IPA Exams Scholarships 2027

After the success of the IPA Exams Scholarships in 2026, we’re excited to announce an expanded programme for 2027, with new supporting partners. The IPA, as the UK’s only dedicated insolvency regulator, is investing in the training and qualifications of future insolvency professionals, to give them the skills they need to succeed.

In 2027, we are offering up to nine scholarship opportunities in total, both for our highly-regarded, entry level exam, the Certificate of Proficiency in Insolvency (CPI), and for the sector’s benchmark exam and the basis of gaining an insolvency licence, the Joint Insolvency Examination (JIE).

IPA Exams Scholarships offer packages of financial support and training to help those in insolvency to obtain the professional qualifications they need to succeed in the sector. The IPA covers the cost of exam fees and membership, with training providers providing free training to those taking the CPI and JIE qualifications.

In 2027, we are working training providers Aryza, BPP and ISS training to provide:

• Four scholarships for the JIE November exam
• Two scholarships for the CPI (England and Wales) June exam and two more for the November exam
• One scholarship for the CPI (Scotland) June exam

We invite applications from candidates working in smaller insolvency firms, recognising their greater challenge in accessing to dedicated internal training and development.

Championed by IPA Past President Yin Lee and IPA Chief Examiner Antoinette Thorpe, the IPA Exams Scholarships provide educational opportunities for insolvency professionals to have a fully funded qualification, including free Student Membership, free examination entry, and free participation in a high-quality programme of study for the CPI or JIE. Scholarship winners also attend the IPA’s prestigious Annual Awards ceremony and gala dinner in central London.

The IPA Exam Scholarships are a further example of how the IPA is leading the way for the UK insolvency profession, setting and maintaining high standards so that those working in insolvency and restructuring can be proud of their sector and have access to the skills and training they need to support creditors and debtors and play their role in promoting economic regeneration and growth.

Application process 2027

To apply for the 2027 IPA Exam Scholarship, we invite applications from anyone who:

• is a UK national
• works in insolvency or restructuring
• has at least three years’ experience for the CPI Scholarship or five years’ experience for the JIE Scholarship
• works in a small insolvency practice with a maximum of three licensed IPs

If you meet these requirements, send the following to [email protected] before 9am on Monday 19 October 2027. Please also read the entry requirements and terms and conditions. All applications should be accompanied by:

• A CV
• Letter of support from your employer, confirming that they will help you to succeed in achieving the qualification, including by allowing you time to study and prepare for the exam.

For CPI Scholarships:

• An essay of no more than 800 words on:

“How did you come to work in insolvency and how will you develop your career with the CPI qualification?”

For JIE Scholarships:

• Two essays of no more than 800 words each on:

Q1 What ethical issues have you encountered during your insolvency work? Explain how you managed them, including whether and how they changed your approach to managing risk.

Q2. What aspects of the JIEB journey do you expect to find most challenging, and why? Please explain how you intend to overcome those challenges and what you will do to give yourself the best opportunity of succeeding.

Essays are judged by a panel of the IPA’s Chief Examiner, an IPA Office Holder and a representative from a sponsoring training provider. The panel will look for a commitment to personal development and to the insolvency profession. The panel’s decision is final.

Applicants will be contacted once decisions are made. Scholarship winners will have their exam fees paid by the IPA, as well as a paid tuition support place provided by either Aryza training, BPP or ISS Training, and will be put in contact with the training provider to support them in preparation for the exam.

The winner will have a choice of online and in-person training sessions.

Any travel or accommodation requirements to attend training course will be the responsibility of the winner or their firm to fund.

We will expect successful candidates to be ready to attend the courses as outlined below:

Aryza Comply CPI course dates 2027
Aryza Comply JIEB course dates 2027

BPP CPI first sitting course dates 2027
BPP CPI second sitting course dates 2027
BPP JIEB Personal course dates 2027
BPP JIEB Corporate course dates 2027

Insolvency Support Services CPI Scotland course dates 2027

IPA scholarships places are not transferrable or refundable and apply only to the following exams sittings: CPI E&W, June and November sittings, CPI Scotland June sitting, JIE November Personal or Corporate.

Scholarship winners, with a complementary guest, will be invited to the IPA Annual Awards Gala Dinner immediately after the exam they have studied for, where they will be presented with a framed certificate to recognise their achievement by the IPA President.

A summary of the winning entries may be published in the IPA’s newsletter and on our website. Candidates are expected to give their permission to participate in marketing associated with the IPA Exams Scholarships.

For more information, please contact our Student Officer, Maria Weemes at [email protected].

Application deadline

Please send your application by 31 October 2026.