CFA Institute offers the CFA Access Scholarship to make the CFA Program more accessible to individuals who may face financial barriers in pursuing the CFA charter. The scholarship supports deserving candidates by significantly reducing the CFA Program exam registration fee while maintaining CFA Institute's commitment to education and professional excellence.
The scholarship is available to candidates who meet the CFA Program enrollment requirements and are not currently registered for a CFA exam. Applicants should carefully review the eligibility criteria, scholarship requirements, and application deadlines before submitting their application.
The CFA Access Scholarship 2026 is a financial aid program offered by the CFA Institute to help candidates who cannot afford the full cost of the CFA Program exams. The following table highlights the key details of the CFA Access Scholarship:
|
Particulars |
Details |
|
Scholarship Name |
CFA Access Scholarship |
|
Offered By |
CFA Institute |
|
Purpose |
Support individuals who may not be able to afford CFA Program fees |
|
Eligibility |
Candidates meeting CFA Program requirements and not currently registered for an exam |
|
Scholarship Benefit |
CFA Program exam registration fee reduced to USD 400 |
|
Registration Package |
Premium Registration Package |
|
Practice Pack |
Included for scholarships awarded on or after 4 March 2026 |
|
Application Windows |
Four application windows annually |
Candidates applying for the CFA Access Scholarship must meet the following eligibility requirements:
Must satisfy the enrollment requirements for the CFA Program.
Must not be currently registered for a CFA exam.
Must not be waiting for CFA exam results to be released.
Applicants are expected to review and understand all scholarship requirements before applying.
The CFA Access Scholarship offers four application windows each year, aligned with upcoming CFA exam cycles.
|
Exam Window |
Application Opens |
Application Closes |
Decision Date |
|
February 2027 (Levels I & III) |
5 May 2026 |
25 May 2026 |
19 June 2026 |
|
May 2027 (Levels I & II) |
12 August 2026 |
1 September 2026 |
25 September 2026 |
|
August 2027 (Levels I, II & III) |
3 November 2026 |
23 November 2026 |
18 December 2026 |
|
November 2027 (Levels I & II) |
9 February 2027 |
2 March 2027 |
26 March 2027 |
Candidates should ensure that their applications are submitted within the relevant application window.
Eligible candidates can apply for the CFA Access Scholarship by following these steps:
Review the CFA Program enrollment requirements.
Confirm that you are not currently registered for a CFA exam.
Check the relevant scholarship application window.
Complete the CFA Access Scholarship application.
Submit the application before the deadline.
Wait for the scholarship decision from CFA Institute.
Register for the eligible CFA exam window after receiving the scholarship award.
The CFA Access Scholarship provides financial assistance by reducing the cost of CFA Program registration.
Beginning with scholarships awarded on 4 March 2026, scholarship recipients receive:
CFA Program exam registration fee reduced to USD 400
Access to the Premium Registration Package
Complimentary Practice Pack
Opportunity to pursue the CFA Program at a significantly reduced cost
Applicable taxes may be charged based on the candidate's country of residence.

