Two new awards for Bermudians studying accounting have been announced by the Association of Bermuda International Companies and PwC Bermuda.

The Abic PwC Award is valued at $15,000 per annum for two years for an undergraduate, or a $20,000 one year award for a graduate.

Additionally, the Abic PwC Award for Bermuda College study is worth $5,000 per annum for two years for a Bermudian undertaking the Associate’s business Administration programme at the college, with an intention to complete a bachelor’s degree in accounting and obtaining a Canadian or US CPA designation.

“We are very pleased and grateful that PwC is partnering with us to support Bermudian students who want to pursue an accounting career,” said Christian Dunleavy, chairman of Abic Education Awards, a programme that has supported 540 students during the past four decades.

“Most of those students are now employed in the international business sector,” added Mr Dunleavy.

The awards are granted based on financial need, academic merit and field of study.

Arthur Wightman, PwC Bermuda leader and Abic board member, said: “We are delighted to continue to build our partnership with Abic in offering these awards and supporting a programme that has played a key role in helping Bermudians succeed in international business.

“As a firm, PwC is committed to helping outstanding students achieve their professional goals and we hope these awards will encourage Bermudians to enter the accounting profession and build a challenging and rewarding career.”

In a statement, Abic said the objective of the awards programme is to provide financial assistance to students pursuing higher education degrees related to careers in international business and supporting services. While the long-term goal is to help develop qualified Bermudians who will return to the island to help sustain and strengthen the international business sector and contribute to the economy.