What Your Bursary Covers
Online learning materials
Student membership
Assessment fee
For CertTF, AwardICM and CertICM: The bursary covers the assessment fee for your first examination sitting and one resit, if needed.
For CertT and Diploma: The bursary covers the assessment fee for your first examination sitting for each unit and one resit per unit, if needed.
Check Your Eligibility
To apply for an ACT bursary, you must:
Complete the free Introduction to Treasury eLearning course before applying
Be a national and resident of an eligible country
Be unable to secure employer sponsorship for your studies
Submit the required application and supporting documents
Exemptions and Direct Entry
Qualified Accountants
You are exempt from the Certificate in Treasury Fundamentals and the Award in International Cash Management if you are qualified through ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW or an International Federation of Accountants (IFAC)-recognised body.
For the treasury pathway, begin with the Certificate in Treasury. You may also be exempt from some Certificate in Treasury units. For the cash management pathway, begin with the Certificate in International Cash Management.
If this applies to you, apply for the Accountant Bursary below.
Other Professional Qualifications
CFA Charterholders are eligible for direct entry to the Certificate in Treasury. Include a copy of your qualification certificate with your application.
Contact the Education team for advice on applying as a CFA Charterholder.
Relevant Experience
You may be exempt from the Certificate in Treasury Fundamentals if you have at least three years’ experience in a treasury role, or in treasury work within a financial institution or treasury consultancy.
You may be exempt from the Award in International Cash Management if you have at least three years’ cash management experience.
You will need to provide a work experience declaration form.
Find the Right Bursary
The bursary route depends on your experience and the qualification you want to study. Before applying, check that you meet the eligibility requirements and have completed the Introduction to Treasury eLearning course.
Treasury Qualifications
If you are starting your treasury studies, apply for a bursary for the Certificate in Treasury Fundamentals. After completing it successfully, you can apply for bursaries for the Certificate in Treasury and Diploma in Treasury Management.
Certificate in Treasury Fundamentals
You may be eligible for direct entry to the Certificate in Treasury if you have at least three years’ treasury experience or are a qualified accountant.
The exciting first step into treasury, corporate finance, and financial markets. You will gain the essential foundational knowledge and tactical ‘hands-on’ treasury skills.
1-3 months study time
Tactical level
Assessment: One online MCQ exam
Certificate in Treasury
To take this qualification through the bursary scheme, you must first complete the Certificate in Treasury Fundamentals or have at least three years’ treasury experience.
Become a trusted treasury professional, relied upon for your operational competencies and technical know-how.
9–12 months study time
Operational level
Assessment: Five online exams
Diploma in Treasury Management
To take this qualification through the bursary scheme, you must first complete the Certificate in Treasury.
Become a treasury expert, gaining in-depth technical treasury expertise. You'll be respected for your ability to problem solve and enable the business to meet its objectives.
12–18 months study time
Managerial level
Assessment: Four online assessments
Cash Qualifications
If you want to specialise in cash management, apply first for a bursary for the Award in International Cash Management.
After completing the award successfully, you can apply for a bursary for the Certificate in International Cash Management.
Award in International Cash Management
You may be eligible for direct entry to the Certificate in International Cash Management if you have at least three years’ cash management experience or are a qualified accountant.
Develop the essential skills and knowledge required for a career in international cash management and liquidity.
1–3 months study time
Tactical level
Assessment: One online MCQ exam
Certificate in International Cash Management
To take this qualification through the bursary scheme, you must first complete the Award in International Cash Management.
Become a trusted expert, highly valued for your ability to provide solutions and deliver best practice in domestic and international cash management.
6–12 months study time
Operational level
Assessment: One online exam
How Applications Are Assessed
The ACT Educational Trust awards bursaries based on the information in your application and the funding available. All awards are made at the Trust’s discretion.
Each application window has a set budget. If applications exceed the available budget, eligible applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis.
If a full bursary is not available, the ACT may offer a partial bursary. Under a partial bursary, you pay the first examination fee when you enrol. The number of examinations depends on the qualification. You can accept the partial bursary or wait for the next application window.
What Happens After You Apply
Within two weeks of the application deadline, the ACT will invite you to an informal 15-minute online meeting with an ACT member. The meeting is held on Microsoft Teams and gives you the chance to discuss the qualification and ask questions about the bursary.
The ACT will email you with the outcome of your application within six weeks of the application deadline.
If you are offered a bursary, you must start your course within two months of the confirmation email. Otherwise, your place may be reallocated.
Employment Declaration
Submit an employment declaration form with your application. If you are employed, your line manager must complete Section A to confirm that employer sponsorship is not available. If you are unemployed, complete Section B.
When you apply, you will also be asked to confirm that you are not studying for another qualification, so you can focus on your ACT studies.
Hear From Bursary Holders
“Taking this qualification has given me an added advantage and confidence.”
Misozi Masotomela, former Accounts Assistant (Payables) at Africonnect Zambia (now inq. Digital Zambia)
“I really believe having these qualifications will make my CV stand out.”
Bob Kiggundu, Head of Product Control - African regions, Standard Bank South Africa
Contact Us
If you have questions about the bursary scheme, the application process or donating, contact the Education team.
