Flying Start Programme 2022 - Press Release

Moka – 11 October 2022 - Students wishing to pursue a career in accounting and finance can now enrol in the second cohort of the PwC Flying Start Programme, which combines university studies (Curtin BCom Accounting and Finance degree), professional internships at PwC and progression towards the prestigious "ICAEW Chartered Accountant", the ACA.

After graduating, students will have the opportunity to join PwC as full-time employees. Open to “school leavers” for the next academic year of Curtin Mauritius in February 2023, candidates must submit their application by 30 November 2022.

The PwC Flying Start Programme is a collaborative effort between PwC, Curtin Mauritius and ICAEW. Launched in September 2021, 19 young people started their 'Flying Start' adventure in February this year. Students following this programme will not only benefit from exemptions for their degree in accounting and finance, but will also take additional professional level examinations, while carrying out internships in the financial audit professions within PwC, in Mauritius or abroad.

A dream come true

Michael Ho Wan Kau, PwC Human Capital Partner, responsible for the learning and development programmes of PwC employees, said: “It was a challenge to bring together an academic and a professional programme, and we have been very fortunate to start this experience with these 19 students. We welcomed them to the PwC Centre where they were able to immerse themselves in our world, and meet with the PwC partners”. The students have also been invited to some of the internal firm’s events.

According to Ms Meghan Doyle, ICAEW International Business Development Manager, the ACA equips students with in-depth knowledge across finance, accountancy and business, and is recognised by employers around the world. “We look forward to welcoming the Flying Start Programme students into the wider ACA student community through the Mauritian Student Committee. The committee is run by students for students, organising a variety of tailored events, providing networking opportunities and representing ICAEW locally.”, she said.

During their four-year university studies, students on this programme will not only enjoy exemptions for their BCom Accounting and Finance Degree, but will also complete additional Professional level exams, and participate in work placements at PwC, in Mauritius or abroad. Upon successful completion, students will be left with two further ICAEW Advanced Level exams plus a Case Study to complete. The paid internships and studies are all included as part of the course. PwC has also partnered with the East African Region (PwC EMA) to include African students in the programme.

Information sessions are planned on 12 October and 23 November 2022 at Curtin Mauritius. Interested students should visit www.curtinmauritius.ac.mu or contact: study@curtinmauritius.ac.mu to find out more.

Mauritian qualified accountants are highly sought after locally and internationally. Many of them have gone to work abroad in European financial jurisdictions.

“The mismatch between academia and industry needs has been a long debate. A holistic approach is integral to future success. In other words, the regulators, industry and tertiary institutions should work hand in hand to ensure that the required graduate outcomes are relevant and aligned to specific needs. I would like to emphasise the importance of this partnership approach. The prestigious “PwC Flying Start Programme” is one of them: A unique programme in Mauritius combining academic study, integrated professional work placements and progress towards the prestigious ICAEW Chartered Accountancy qualification, the ACA. This partnership between industry and training is placing the student first by ensuring a combination of theoretical and practical experience, as well the opportunity to secure employment upon completion.” said Dr Jeremy Charoux, Executive Director of Curtin Mauritius.