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.
Access Scholarship eligibility requirements and scholarship rules
If you are considering applying for an Access Scholarship, please review all of the information below carefully. Applicants are expected to understand the program requirements before applying.
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Award benefits
Beginning with scholarships awarded on 4 March 2026, The Access scholarship reduces the CFA Program exam registration fee to USD 400 under the Premium Registration Package which includes Practice Pack. Applicable tax applies.
Scholarships awarded prior to 4 March 2026 will not have complimentary access to the Practice Pack. No exceptions will be made.
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Application window
The Access Scholarship has 4 application windows per year that align with each exam window.
February 2027 - Levels I and III
Opens: 5 May 2026
Closes: 25 May 2026
Decision Date: 23 June 2026May 2027 - Levels I and II
Opens: 12 August 2026
Closes: 1 September 2026
Decision Date: 30 September 2026August 2027 - Levels I, II, and III
Opens: 3 November 2026
Closes: 24 November 2026
Decision Date: 18 December 2026November 2027 - Levels I and II
Opens: 9 February 2027
Closes: 2 March 2027
Decision Date: 31 March 2027 -
Eligibility requirements
Applicants must meet the requirements for the CFA Program. For full eligibility requirements, please review the Access Scholarship Rules.
Providing information
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.
Access Scholarship frequently asked questions
During the application windows noted above, the Access Scholarship application will be available to apply for here. Log in using a computer. The application cannot be completed on mobile devices. You will receive a confirmation email after submitting your application. If you do not receive a confirmation email contact us for assistance.
Applicants will be notified directly by email approximately 4 weeks after the application window closes.
Access Scholarships are for individuals who may have difficulty affording the full cost of the CFA® Program. Financial need is a key consideration. Applications are reviewed and awarded by CFA Institute, and all decisions are final.
Read the full Access Scholarship Rules. Please ensure you are familiar with all of the policies outlined in the rules.
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 exam, you should apply during that application period. If you apply during the May application period, your scholarship will only be valid for the May 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.
No, the Access Scholarship is valid for one exam cycle only. You must apply during the relevant application window for your intended exam.
No, candidates may only apply for one scholarship per exam registration.
Yes, Access Scholarships are available for levels I, II, and III, depending on the exam window.
Discover more scholarships
CFA Institute scholarships are part of our commitment to promoting the highest standards of ethics, education, and professional excellence.
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