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      Starting university is an exciting step, but we know it comes with challenges too.

      Through our partnership with Queen's University Belfast, the KPMG Scholarship Programme supports talented students as they begin their university journey, providing financial support, real-world experience and access to the people who can help you achieve your ambitions.

      You'll gain more than a scholarship. You'll build connections, develop your skills and gain valuable insight into what a future career at KPMG could look like.

      Key dates


      Application closing date:
      Friday 19 June 2026

      Interviews:
      August 2026

      Queens University Belfast Business School logos

      What you'll receive

      As a KPMG Scholar, you'll benefit from:

      • Financial support

        Receive a £3,000 annual living allowance to support you throughout your studies.

      • Real work experience

        Secure a guaranteed place on our paid Summer Internship Programme in Belfast after Year 1 and Year 2.

      • Fast-track opportunities

        Build your network, gain practical experience and position yourself strongly for future graduate opportunities.

      • Dedicated mentoring

        Be supported by a KPMG mentor who will help guide you throughout your university journey.

      • Technology support

        Receive a laptop to support your learning and development.



      Why apply?

      University is about more than earning a degree.

      The KPMG Scholarship Programme helps you build practical skills, develop professional confidence and gain exposure to one of Ireland's leading professional services firms while enjoying everything university life has to offer.

      You'll have the opportunity to:

      • Build commercial awareness
      • Grow your professional network
      • Gain valuable workplace experience
      • Learn from experienced professionals
      • Develop skills that will support your future career

      Your journey

      • Year 1

        📚 Begin your studies at Queen's University Belfast

        🤝 Meet your KPMG mentor

        💼 Join our Summer Internship Programme

      • Year 2

        📈 Continue developing your skills

        🌟 Expand your network across KPMG

        💼 Return for a second Summer Internship

      • Final Years

        🚀 Build your experience and confidence

        🎯 Explore future career opportunities with KPMG

      Icon sketch - Graduate and Student Programmes 2027


      Hear from our people

      What's it really like to balance university with opportunities at KPMG?

      My name is Zara McKeever and I am first year in Queens currently studying Advanced Accounting. I am grateful to be a part of the KPMG scholarship programme, as it has given me great encouragement and support at the beginning of my university journey.

      The support has been amazing in assisting me with my university studies, especially from the mentorship programme included which has provided me with excellent guidance from professionals.

      I am looking forward to gaining valuable experience in my first summer internship with KPMG this June. The internship is a great opportunity for me to learn from professionals, being presented with this opportunity so early in my degree gives me a great advantage to explore different career paths presented.

      I am very appreciative of the support given by KPMG as it has provided me with many opportunities in my first year of my studies. I strongly recommend the programme to anyone considering applying, it offers the opportunity to explore different areas, and KPMG presents many opportunities for professional development and valuable hands on experience, which is a great way to build confidence for your future career path.

      Zara McKeever - Graduate and Student Programmes

      My name is Sean O’Neill, and I am a third-year accounting student at Queen’s University Belfast. I applied for this scholarship when I was in upper sixth in school while studying for my A-levels.

      I saw the brochure for the scholarship and thought it was too good to be true. I applied immediately without hesitation, as accounting/finance was something that I was interested in and wanted to pursue a career in.

      Receiving this scholarship has been one of the best things to happen to my academic career. The financial support has eased a lot of pressure throughout the year, but even more valuable has been the academic support received from KPMG. Being able to ask my mentor questions and receive real-world examples has helped me achieve top marks in my modules, and that guidance has been invaluable.

      The guaranteed place on the summer internship programme has been another important benefit. My own internship experience in the KPMG Belfast office was extremely enjoyable, and it gave me a clear insight into the type of career I want to pursue.

      Personally, I think it’s a no-brainer to apply for the scholarship. With KPMG’s help and support, I have thrived in my studies. The scholarship has provided so many opportunities for me.

      I am looking forward to starting in the Tax department in KPMG as a trainee accountant in September 2027, and without the scholarship programme, securing a graduate role would have been much more difficult.

      Sean O'Neill - Graduate and Student Programmes


      Who can apply?

      We're looking for ambitious students who are ready to make the most of the opportunities available to them.

      To apply, you'll need:

      • A minimum of AAB at A-Level (or equivalent) or have completed the Pathway Opportunity Programme in Queen’s University Belfast.
      • Students must be from Northern Ireland and have obtained a conditional offer for a course within Queen's Business School
      • Demonstrate your ambition, career motivation, commercial awareness and willingness to learn through an interview with KPMG.

      Terms and conditions

      The scholarship of £3000 is for the duration of your college degree to assist with living costs, course materials and other related expenses.

      The scholarship of £3000 is to be paid in two equal instalments of £1,500 in October and February each year for the duration of your degree course (4 years maximum).

      After year 1, the scholar is guaranteed a place on our paid summer internship programme in Belfast. Join one of our business groups, avail of our award-winning training & development programme, get involved in client project teams & put their experience into practice. After year 2, the scholar can join our summer internship programme again. This is an optional internship and we can discuss duration and specific details of this internship based on your preferences.   

      A KPMG Scholar that has a year-long paid placement as part of their degree course can apply or express interest in doing this with KPMG. However, the scholar would not be eligible for the £3,000 annual living allowance payment during their placement year.

      There is no obligation on the KPMG scholar to join KPMG after they finish their degree. However, if the student expresses an interest in joining the firm then they will be able to fast-track their application.

      KPMG have agreed to offer two KPMG Scholarships annually. KPMG reserves the right not to award one or both of the Scholarships if no student meets the selection criteria. The selection panel will comprise of KPMG staff.

      Once selected as a KPMG Scholar, eligibility for the annual £3,000 living allowance award is on the basis of passing all modules at the first attempt during the relevant academic year. KPMG reserves the right to terminate the scholarship if the KPMG Scholar does not pass all modules at the first attempt during the relevant academic year. Extenuating circumstances will be taken into consideration before a decision is made on this.

      Scholarship payments would cease if the scholar failed the exams or decided to leave university or change course, unless the new course was agreed by KPMG.

      A KPMG Scholar that has a year-long paid placement as part of their degree course will not be eligible for the £3,000 annual living allowance payment during their placement year.

      Internships will take place in KPMG Belfast and KPMG will be responsible for appointing a mentor for each KPMG Scholar.

      KPMG will provide each KPMG Scholar with a laptop during their Scholarship period, for which the KPMG Scholar will be responsible for insuring and maintaining. 

      Icon sketch - Graduate and Student Programmes 2027

      More than financial support

      At KPMG, we're passionate about helping people achieve their potential.

      Through mentoring, internships, training and ongoing support, we'll help you develop the confidence, skills and experience to take the next step in your career journey.

      Icon sketch - Graduate and Student Programmes 2027

      Ready to take the next step?

      Apply for the KPMG Scholarship Programme and discover where your potential can take you.

      Be You Become More - Graduate and Student Programmes 2027