We're using cookies, but you can turn them off in Privacy Settings. Otherwise, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Learn more in our Privacy Policy.

Access Scholarship 

The CFA Institute Access Scholarship Program is designed to make CFA® Program more accessible to individuals who may not be able to afford the full program fees while adhering to our mission and values. If you are considering applying for an Access Scholarship, be sure to read all of the information below and on our general scholarships page.  We have made significant changes to the program and all applicants are expected to understand these changes before applying.

 


  1. Award Amount

    CFA Program enrollment fee is waived and exam registration is reduced to USD400.
  2. Application Window

    The Access Scholarship has 4 application windows per year that align with each exam window.

  3. Eligibility Requirements

    Applicants must meet the enrollment criteria and requirements for the CFA Program. For full eligibility requirements, please review the Access Scholarship Rules.

Providing knowingly false or misleading information in applying for an Access Scholarship is a violation of the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct. If we suspect your application contains inaccurate, deceptive, or untruthful information, you may be subject to an investigation by the CFA Institute Professional Conduct Program. Disciplinary sanctions may include a suspension or prohibition from participating in the CFA Program. You also may become ineligible to receive scholarships in the future.

CFA Institute reserves the right to request supporting documentation and proof of financial situation as part of a standard audit process. Failure to comply within the specified timeframe will result in the application being void and/or the scholarship being revoked.

Application Windows

Access Scholarships are valid only for one exam cycle. Please choose your preferred exam cycle and apply during that application window. No late applications will be accepted, and scholarships cannot be transferred to another exam cycle. Be sure to read the scholarship rules and usage policies before you apply. Failure to comply will result in forfeiture of an awarded scholarship.

  May 2025

Levels I and II
August 2025

Levels I, II, and III
November 2025

Levels I and II
February 2026

Levels I and III
Application Window Opens 8 August 2024 6 November 2024 12 February 2025 29 April 2025
Application Window Closes 26 August 2024 25 November 2024 3 March 2025 19 May 2025
Decision Date 23 September 2024 TBD TBD TBD

 During the application windows noted above, the Access Scholarship application will be available at https://cfai.smapply.io/prog/access_scholarship/.

Applicants will be notified directly by email approximately 4-6 weeks after the application window closes. 
Access Scholarships are for individuals who may have trouble affording the full cost of the CFA Program, therefore financial need will be strongly considered. Applications will be reviewed and awarded by CFA Institute. All decisions are final.
Scholarship decisions for each exam window will be emailed to candidates prior to the early registration deadline. Applicants that did not receive a scholarship will have until the early registration deadline to register at the early price. No extensions for the early registration price will be granted.
Access scholarships are valid for only one exam cycle. There is an application window for each exam cycle. Choose your preferred exam and apply during that application period. For example, if you wish to sit for the August 2025 exam, you should apply during that application period. If you apply during the May 2025 application period, your scholarship will only be valid for the May 2025 exam and cannot be applied to any other exam window. 
If you fail to utilize your scholarship by not registering, not scheduling or not appearing for the exam, you will not be eligible to receive future scholarships.  
Candidates registering with a scholarship are not permitted to purchase a paid deferral but may request an emergency deferral if they meet the specified criteria.
Read the full Access Scholarship Rules. Please ensure you are familiar with all of the policies outlined in the rules.

Take the Next Step in Your Career

Ready to earn a charter and join the ranks of elite investment professionals? If you are registering for the Level I exam for the first time, you must enroll in CFA Program as part of exam registration. Follow the below link to create an account, and we will connect you with everything you need to prepare.

Enroll and Register
Register
Share on Facebook Share on Weibo Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn