CFA Access Scholarship Explained: Requirements, Fees, & Winning Tips

Dreaming of becoming a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) but worried about the high cost of exams? The fees can be a challenge for many aspirants, especially students or early-career professionals. So, to make the CFA program more accessible, the CFA Institute offers you the CFA Access Scholarship.

CFA Scholarship is a financial aid given to support candidates who might otherwise be unable to afford the program. This scholarship significantly reduces your exam registration fee and, ultimately, your overall cost of the CFA qualification. Thus, making the globally respected CFA credential within reach.

In this blog, we will walk you through everything you need to know about the Access Scholarship CFA, including eligibility, benefits, the step-by-step application process, tips for writing a strong personal statement, key deadlines, and frequently asked questions.

If you are aiming to earn the CFA charter but its fee is holding you back, then this guide is your starting point.

Check out this video for a detailed explanation.

CFA Access Scholarship and Its Importance

The CFA Access Scholarship is assistance towards students and professionals who are preparing for the CFA examinations but cannot pay the full fees. The fees of the CFA exams are quite high, and there is no other financial aid than the scholarship. This scholarship therefore gives a huge amount of concession in the examination fees. 

The scholarship holders will pay US$250 instead of the regular fee, which is up to US$1,250. In addition, you will get CFA Institute study materials, which include the curriculum.

It is crucial to have this scholarship because it provides the opportunity for equality to people with different financial backgrounds. Many clever and hardworking candidates drop out of the CFA program because of issues related to money. Therefore, the Access Scholarship CFA is a deserving opportunity to remove that barrier and assist the candidates to go forward.

CFA Access Scholarship Requirements

CFA Access Scholarship is not granted to every applicant. You must follow some rules and conditions instituted by the CFA Institute. Moreover, fulfilling these requirements assures that the scholarships are granted to needy candidates who wish to do the CFA. Below are the points covering the chief CFA Access Scholarship requirements.

• Financial Need

This scholarship is for financially needy students who cannot afford the CFA Program. There are no set minimums or maximums regarding income or assets, but applicants must demonstrate their financial need.

• Program Enrollment Standards

The candidates must have completed a bachelor’s degree or must spend their last year in a bachelor’s program. They must have at least four years of education and work experience in an acceptable field, along with a valid international passport.

• Exam Registration Status 

You cannot apply for the Access Scholarship if you are registered to sit for an exam or if you are waiting for results. 

• Employer Support 

If your employer is currently financially supporting you in pursuing the CFA Program, you are not eligible to apply for the Access Scholarship CFA.

• Application Integrity 

Application of any misrepresentation or omission of facts is a violation under the CFA Institute’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct. Disciplinary action will be taken against such candidates who violate the rules.

• Previous Scholarship Grants 

If you were granted a CFA scholarship and did not use it to register or take the exam, you will not be eligible to apply again. Also, the candidate may not apply again if he has received two CFA scholarships in the past and was unable to pass with the second attempt at the same level.

How to Apply for the CFA Access Scholarship

CFA Access Scholarship applications are a great way to alleviate the fees involved with entering the CFA Program. You should read on and follow the step-by-step guide to assist you in the application process below:

1. Check Your Eligibility

It is so important to check your CFA eligibility before applying for the CFA Access Scholarship. The first thing is that you should not already be registered for the exam. Also, prove your financial need, and the education or work experience criteria for the CFA Program must be met.         

2. Prepare for Your Application

After checking your eligibility criteria, you need to sort the necessary information and documentation. It includes,

• Personal information such as full name, contact details, and CFA Institute ID (if applicable).
• Financial information detailing your financial situation to prove need. 
• A personal statement explaining your career goals, why you want to pursue the CFA charter, and how the scholarship will help you.

3. Submit Your Application 

After all the necessary documentation, you submit your access scholarship application. And for that, 

• You need to log in to your CFA Institute account. 
• Then, go to the Access Scholarship page for applications.​ 
• After that, fill out your application, completing all required fields with accurate information.​
• Lastly, review and submit your application. But before submission, double-check if it is complete and accurate.

4. Wait for the Results 

Now, the CFA Institute will review your application after the submission of the scholarship application. After reviewing your CFA Access Scholarship application, you will receive an email notifying you of the decision.

5. Register for the Exam 

Now you can proceed to register for your exam if you receive the scholarship. Follow the instructions provided in your email, with payment at the reduced rate.​ After registration, you may schedule your exam appointment through the link provided below. 

However, there are some important considerations to register for the CFA exam:

• Be mindful of the application windows and submit your application accordingly.​
• Do not provide any false information leading to disqualification and potential disciplinary action.​
• Scholarships are non-transferable and must be used in the prescribed exam cycle. 

For further information and changes, you must head to the official CFA Institute Access Scholarship program page.

Do you need help with registration? Our step-by-step guide on How to Register for CFA Level 1, covers everything you need to know.

CFA Access Scholarship Window and Dates

The CFA Access Scholarship dates are aligned with specific exam periods. 

Below are the upcoming CFA Access Scholarship windows and their corresponding details:​

*For detailed information and updates on the CFA Access Scholarship dates, you should visit the official CFA Institute Access Scholarship program page.

CFA Access Scholarship Results

Once your application is submitted for the CFA Access Scholarship, the CFA Institute usually reviews all such applications and notifies applicants about their decisions roughly between four and six weeks after the application’s closing date. 

For example, if the application window closes on 19 May 2025, then expect your notification latest by 16 June 2025.

CFA Institute sends the scholarship decision directly to your registered email address. Therefore, make sure you always check your email-including your spam or junk folder-not to miss this important communication about your CFA Access Scholarship results. 

If granted the CFA Access Scholarship, this email will contain all details you should follow to register for the CFA exam using the scholarship. Note that the scholarship avails for only the current exam cycle, so follow the timelines given. 

If you do not receive a scholarship, check for other scholarships offered by the CFA Institute or budget for a normal registration. You may also look for any other financial aid available for educational purposes.

Applying for Multiple CFA Access Scholarships

You can apply for CFA Access scholarships multiple times. However, there are certain limitations, which are given below.

• If you have already received two scholarships at the same exam level and failed both times, you will be disqualified from applying again. 
• If you are granted a scholarship but fail to register for the exam, you will also lose eligibility. 

So, it is important to apply only when you are sure you will use the scholarship. Reapplying is allowed if you did not receive the scholarship or didn’t pass as long as you still meet the rules.

Tips for CFA Access Scholarship Candidates

The CFA candidates must consider the following tips for the CFA Access Scholarship:

• You must check the CFA Institute website for exact dates so that you do not miss the deadline.
• You should explain your financial need clearly, including the reason for earning the CFA charter.
• You should avoid any errors or missing details before you submit.
• All your scholarship updates and results will be sent to your registered email.
• If awarded, register for the exam within the specified time, or you may lose your chance to apply again.
• Be sure that you are prepared to take the exam before applying.

Conclusion

The CFA Access Scholarship is a golden opportunity for needy students and professionals. You can better your chances of being selected by proper planning, an authentic application, and a distinct goal. Remember, it is all to keep you and your memory in check concerning deadlines. So, comply with all regulations set and apply only when you are ready. This scholarship can make your CFA journey more affordable and achievable, so do make the most of it.

FAQ’s