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First steps into finance: CFA Institute and students

Get ready to launch your finance career. CFA Institute is the leader in investment education, setting you up for success in finance, corporate banking, or investment management.
Students in lecture

Why choose CFA Institute?

Over 130,000 finance students have already chosen CFA Institute to build their skills and financial knowledge. This is because we are widely considered the pinnacle for professional development in investment management. The education and training we offer is valued by employers for roles and functions in every sector of the global finance industry – from portfolio management, analysis, and private wealth to consulting.

CFA INSTITUTE

130k+

finance students

FINANCE EDUCATION

1,200

degree programs

AFFILIATED UNIVERSITIES

807

institutions

EARNINGS POTENTIAL

$267k

average total compensation

Enhanced career prospects

CFA® Charterholders are sought after by many leading financial service institutions including JPMorganChase, HSBC Holdings, and BlackRock.

Increased earning potential

The average base salaries of CFA® Charterholders increased at a greater rate (year over year) than the general market (source: CFA Institute Compensation Study, 2024.)

Personalized learning tools

When you study with us, you’ll have access to a smart, self-paced learning management platform to help you keep focused and on track.

Sign-up for updates to enhance your financial career

Programs and certifications

What certificates can I study at CFA Institute?

As a student looking to take your first steps into a finance career, you can study a range of subjects with CFA Institute, including our 3-level flagship CFA® Program.

Explore our qualifications
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Careers and pathways

How can a CFA Institute certificate enhance my career prospects?

We’re developing the future leaders in finance. Learn more about the career pathways of past students and see where studying with us could take you. 

Learn more about career paths
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Other ways to get involved with CFA Institute

Research Challenge

Want to really excel and stand out as an elite investment professional? Then take on the CFA Institute Research Challenge. 

This annual global competition provides you with hands-on mentoring and intensive training in financial analysis and professional ethics. 

Learn more about the CFA Reseach Challenge
Students

CFA Societies

Join your local CFA Society and make a real difference in your career and the investment profession. 

Membership to CFA Institute and your local society connects you with local and global investment professionals, growing your professional network.

Find a society near you
Global network
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