Internal Audit Foundation Expands Support for Students, Universities, and Research Through 2026 Grants and Scholarships
Press Release | Internal Audit Foundation | August 28, 2026
Lake Mary, Florida – August 28, 2026 – The Institute of Internal Auditors’ Internal Audit Foundation today announced the recipients of its 2026 scholarships and grants, awarding more than $280,000 to support students, educators, universities, researchers, and IIA institutes and chapters around the world.
The 2026 awards reflect The IIA’s continued investment in strengthening the next generation of practitioners, expanding academic support, and building a stronger talent pipeline for the internal audit profession.
“Cultivating the talent pipeline means supporting the next generation of practitioners long before they enter the workforce,” said Glenn Ho, President of the Internal Audit Foundation Board of Trustees. “By investing in students, as well as the universities, educators, and researchers shaping this profession, we create more opportunities for tomorrow’s leaders to discover internal audit as a dynamic and rewarding career, explore their passion for strategic risk and governance work, and develop the skills they need to succeed.”
Record Investment in Academic Alliance Universities
This year, the Foundation awarded $120,000 in funding to 24 universities participating in The IIA’s Academic Alliance program, marking the highest level of annual support in the program’s history. Ten universities received funding for the first time, reflecting The IIA’s continued efforts to expand its academic network and provide more students with access to internal audit education and career opportunities.
The Academic Alliance provides a global network for colleges and universities to engage directly with The IIA and strengthen internal audit education and curriculum. Through funding for participating universities, The IIA and Internal Audit Foundation support the development of academic programs and help prepare today’s students to become the next generation of internal audit leaders.
Supporting the Next Generation of Internal Auditors
The Foundation also recognized three students through its annual Larry B. Sawyer Student Scholarship, providing $7,500 in total with an additional $3,000 to the participating universities. This year’s recipients were recognized for their outstanding video submissions and creativity. They are:
- 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
To expand student support and create additional pathways for prospective practitioners to engage with the profession, the Foundation also awarded $120,000 in travel grants for the Global Student Conference to 32 students and 12 educators from around the world.
The travel grants help students and educators participate in professional development and networking opportunities at The IIA’s annual student conference.
Advancing Research for the Future of the Profession
Through the Aramco Internal Audit Dissertation Scholarship, two doctoral researchers were awarded $10,000 for outstanding dissertation research advancing the internal audit profession. They are:
- David Pike (University of Reading), whose dissertation focuses on artificial intelligence in organizational risk management
- Mohamed Almutawa (University of Florida), whose dissertation focuses on board-CEO social ties and internal audit function power
The scholarships are designed to encourage internal audit studies by doctoral candidates and advance academic research on key issues and trends shaping the profession.
Expanding Support Across The IIA’s Global Network
Beyond its academic and student initiatives, the Foundation also awarded $25,000 through its Global Grant Program to 15 IIA national institutes and chapters globally.
The funding supports initiatives spanning technology, advocacy, certifications, marketing, operations, membership growth and training opportunities, helping IIA institutes and chapters strengthen their capabilities and expand access to professional development within their communities.
Together, the 2026 scholarships and grants reflect The IIA and the Internal Audit Foundation’s continued commitment to investing in the profession at every stage of the talent lifecycle - from introducing students to internal audit and supporting university programs to advancing academic research that will help lead the profession into the future.
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 270,000 global members and has awarded more than 220,000 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.