The CFA Institute Access Scholarship Program opens new avenues to the CFA Program for people who wish to do well in finance but are disturbed with financial limitations. As such, this program runs in line with the vision of the CFA Institute to promote inclusiveness as well as ethical excellence within the finance industry. |
The CFA Access scholarship, offered by the CFA Institute, enables participants facing financial limitations to access the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) program. The one-time enrollment fee for CFA programs is covered while it lowers the exam registration fee to $300, bringing a great reduction in the expense factor. The applicants are evaluated based not only on their financial needs but also on other factors encompassing academic performance, professional aspirations, and personal challenges faced among others. The scholarship offers an opportunity to individuals passionate about their career in finance but do not have funds to pay for the program in full.
Check more: CFA Full Form
CFA Institute Access Scholarship: Key Details at a Glance
The tables below present information in an organized manner:
Eligibility Criteria and Norms
Details are tabulated below:
Criteria | Details |
Prerequisites for eligibility | Applicants must fulfill financial needs criteria and other program-specific criteria set by the CFA Institute. |
Updated Rules | Applicants must review and adhere to all significant updates made to the program rules before applying. |
Award Amount
Details are tabulated below:
Fee Waivers & Discounts | Details |
Enrollment Fee | Waived |
Exam Registration Fee | Reduced to USD 400 |
Application Windows
Details are tabulated below:
Exam Window | Levels | Application Period | Decision Date |
May 2025 | Levels I & II | Opens: 8 August 2024 | 23 September 2024 (Closed) |
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| Closes: 26 August 2024 |
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August 2025 | Levels I, II & III | Opens: 6 November 2024 | 3 January 2025 (Closed) |
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| Closes: 25 November 2024 |
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November 2025 | Levels I & II | Opens: 12 February 2025 | TBD |
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| Closes: 3 March 2025 |
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Levels I & II | February 2026 | Opens: 29 April 2025 | TBD |
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| Closes: 19 May 2025 |
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Read more: MahaDBT Scholarship Last Date
Access Scholarship Rules Explained
The goal of the CFA Institute Access Scholarship Program is to increase access to the CFA Program for those who might not be able to pay the full program fees.
Eligibility
This is a scholarship for students who cannot afford the fees of taking the CFA Program. Here are the main requirements:
- No limit on income or assets.
- All CFA Program registration requirements must be met. Check the website for this information;
- A candidate already registered to sit in an exam is not eligible before receiving his exam results.
- You cannot apply if your employer is paying for any of the costs of the CFA Program.
- You can apply for other scholarships, such as the Student Scholarship, but only one scholarship can be used. If you qualify for multiple, the latest awarded scholarship will apply.
Conflicts of Interest Guidelines for CFA Access Scholarship
Applicants must disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest that could impact the integrity of the scholarship process. CFA Institute reserves the right to deny applications or revoke awards based on actual or potential conflicts of interest.
Examples of Conflicts of Interest:
- Being a spouse, parent, sibling, or other close relative of a CFA Institute officer or employee, or a member of a local CFA society.
- Accepting or offering any form of payment or other benefit in consideration for a scholarship.
- Being a current or former employee, director, or member of CFA Institute or its societies.
- Having disciplinary actions from the CFA Institute Professional Conduct Program.
- Engaging in any behavior that could damage the reputation of CFA Institute.
Transparency is important to keep the integrity of the program.
Read more: MSCE Pune Scholarship
How Can you Apply for the CFA Access Scholarship?
Keep in mind the below points while applying:
- Complete your application on the CFA Institute website by the deadline.
- All details should be true. The CFA Institute may demand proof of your financial status.
- If asked for documents, provide them within the given timeframe, or your application may be canceled.
- Non-refundable fees: Registration fees in the CFA Program.
- Do not register while applying: When you register for an exam during the time when your application is being processed, it will cancel your scholarship application.
Important Guidelines for Awards
The award conditions are numbered below:
- The CFA institute has the final rights in terms of granting scholarship.
- One-cycle Exam validity is scholarship given validity. The students ought to register within time to make prior registration before expiry time.
- Discounted exam registration charges and access digital course.
- All others charges are taken into accounts by the scholar For example, travels Passports, extra materials that aid in studying.
- In case you do not enroll, book, or report for the exam, then you will lose your scholarship eligibility for future scholarships.
- You cannot take paid deferrals but are allowed to take emergency deferments if you meet the eligibility criteria.
- For further exams or levels, you have to apply again and get selected again.
- You can attempt an exam level twice with a scholarship.
- The scholarship cannot be sold, transferred, or exchanged for cash.
- CFA Institute can cancel a scholarship or registration at its discretion.
- Local CFA Member Societies may access applicant details as per the CFA Institute Privacy Policy.
Strategies for a Successful Application
For successfully completing your application, you must follow the following points:
- Write a Compelling Personal Statement: Tell your personal story, including your professional objectives and how the CFA program supports them. Identify financial challenges and explain how the scholarship will help you meet your goals.
- Review Thoroughly: All application details provided should be accurately presented before submitting and cannot be amended subsequently.
- Stay Honest: Provide accurate financial information, as transparency is key to securing the scholarship.
Few Other CFA Scholarships
The other CFA scholarships are tabulated below:
Scholarship | Details |
Women’s Scholarship | Motivates women to go for CFA certification. |
Student Scholarship | For current students at affiliated universities. |
Professor Scholarship | For full-time faculty members at partner institutions. |
Regulator Scholarship | For employees of financial regulatory organizations. |