Five futures funded: introducing the 2025 Kaplan AAT bursary recipients

Kaplan · 8 minute read · Published 28 Oct, 2025 Share article

We’re delighted to announce that five inspiring individuals have been awarded our new Kaplan AAT Bursary.

Launched to support learners facing financial or personal barriers to education, the bursary provides aspiring accountants with the opportunity to study for their AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting fully funded, helping them unlock a brighter future.

Our panel was overwhelmed by the number of powerful and heartfelt applications we received this year. Applicants shared their experiences, challenges, and ambitions with courage and honesty – from caring responsibilities and financial hardship to overcoming health struggles and displacement. Each story highlighted a deep commitment to personal growth, education, and a career in accountancy.

Kaplan AAT bursary recipients

Among those selected are individuals who:

Are single parents striving for flexibility and a sustainable career while managing long-term health conditions.
Having left their home country due to conflict, they are determined to rebuild a secure future through professional development in the UK.
Overcame significant mental health challenges, including the lasting impact of the pandemic, to re-focus on long-term career goals.
Are supporting their family across continents while managing personal loss and unemployment.
Continued to pursue accountancy despite financial difficulties and the need to work full-time.

Despite very different journeys, they all share a common strength: resilience and a passion for finance.

Rachael Harrison, Portfolio Manager at AAT said:

“Working in close collaboration with Kaplan, we’re making the 2025 AAT Bursary Scheme a reality, opening doors for five extraordinary individuals with inspiring stories and bold ambitions. We’re committed to breaking down barriers to education, and seeing these learners - each with their unique journey - take this transformative step toward a rewarding career in finance is incredibly rewarding.

We’re excited to see them take their first steps toward professional success."

Each recipient clearly demonstrated the key skills and mindset needed to succeed in AAT – from analytical thinking and attention to detail, to time management and a drive to keep learning.

Over the coming months, we’ll be getting to know these learners better as they begin their AAT journey. Each has agreed to share their progress and experiences with us - so stay tuned as we follow their stories and celebrate their milestones along the way.

In their own words

We caught up with two of the bursary recipients, Josh and Jevonne, who advised why they chose Kaplan to apply for their bursary and what the bursary means to them:

“I studied at Kaplan seven years ago and always felt supported. The OnDemand course also fits perfectly around my work hours, so it made sense to come back.
The bursary takes away the financial stress and helps me finally complete something that I started seven years ago. Professionally, it gives me the chance to move forward in my career and build a better future.”

“I chose Kaplan because of the bursary opportunity, their strong reputation for high-quality training, and flexible study options. I was drawn to the structured support, experienced tutors, and clear resources that make learning manageable.
This bursary is both encouragement and recognition of my commitment despite challenges. It eases the financial burden, allows me to focus fully on my studies, and represents a vital step toward building a stable and rewarding career.
I could never fully express how grateful I am to Kaplan for taking a chance on me and providing a girl from a small island with the opportunity to achieve her dream.”

How Kaplan will be supporting the recipients

As part of the bursary, we have created a bespoke Kaplan programme.

The programme will include dedicated sessions to provide advice and training on areas such as building a strong CV, performing well in interviews, and effectively using LinkedIn.

We will also be helping our bursary recipients to identify Level 3 apprenticeship and employment opportunities to help them further their careers after completing the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting.

Recipients will also receive:

Expert-led training: Our tutors offer personalised guidance to help you succeed.
A choice of several study options: Choose from tutor-led classes, live online sessions, or more flexible options such as our award-winning OnDemand method. Pick the study style that suits you for each subject within the level.
Comprehensive support: Get academic help seven days a week via email, live chat, or callback. Our Student Services team is ready to assist with admin or exam-related queries.

Surju Kanani, Commercial Manager at Kaplan shared his thoughts:

“It’s been a privilege to be involved in the first ever Kaplan x AAT Bursary Scheme, supporting five deserving individuals on their journey to achieve their accounting ambitions. This initiative reflects our shared commitment to widening access to education and creating opportunities for all, regardless of background.

At Kaplan, inclusion is at the heart of what we do - empowering every learner to reach their full potential and helping to build a more diverse and equitable future for the finance profession.”

We’re incredibly proud to support these individuals in their journey, and we’re confident they’ll go on to make a real impact – in their own lives, in the workplace, and in the wider accounting profession.

Congratulations to our Kaplan AAT Bursary recipients. We look forward to seeing all that you will achieve.