A popular scholarship will continue for Accounting and Finance students, after Fitch Ratings extended its generous contribution to LUMS’ undergraduate programme.

Lancaster University Management School’s ‘Fitch Scholarship’ was made possible in 2017 thanks to Fitch Ratings, a global leader in credit ratings and research. Every year since, up to five of the best performing first year undergraduate students studying for degrees within the department of Accounting and Finance have been in with the chance of being selected.

Those selected are awarded a £5,000 scholarship to help with their studies, while having the opportunity to secure a one-year placement with Fitch Ratings to benefit from the wealth of experience and professional networks within a global financial organisation.

LUMS student Aleksandra Tulovska is coming to the end of her 12-month placement with Fitch Ratings, which she says has helped shape her decisions for her future career:

“The best thing about the placement year is not the boost to my CV, but that I was able to identify my weaknesses, which I will improve in my final year of university by picking modules to help me become an even better analyst.

“This year has not only given me a lifetime of experience and knowledge, but it has also helped me to grow as a person and make life-changing choices.”

In addition to extending its scholarship scheme until 2024, Fitch Ratings has become the first corporate investor for LUMS’ Investors in Excellence – a philanthropic programme designed to support the School’s students, researchers and estate for years to come.

The Dean of Lancaster University Management School, Professor Angus Laing, said: “We are delighted that Fitch is continuing to generously fund our scholarship programme which has benefitted many students over recent years, both financially and with invaluable work experience, setting them up for their future careers.

“I would also like to thank Fitch for becoming LUMS’ first corporate Investor in Excellence. Investing in our School allows us to offer the best possible experience, support for students most in need and ensure our academics have the right opportunities and facilities to produce research that can bring about positive change in society and business.”

Andy Jackson, Chief Human Resources Officer at Fitch Group, said: “We are delighted to continue our scholarship program with LUMS and to be the first corporate investor in Investors in Excellence. The scholarship program has proven a great success, with excellent feedback from both the scholars themselves and our Fitch colleagues who have supported them.”

Fitch Ratings is part ofFitch Group, a global leader in financial information services with operations in more than 30 countries. Fitch Group also includes Fitch Solutions, a leading provider of data, research and analytics, and Fitch Learning, a preeminent training and professional development firm. With dual headquarters in London and New York, Fitch Group is owned by Hearst.