The scholarship scheme is a component of a $2.2 million grant that was awarded to the Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA) by the government in 2021, to aid in the implementation of a scholarship program for women in finance and economics.
Of this, the FPA has allocated $30,000 to Kaplan Professional to partially finance this year’s round of recipients.
Speaking on the occasion, Kaplan Professional chief executive officer Brian Knight stressed the need for a continued effort to encourage more women to enter the industry.
“Kaplan Professional is committed to doing what we can to promote inclusion and diversity throughout the finance and financial services sector,” Mr Knight said.
“We hope these scholarships will go some way towards reducing any barriers or financial burden that women of any background may face in entering the sector or achieving leadership positions.”
Moreover, he announced that this year, the scholarship scheme has been expanded to include the Advanced Diploma of Paraplanning, with the aim of providing more women the opportunity to apply, particularly those who wish to pursue a career in financial advice or progress their existing one.
Last year, Kaplan Professional similarly awarded 12 Women in Finance scholarships, which was two more than initially planned. Recipients came from both metropolitan and regional areas across Australia, the education provider said.
In addition, 12 women who were strongly considered, but ultimately not awarded a scholarship in 2022, were offered reduced tuition fees for two subjects in the master’s degree.
As per last year, eligibility for the 2023 Women in Finance Scholarships is open to women who may not have previously studied with Kaplan Professional as well as those who have previously completed, or are currently completing other Kaplan Professional vocational or higher education courses.
Scholarship applications are now open and close on 24 March.
