USA Scholarships
IABA Scholarships 2027 - Up to $5,000 for Actuaries
International Association of Black Actuaries Scholarships reward Black students who are actively preparing for actuarial careers. Awards are merit-based, usually ranging from $1,500 to $5,000 for the upcoming academic year, and many recipients also receive funding to attend the IABA Annual Meeting, including travel and hotel costs. You can apply as an undergraduate or graduate student in the United States or Canada if you are making progress on actuarial exams or Validation by Educational Experience (VEE) requirements. The 2026-27 application closed March 7, 2026; the next cycle for 2027-28 is expected to open around November or December 2026 with another early-March deadline. Submit materials through the IABA scholarship page rather than third-party aggregators.
What is the International Association of Black Actuaries Scholarship?
IABA exists because the actuarial profession still needs more Black voices in rooms where risk and pricing get decided. The scholarship programme puts cash behind that mission, usually between $1,500 and $5,000, and pairs it with something harder to buy: a seat at the IABA Annual Meeting with travel and hotel support so you can meet employers and mentors face to face.
The application is merit-heavy. You are not submitting a generic college essay; you are showing exam attempts, VEE progress, internships, and a clear reason you want the FSA or FCAS path. Deadlines land in early March, which means winter break is the time to update your resume and scan blackactuaries.org for the open portal. If you are stacking STEM awards, pair this guide with our Supporting STEM Scholarship guide and keep the official IABA Scholarship page bookmarked for the live cycle.
Eligibility
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✓Black student pursuing actuarial careerIABA scholarships target Black students interested in actuarial science, insurance, or related quantitative fields.
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✓Progress on exams or VEEApplicants should have attempted actuarial exams or completed VEE requirements, or be close to doing so, as described on the current IABA application.
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✓Undergraduate or graduate enrollmentEnroll full time at an accredited college or university in the US or Canada for the award year.
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✓Merit-based selectionFinancial need is considered in some sponsor-funded slots, but the core programme emphasizes academic and professional merit.
Benefits
- Typical award range $1,500 to $5,000 per year
- Annual Meeting support Travel stipend and hotel (when offered)
- Professional network Access to IABA mentors and employers
- Full exam fee coverage Not included in base scholarship
Document checklist
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✓IABA online scholarship applicationApply through blackactuaries.org when the cycle is marked open. Do not rely on outdated PDF forms.
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✓Resume or CVList actuarial exams passed, VEE courses, internships, and leadership roles.
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✓TranscriptProvide current academic records showing your major and GPA.
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✓Exam progress documentationInclude SOA or CAS exam results or registration proof if requested in the live application.
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✓Personal statement or essaysExplain your actuarial career goals and how IABA membership will help you advance.
How to apply
Deadline and timeline
FAQ
How much are International Association of Black Actuaries scholarships worth?
Most awards fall between $1,500 and $5,000 for the academic year, depending on merit and available sponsor funding. Some packages include Annual Meeting travel and hotel costs.
Who can apply for IABA scholarships?
Black undergraduate or graduate students in the US or Canada who are pursuing actuarial careers and making progress on exams or VEE requirements.
When is the IABA scholarship deadline?
The 2026-27 deadline was March 7, 2026. Expect a similar early-March date for 2027-28 and verify on blackactuaries.org when applications open.
Do IABA scholarships require actuarial exams?
You should show progress toward credentialing, such as attempted exams or completed VEE courses. Exact requirements appear on the live application each cycle.
Can Canadian students apply for IABA scholarships?
Yes. IABA serves Black actuarial students in both the United States and Canada.
What is included besides the cash award?
Recipients often receive support to attend the IABA Annual Meeting, which helps with networking and internships in the actuarial profession.
Where is the official IABA scholarship application?
Apply on the Scholarship page at blackactuaries.org when the programme status shows open.
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