower 15 talented individuals from Africa, Asia Pacific, and Latin America. This fully funded scholarship aims to support early-career market professionals, aged 19-30, who may face economic barriers in pursuing advanced financial qualifications. Established in 2021, the programme provides access to prestigious, internationally recognised diplomas delivered online by the renowned ICMA Centre, Henley Business School, University of Reading. ## Benefits Successful ICMA Scholars will receive comprehensive support, ensuring a focused and enriching learning experience: * **Full Funding:** Complete coverage of all course and examination fees, eliminating financial burdens. * **Online Study Format:** A flexible 12-month programme comprising self-study modules complemented by interactive virtual classrooms. * **Internationally Recognised Qualification:** Earn a highly respected professional diploma from a global leader in financial market education. * **Career Advancement:** This scholarship serves as a powerful launchpad for careers in banking, capital markets, and the burgeoning field of sustainable finance. ## Eligibility To be considered for this prestigious scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria: * **Citizenship:** Be a citizen of a country within Africa, Asia Pacific, or Latin America. * **Age:** Be between 19 and 30 years old at the time of application. * **Education:** Possess a good level of education. While a university degree is not mandatory, evidence of academic aptitude is essential. * **Interest in Finance:** Demonstrate a genuine and strong interest in financial markets. * **English Proficiency:** Be proficient in the English language, as all coursework and communications will be in English. * **Background:** Candidates can be current students, professionals currently working in finance, or individuals looking to make a career switch into the financial sector. ## Required documents Applicants are required to prepare and submit the following documents to support their application: * **Completed Application Form:** Downloadable from the official ICMA website, indicating your preferred diploma choice. * **Personal Statement:** A compelling 500-word essay detailing your background, explaining why you are a strong candidate for the scholarship, and outlining your career aspirations in financial markets. * **Curriculum Vitae (CV):** A comprehensive CV that includes your nationality, current country of residence, and all relevant contact details. * **Academic Records:** Official academic transcripts or other verifiable evidence of your educational attainment. * **Reference Letters:** Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to your academic abilities, professional potential, and character, along with their contact details. ## Application steps Applying for the ICMA Scholarship Programme is a straightforward process designed to identify the most promising candidates: 1. **Download Application Form:** Obtain the official application form from the ICMA website. 2. **Prepare Documents:** Gather all required documents as specified above. 3. **Email Submission:** Compile all documents into a single email and send it to scholarships@icmagroup.org. Ensure all attachments are clearly labelled. 4. **Interview (if shortlisted):** Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a virtual interview to further assess their suitability for the programme. 5. **Await Notification:** Successful recipients will be officially announced by 6 February 2026. ## Key dates Mark these important dates in your calendar for the 2026 ICMA Scholarship Programme: * **Application Deadline:** 16 January 2026 * **Notification of Results:** By 6 February 2026 * **Programme Duration:** 12 months (commencing shortly after results are announced) ## Selection criteria The selection process is thorough and merit-based, focusing on identifying candidates with high potential and genuine need. Applications will be reviewed by a dedicated ICMA staff panel based on the following criteria: * **Academic Merit:** Demonstrated academic excellence and potential for success in demanding financial studies. * **Financial Need:** An assessment of economic barriers that would otherwise prevent the applicant from pursuing these qualifications. * **Interest in Financial Markets:** A clear and passionate demonstration of commitment to and understanding of the financial industry. ## Tips For our aspiring African applicants, here are some tips to strengthen your application: * **Craft a Powerful Personal Statement:** This is your chance to shine. Articulate your journey, your aspirations, and how this scholarship aligns with your career goals. Be specific and authentic. * **Highlight Your Passion for Finance:** Beyond stating your interest, provide examples of how you've engaged with financial concepts or market developments, even if informally. * **Secure Strong References:** Choose referees who know you well and can speak to your strengths, work ethic, and potential. Ensure they understand the scholarship's focus. * **Attention to Detail:** Double-check all documents for accuracy, completeness, and adherence to submission guidelines. A well-organised application reflects professionalism. * **Prepare for the Interview:** If shortlisted, research ICMA and the chosen diploma thoroughly. Be ready to discuss your motivations, understanding of financial markets, and future ambitions. ## Official source For complete details and to access the application form, please visit the official ICMA Scholarship Programme webpage: [ICMA Scholarship Programme – Apply Here](https://www.icmagroup.org/executive-education/2026-scholarship-programme/)

