CFA Program Access Scholarships

The CFA Institute Access Scholarship Program is designed to make CFA® Program more available to individuals who may not be able to afford the full program fees. Four scholarship application windows are offered per year that align with each exam window, which will give candidates greater flexibility to apply for a scholarship to be used towards a specific exam window that fits their needs.

Features of Access Scholarships

  • Access Scholarship provides needs-based scholarship opportunities for those unable to afford the full price of the CFA Program registration fees.
  • Currently registered candidates are not eligible to apply, and applicants must meet all CFA Program enrolment requirements.
  • For successful applicants, the exam registration fee will be reduced to USD 400.
  • This scholarship can be applied to any CFA Program level and will be valid for one exam window.
  • Applicants must submit the online application via the CFA Institute website by the deadline.
  • Please visit the CFA Institute website or read the Access Scholarship Rules for further details.
This scholarship is valid only for one exam window. Please choose your preferred exam window and apply during that application period. No late applications will be accepted, and scholarships cannot be transferred to another exam window. Applicants will be notified directly by email approximately 4-6 weeks after the application window closes.

 

Access Scholarship Review Cycles in 2026

 February 2026
(Levels I and III)
May 2026
(Levels I and II)
August 2026
(Levels I, II and III)
November 2026
(Levels I and II)
Access Applications Open29 April 202512 August 202511 November 202511 February 2026
Access Applications Close19 May 20251 September 20251 December 20253 March 2026
Decision Date16 June 202530 September 20267 January 202631 March 2026