KPMG has announced a new intake of scholars at Queen’s University Management School, reinforcing its approach to developing future accountancy and professional services talent in Northern Ireland.

The scholarship programme, delivered with Queen’s University Belfast, provides financial support, structured mentoring and paid work experience designed to reduce barriers to higher education and strengthen recruitment into audit, tax and advisory careers.

Each scholar receives £3,000 per year towards living costs and is matched with a KPMG mentor for professional guidance throughout their degree. The programme also includes two paid summer internships, giving students hands-on experience in a professional services environment and early exposure to accountancy practice.

KPMG said many scholars progress into graduate roles with the firm, supporting a steady pipeline of early-career talent at a time when accountancy firms face ongoing skills shortages and increasing regulatory and client demands.

Johnny Hanna, Partner-in-Charge of KPMG in Northern Ireland, said: “We are incredibly proud of the KPMG Scholarship Programme and delighted to be supporting students to reach their potential academically and professionally. Although still a relatively young initiative, it has already uncovered exceptional talent from across Northern Ireland, many of whom will go on to represent the firm and enrich what we do.”

He added: “Students tell us the mentoring is invaluable and the internships give them a real sense of what it is like to work in a professional environment.”

The initiative forms part of KPMG’s broader people and inclusion strategy, linking academic study with practical accountancy training while strengthening ties between business and higher education in Northern Ireland.

Explore how KPMG is shaping the next generation of accountancy professionals in the full article.

(Photo credits to KPMG)