In 2026, accounting is no longer just “bookkeeping”. It is now a very important field for global tax policy, forensic accounting, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting. The most competitive scholarships for the 2027 school year are now accepting applications.
1. The best fully funded government scholarships
These programmes are the most complete because they cover all of your tuition, allow you to travel abroad, and give you a monthly living allowance.
Chevening Scholarships in the UK
- The award is a full year of funding for a master’s degree in accounting, finance, or audit.
- Target: new leaders who have worked for at least two years (2,800 hours).
- Applications for the 2027 cohort open on August 5, 2026, and close on October 7, 2026.
- Strategic Tip: To get the most out of your career, pick programmes that let you skip professional bodies, like ACCA or CIMA.
DAAD: Postgraduate Courses in Development (Germany)
- The award is a monthly payment of €992 for a master’s degree or €1,300 for a PhD, plus health insurance and travel costs.
- For “Advanced Finance and Accounting” or “International Business Administration”, look for the EPOS track.
- Intake for 2027: The deadlines for starting in 2027 are usually between August and November 2026.
- You must have at least two years of professional experience since getting your bachelor’s degree.
2. Awards for Professional and Specialised Accounting
Legacy Scholarships from the AICPA Foundation (USA)
- The prize is between $3,000 and $10,000 a year.
- Focus: Made for students who want to become CPAs. The Scholarship for Future CPAs and the AICPA Fellowship for Minority Doctoral Students are two examples.
- The 2026 deadline was March 15, 2026, but the portal for the 2027/2028 school year will open in December 2026.
The Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship from ACFE
- The prize is between $2,000 and $10,000 for students who want to study forensic accounting and fraud investigation.
- 2027 Cycle: The application period for the 2027–2028 school year starts on September 1, 2026, and ends in early February 2027.
- Requirement: You must be an accounting or finance major and show an interest in working in the anti-fraud field.
3. University Merit Awards with a High Value (2026/2027)
The Adam Smith Business School is part of the University of Glasgow in the UK.
- The award is a 20% discount on tuition for eligible alumni and a few Global Impact Scholarships worth up to £15,000 for the 2026–2027 school year.
- Status: Applications for the 2026/2027 school year are now open. Scholarship decisions are often made at the same time as admission offers.
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship (JJ/WBGSP)
- The prize includes full tuition, a monthly stipend, health insurance, and travel.
- Accounting Focus: Specifically targets a master’s in taxation policy and management (for example, at Keio University or GRIPS Japan).
- Window 2 in 2026 The deadline is May 29, 2026.
4. Erasmus Mundus Update for 2026:
- 2026–2027 Status: For the 2026-2027 school year, many Erasmus Mundus accounting and finance programs, such as Eurocultural, don’t have any scholarships available right now.
- 2027 Outlook: Full scholarships (about €1,400/month) are expected to come back for the September 2027 intake. In late 2026, keep an eye on the official catalogue.
5. How to Get Around the IELTS for Accounting in 2026
If you have professional standing, many business schools will let you skip the IELTS:
- If you are a member of ACCA, ICAN, or CPA, some UK and Australian universities will let you skip the English test.
- Medium of Instruction (MOI): If you got your bachelor’s degree in English, Glasgow, Bristol, and German universities will usually accept a MOI letter from your registrar.
- The AICPA and several US and UK business schools accept the Duolingo English Test (DET) as a faster, $59 option.
6. Important Timeline for 2026 and 2027
- The World Bank (JJ/WBGSP) Window 2 is due on May 29, 2026.
- The Chevening (UK) application portal opens on August 5, 2026, for the 2027 intake.
- Applications for the 2027 ACFE Ritchie-Jennings open on September 1, 2026.
- Applications for the AICPA Foundation for the 2027/2028 school year are open in December 2026.
Final Thoughts
The Chevening and DAAD programmes are still the best ways for a master’s to move in 2027. The AICPA Legacy Scholarships are the best way for future CPAs to get to the US. Put financial integrity and sustainability at the top of your application list, as 2027 committees are searching for candidates who can follow the new “green accounting” rules.
