Get Involved — Students

Each year, thousands of university students participate in the CFA Institute Research Challenge. These students interact with investment professionals and top firms while obtaining real-world experience in equity analysis, research report writing, and presentation skills.

Additionally, the team that wins the final global challenge wins a cash prize for their university.

You are eligible to participate if:

• You are a full time student at a participating university
• You do not hold the CFA charter
• You have never worked in a role within the core investment management profession, as defined by the CFA Institute Mission
• You have never participated in the CFA Institute Research Challenge
• You are eligible under local competition rules

Note that eligibility does not guarantee your participation in the competition.

It all starts at the local level. Local Hosts made up of approved volunteers and CFA Institute society members organize and judge the local level Research Challenge competitions.

• The majority of local level participants indicated that they spent
• 100–150 hours researching their assigned company and assembling their report.
• 30 or more hours practicing and assembling their presentation.
• The majority of regional level participants indicated that they spent more than 60 hours preparing for the regional competition.
• At the local level, you may be responsible for covering the cost of travel and accommodation for all meetings and events. Contact your Local Host for more information.