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.
Eligibility requirements and scholarship rules
If you are considering applying for an Access Scholarship, be sure to read all of the information below. We have made significant changes to the program and all applicants are expected to understand these changes before applying.
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Award amount
CFA Program exam registration is reduced to USD 400 plus any applicable tax.
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Application window
The Access Scholarship has 4 application windows per year that align with each exam window.
February 2026 - Levels I and III
Opens: 29 April 2025
Closes: 19 May 2025
Decision Date: 16 June 2025May 2026 - Levels I and II
Opens: 12 August 2025
Closes: 1 September 2025
Decision Date: 30 September 2025August 2026 - Levels I, II, and III
Opens: 11 November 2025
Closes: 1 December 2025
Decision Date: 7 January 2026November 2026 - Levels I and II
Opens: 11 February 2026
Closes: 3 March 2026
Decision Date: 31 March 2026 -
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.
Frequently asked questions
During the application windows noted above, the Access Scholarship application will be available to apply for here. 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 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.
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.
Scholarships
CFA Institute scholarships are part of our commitment to promoting the highest standards of ethics, education, and professional excellence.
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