The Institute of Internal Auditors’ Internal Audit Foundation has made headlines by awarding more than $280,000 in 2026 scholarships and grants. This initiative aims to nurture students and educators, providing critical financial support for universities and research initiatives worldwide.

These awards are emblematic of The IIA's unwavering commitment to shaping the future of internal auditing. By enhancing educational opportunities, they help build a robust pipeline of talent ready to enter the profession.

Glenn Ho, President of The Internal Audit Foundation Board of Trustees, emphasized the importance of early engagement with potential practitioners: “Cultivating our talent pipeline means supporting the next generation long before they actually step into the workforce. By investing in both students and the academic institutions that guide them, we open doors for future leaders to thrive in the internal audit arena.”

Unprecedented Funding for Academic Partners

This year’s funding reached a record-breaking $120,000 dedicated to 24 universities involved in The IIA’s Academic Alliance program, the highest annual total ever recorded. Notably, ten institutions received funding for the first time, further expanding The IIA’s educational outreach.

The Academic Alliance actively fosters partnerships with universities, enhancing programs that prepare students for careers in internal audit. By investing in academic infrastructures, The IIA significantly increases the accessibility of this critical profession.

Champions for Emerging Internal Auditors

Three exemplary students also received recognition through the annual Larry B. Sawyer Student Scholarship, granting a total of $7,500 alongside an additional $3,000 to their universities. This year’s winners demonstrated outstanding creativity in their video submissions:

• Karabo Mtileni, University of Pretoria (South Africa) – First Place
• Rohan Makai Shrestha, Southern Illinois University Carbondale (United States) – First Place
• Sophia Sluyter, Louisiana State University (United States) – Third Place

Additionally, the Foundation awarded $120,000 in travel grants to 32 students and 12 educators, enhancing their ability to engage in professional development at The IIA’s annual student conference.

Pioneering Research Initiatives

In a bid to foster academic investigation, two doctoral candidates were awarded $10,000 through the Aramco Internal Audit Dissertation Scholarship for their significant research contributions. Their works focus on crucial issues, including:

• David Pike (University of Reading) – Investigating the role of artificial intelligence in organizational risk management
• Mohamed Almutawa (University of Florida) – Analyzing the influence of board-CEO social ties on internal audit strength

These scholarships not only promote internal audit scholarship but also encourage further exploration into the trends that shape the profession.

Global Initiatives in Internal Audit

The Foundation doesn’t just focus on academia. It also allocated $25,000 through its Global Grant Program to support 15 IIA national institutes and chapters, funding various initiatives from technology to membership growth. These efforts enhance the resources and training available globally, effectively strengthening the internal audit community.

In sum, the $280,000 awarded in 2026 symbolizes The IIA and the Internal Audit Foundation’s steadfast dedication to fostering talent and advancing the internal audit field at every experience level, ultimately guiding the profession toward a promising future.