Funding information

The funding information below is recorded in this listing; it does not establish additional covered components. Check amounts, caps, exclusions and conditions on the official source.

  • Fully Funded

ICMA Scholarship Programme eligibility

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

  • Applicants must be citizens of Africa, Asia Pacific, or Latin America, aged 19–30 years, have a good level of education (university degree not mandatory), demonstrate interest in financial markets, and be proficient in English.

ICMA Scholarship Programme document information

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the materials the provider requests.

    How to apply for the ICMA Scholarship Programme 2026

    Follow the provider's stated process. The checks below are guidance, not additional application requirements. Any original editorial instructions remain in the description above.

    1. 1
      Check the provider's process

      Consult https://www.icmagroup.org/executive-education/2026-scholarship-programme/ to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there.

    2. 2
      Check eligibility and any requested materials

      Listed eligibility: Applicants must be citizens of Africa, Asia Pacific, or Latin America, aged 19–30 years, have a good level of education (university degree not mandatory), demonstrate interest in financial markets, and be proficient in English.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist.

    3. 3
      Check dates and next steps

      Listed deadline information: To be confirmed for the 2027 intake. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

    ICMA Scholarship Programme deadline & application timeline

    Provider deadline information: To be confirmed for the 2027 intake. This text cannot be safely converted to a countdown; check the official source for its meaning. The earlier milestones are optional planning suggestions only.

    1. Planning suggestion: 12 months out

      Check the current call and decide whether this opportunity fits your plans.

    2. Planning suggestion: 6 months out

      If the provider requires tests or documents that take time, plan for them using its published instructions.

    3. Planning suggestion: 3 months out

      If an application is required, review the provider's process and prepare only the materials it requests.

    4. Planning suggestion: 1 month out

      If submission is required, allow time to check your materials and any stated cutoff.

    5. Provider deadline
      To be confirmed for the 2027 intake

      Provider deadline information: To be confirmed for the 2027 intake. Confirm the current instructions and any cutoff or time zone on the official source; no additional time is assumed here.

    Ready to apply?

    Cross-check the latest eligibility rules and deadline on the sponsor's official portal before you start your application.

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    Editorial verification note

    Imported from afterschoolafrica.com editorial listing.
    Last checked 5/21/2026

    Frequently asked questions

    Who can apply for the ICMA Scholarship Programme?+

    Applicants must be citizens of Africa, Asia Pacific, or Latin America, aged 19–30 years, have a good level of education (university degree not mandatory), demonstrate interest in financial markets, and be proficient in English.

    What funding does the ICMA Scholarship Programme offer?+

    Listed funding: Fully Funded. Confirm amounts, exclusions and conditions on the official source. This label does not establish any additional benefit components.

    When is the application deadline?+

    Provider deadline information: To be confirmed for the 2027 intake. Confirm the current cutoff and any time zone on the official source; no additional cutoff or late-submission policy is assumed here.

    What documents do I need to apply?+

    No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the documents requested by the provider; requirements may differ from admission requirements.

    How do I check the application process?+

    Consult https://www.icmagroup.org/executive-education/2026-scholarship-programme/ to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there. Listed eligibility: Applicants must be citizens of Africa, Asia Pacific, or Latin America, aged 19–30 years, have a good level of education (university degree not mandatory), demonstrate interest in financial markets, and be proficient in English.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist. Listed deadline information: To be confirmed for the 2027 intake. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

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