The doors to a life-changing career in global finance have officially opened. The International Capital Market Association (ICMA) has announced that applications for its highly competitive 2026 Scholarship Programme are now live — and this year, the opportunity is bigger, bolder, and more impactful than ever for young professionals from Africa, Asia Pacific, and Latin America.
For students and early-career professionals who dream of breaking into financial markets but are held back by economic barriers, this scholarship is nothing short of a breakthrough. With 15 fully funded seats for internationally recognised finance diplomas, ICMA is once again proving that talent — not privilege — should shape the future of global finance.
Why ICMA Scholarship Is a Game-Changer for Future Finance Leaders?
What makes this scholarship stand out is its powerful promise: world-class financial education with zero financial burden. Selected scholars receive full funding to study one of ICMA’s elite diploma programmes, delivered by the ICMA Centre at Henley Business School, University of Reading — a name that carries serious weight in global finance circles.
From debt capital markets to sustainable finance, this programme doesn’t just teach theory — it opens doors to real careers in banking, capital markets, and financial operations. For ambitious young minds from developing regions, this is not just a scholarship — it’s a launchpad.
What You Gain by Winning the ICMA Scholarship 2026?
Winning the ICMA Scholarship means stepping into a fully funded professional qualification that accelerates your entry into international finance without the usual tuition burden. The scholarship fully covers both course fees and examination fees for one of the following globally respected diplomas:
- ICMA Diploma in Debt Capital Markets
- ICMA Diploma in Securities & Derivatives
- ICMA Diploma in Financial Market Operations
- ICMA Diploma in Sustainable Finance
All programmes are delivered 100% online over 12 months, blending self-paced study with live virtual classrooms — making it ideal for students, working professionals, and career-switchers alike. Beyond the financial value, scholars gain credibility, industry-relevant skills, and a qualification that signals seriousness to employers worldwide.
Who Can Apply?
If you’re passionate about finance and meet the basic profile below, this opportunity is built for you.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of Africa, Asia Pacific, or Latin America
- Be between 19 and 30 years old at the time of application
- Have a good level of education (a university degree is not mandatory)
- Demonstrate interest in financial markets
- Have proficiency in English for online learning.
Apply: https://www.icmagroup.org/executive-education/2026-scholarship-programme/
The deadline to apply for the ICMA 2026 Scholarship Programme is 16 January 2026. All applications must be submitted by this date to be considered for the fully funded intake. Shortlisted candidates will be reviewed in late January, and final scholarship recipients will be announced by 6 February 2026.