A CFA Scholarship is financial support provided to assist candidates who may not be able to study because of the cost. The CFA Access Scholarship offers a significant reduction in the registration fee and in effect helps reduce the total cost of completing the CFA program, bringing the CFA designation closer.
In this blog post, we will cover everything you need to know about the Access Scholarship CFA, including eligibility, benefits of the scholarship, an application process, how to write an excellent personal statement, key deadlines, and frequently asked questions.
If you want to obtain your CFA charter but the fees are standing in your way, then this article is the starting point for you.
đź“ť What is the CFA Access Scholarship?
The CFA Institute’s Access Scholarship Program is designed for individuals who can’t afford the full CFA Program registration fees. Instead of paying the full price, selected candidates pay a significantly reduced fee of USD 400 (plus taxes) for the exam. That’s a big relief, especially if you’re self-funding your CFA journey.
🎯 Scholarship Highlights at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | CFA Access Scholarship 2025-2026 |
| Offered By | CFA Institute |
| Benefit | Reduced exam registration fee (USD 400 + taxes) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Windows | 4 windows per year (based on exam schedules) |
| Official Website | cfainstitute.org |
đź“… CFA Access Scholarship 2025-2026 Application Windows
You can apply during any of the four cycles, depending on which exam window you’re targeting:
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February 2026 (Levels I and III)
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Opens: 29 April 2025
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Closes: 19 May 2025
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Result Date: 16 June 2025
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May 2026 (Levels I and II)
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Opens: 12 August 2025
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Closes: 1 September 2025
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Result Date: 30 September 2025
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August 2026 (Levels I, II, and III)
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Opens: 11 November 2025
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Closes: 1 December 2025
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Result Date: 7 January 2026
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November 2026 (Levels I and II)
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Opens: 11 February 2026
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Closes: 3 March 2026
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Result Date: 31 March 2026
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âś… Who is Eligible?
To apply for the CFA Access Scholarship, you must:
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Meet the CFA Program enrollment criteria
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Agree to all rules and policies of the scholarship program
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Submit accurate and honest details in your application
⚠️ Important Note: If you knowingly provide false information, your application could be flagged for ethical misconduct. The CFA Institute takes its Code of Ethics very seriously and may even bar you from future participation in the program.
You can check the detailed eligibility rules on the official Access Scholarship Rules page.
đź“Ś FAQs About the CFA Access Scholarship
Q. How do I apply for the scholarship?
A: Applications are submitted online through the CFA Institute’s official portal. You’ll need to write a personal statement and provide details about your financial situation.
Q. What’s the evaluation process like?
A: Your application will be assessed based on financial need, personal circumstances, and your commitment to the CFA Program.
Q. How long is my scholarship valid?
A: If awarded, your scholarship is valid only for the exam cycle you’ve applied for. If you don’t register in time, it will expire.
Q. What if I can’t sit for the exam after getting the scholarship?
A: Unfortunately, if you miss the exam window, the scholarship won’t carry forward. You’ll need to reapply for a future cycle.