The IIA’s Internal Audit Foundation Expands Global Impact Through Scholarships and Grants
Press Release | Internal Audit Foundation | August 14, 2025
Investments in education, research, and student development reflect the organization’s commitment to advancing the profession
LAKE MARY, Fla. (August 14, 2025) – The Institute of Internal Auditors’ (IIA) Internal Audit Foundation proudly announces a landmark year for its global scholarship and grant programs, with more than $275,000 awarded to students, researchers, universities, and IIA Chapters around the world, reinforcing continued support for the future of the internal audit profession.
Through a unified commitment to advancing academic excellence and expanding opportunities for students pursuing internal audit as a career path, the Foundation has awarded funding across four major programs. This robust funding reflects the Foundation’s dedication to building a strong, inclusive pipeline of future internal audit talent and leadership.
Academic Alliance Grant Program: Full Funding for All Applicants
In a historic first, the Foundation was able to fund all eligible requests received through its Academic Alliance Grant Program, formally the IAEP Grant Program. A total of 18 universities across the globe were awarded more than $122,000 in funding, including six first-time recipients and two new international institutions. This progress reflects the growing global reach of internal audit education and the Foundations’ enduring commitment to cultivating future talent through academic excellence.
Made possible by contributions to the Foundation’s Academic Fund, this program awards funding to colleges & universities recognized in the Internal Audit Academic Alliance and supports initiatives that prepare students for a career in internal auditing.
Larry B. Sawyer Student Scholarship: Elevating Emerging Voices
This year’s Larry B. Sawyer Student Scholarship drew more than 90 video submissions from talented students worldwide. Applications were evaluated not only for content and clarity but also creativity in expressing their interest in the profession.
The following three winners were awarded a total of $10,500, along with additional funding support for their universities to strengthen their internal audit education offerings:
- Gabriella Skinner – University of Pretoria (South Africa)
- Maral Ganbold – University of Finance and Economics (Mongolia)
- Andiswa Mweli – University of Pretoria (South Africa)
Aramco Internal Audit Dissertation Scholarship: Advancing Critical Research
Two scholars have been selected as recipients of the prestigious Aramco Internal Audit Dissertation Scholarship, each receiving $10,000 to support their doctoral research aimed at advancing the internal audit profession. Formerly, the Michael J. Barrett Doctoral Dissertation Grant, the award was established to encourage internal audit studies by doctoral candidates.
The Dissertation Scholarship Subcommittee of the Committee of Research and Education Advisors (CREA) reviewed and evaluated the applications against the evaluation criteria, which emphasized the research’s relevance to internal auditing, methodological soundness, clarity of presentation, and quality of data. The winners’ entries exemplified excellence across all dimensions, along with innovation and academic rigor.
- Nicolás Lagos, Rutgers-Newark University: "Exploring the challenges in the use of Artificial Intelligence for detecting public corruption: an analysis from public auditing"
- Ricardo Martinez Rivera, CIA, Paris School of Business: "Sustainability, the Three Line Risk Model, and Financial Performance: Assessing the mediating role of integrated audit and risk management in sustainability, and its implications for long-term financial performance"
Global Grant Program: Strengthening the Profession Worldwide
In its second year, the Foundation’s Global Grant Program awarded $25,000 to support 15 IIA National Institutes and Chapters. This funding helps secure additional resources and drive key enhancements in technology, training, certification, advocacy, and membership support, ensuring that professional development remains accessible and impactful across diverse regions.
“Each of these programs represent more than just financial support – they are investments in the people, institutions, and ideas that will shape the future of internal auditing for years to come,” said Anthony Pugliese, CIA, CPA, CGMA, CITP, President and CEO of The Institute of Internal Auditors. “By supporting students, educators, and practitioners across regions and cultures, we’re strengthening the global talent pipeline and helping ensure the profession remains resilient, relevant, and ready to meet the evolving demands everywhere internal auditors serve.”
Earlier this year, the Foundation launched the Global Student Conference Travel Grant, enabling 25 students and nine educators from around the world to attend the 2025 Global Student Conference. This grant covered more than $100,000 in travel-related costs, including airfare, visa assistance, hotel accommodation, and conference registration. Applications for the 2026 Travel Grant will open in September 2025, with the next round of Academic scholarships and grants opening in early 2026.
For more information on the Internal Audit Foundation’s scholarship and grant programs, or to support their mission, visit: theiia.org/en/internal-audit-foundation/.
About The Internal Audit Foundation
The Internal Audit Foundation is the preeminent global resource, in strategic partnership with The IIA, dedicated to elevating and empowering the internal audit profession by developing cutting-edge research and programs. The Foundation helps current and future internal auditors stay relevant by building and enhancing their skills and knowledge, ensuring organizations are equipped to create, protect, and sustain long-term value.
About The Institute of Internal Auditors
The Institute of Internal Auditors (The IIA) is an international professional association that serves more than 265,000 global members and has awarded more than 200,000 Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) certifications worldwide. Established in 1941, The IIA is recognized throughout the world as the internal audit profession's leader in standards, certifications, education, research, and technical guidance. For more information, visit theiia.org.
Media contact
Sarah DuBois
952-688-2588
sarah.dubois@theiia.org