CIPS Foundation Bursary

We request information on your income and household expenditure to assess your financial capacity to pay for CIPS studies.

We will review your access to other sources of funding, for example whether you have explored funding from your employer.

We look at the socio-economic context of applications, for instance country income classification and access to education. 

And finally, we look at changes in personal circumstances that have led to a change in your ability to fund your qualification journey.

Applications will only be accepted through the application form process on this page.

We can not accept applications by email or post.

Unfortunately to make the process as fair and transparent as possible, we will only be accepting complete applications.

CIPS Foundation will ensure that all your fees are paid, for the duration of your bursary. This amount is non-refundable, non-transferable and not redeemable for cash.

You will be assigned to a CIPS Study Centre who will provide online teaching and learning sessions.  The study centres in our pilot will waive the fees for their services.  CIPS Foundation will fund the cost of your membership for the duration of your bursary, provide access to study guides and elearning and cover the fees for your exams.  All online teaching and learning sessions must be attended.

The bursary does not cover any equipment or travel expenses.

We expect learners to complete their studying in a timely manner. Depending on which level you are awarded we expect to support you for a maximum of two years.

If you have circumstances which mean you need to take a break from studying, then you can apply in writing to request deferring your bursary.  The CIPS Foundation committee will review each application and decide the outcome.

All levels of CIPS Qualification can be applied for.  Please complete this online self-assessment tool if you are unsure of which level to start at?

Find out more from our Learning Journeys page.

Yes. We accept applications from learners who are yet to start studying with CIPS and those part way through their learning journey.

We aim to notify successful candidates by mid-August to start studying in September 2026.

Due to the expected number of applications, we reserve the right not to review any appeals from unsuccessful candidates.

The CIPS Foundation team and CIPS Foundation Committee will decide who is awarded a bursary. We will assess each applicant’s ability to pay for CIPS qualifications based on the evidence provided.  Testimonials from employers and character references will also be taken into consideration.