Kaplan Professional renews offer of women in finance scholarships

The scholarship initiative is a part of a $1.5 million grant that was awarded to the Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA) by the Prime Minister and Cabinet Office for Women in 2021 for the purpose of delivering and managing a two-year scholarship program for women in economics and finance.

The FPA will allocate $50,000 to Kaplan Professional to fund the 10 scholarships, which will cover tuition fees for any two subjects in Kaplan Professional’s Master of Financial Planning or Master of Applied Finance.

Commenting on the renewed program, Brian Knight, CEO of Kaplan Professional, said the firm is “incredibly proud of the take-up last year and the outstanding quality of applicants.”

“Due to the fact there were so many deserving applicants, we made the decision to provide additional funding and award 11 scholarships.”

“Seven other women who had compelling applications, but were not awarded a scholarship, were offered significantly reduced tuition fees,” Mr Knight said.

Reiterating Kaplan Professional’s commitment to promoting inclusion and diversity, Mr Knight said: “Given some of the barriers to entry and the financial burden women may face, we believe it is incredibly important [that] women of all backgrounds and circumstances are supported to achieve their education and career goals.”

“We are pleased to include both the Master of Financial Planning and Master of Applied Finance to widen the scope of the scheme and provide more women with the opportunity to apply.”

Nicole Gardner, a previous recipient of the 2021 Women in Finance Scholarship and Precision Wealth Associate Advisor, said that the scholarship was highly beneficial in her professional and personal life.

“I would encourage other women to apply for the scholarship. As a mother of three young children who also works full time, knowing I have the support of Kaplan Professional and the FPA through the scholarship has been motivating and has helped me to complete my study.”

Ms Gardner further stated that “women possess the intellect, technical knowledge and leadership skills required for the industry,” and that a “postgraduate qualification through a provider like Kaplan Professional” only helps bolster the value that women can add in senior roles.

Eligibility is open to women who have completed or are in the process of studying for other Kaplan Professional postgraduate or vocational courses. However, those who haven’t previously studied with Kaplan Profession are also eligible.

Each applicant will be considered on their ability to demonstrate intersecting sources of disadvantage including financial need, re-entering the workforce, low socio-economic status, living in rural or remote areas, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander or a new migrant.

Scholarship applications are now open and will close on 22 July 2022.

Scholarships will be awarded from Study Period 5, which commences on 29 August 2022, or Study Period 6, commencing on 31 October.