CFA® Scholarship
 Make Your CFA Journey More Affordable
Financial support for deserving candidates who want to pursue the CFA Program but face cost constraints
UNIQUE

What Is a CFA Scholarship?

A CFA® Scholarship is a financial assistance initiative offered by the CFA Institute to help deserving candidates pursue the CFA Program at a reduced cost. These scholarships are designed for students, working professionals, and individuals who may have strong academic or professional potential but face financial constraints. By waiving the enrollment fee and offering a significant discount on exam registration fees, CFA scholarships substantially lower the overall cost of earning the CFA charter, making it more accessible to a wider audience. CFA Institute scholarships are available to both new applicants who are planning to begin their CFA journey and existing CFA candidates who wish to continue their progression through the program.

Who can apply for CFA Scholarships

Category CFA Women’s Scholarship CFA Student Scholarship CFA Professor’s Scholarship
Scholarship Name CFA Women’s Scholarship CFA Student Scholarship CFA Professor’s Scholarship
Target Audience Women facing financial barriers Students enrolled at CFA-affiliated universities Full-time educators in higher education or academic administrative roles
Purpose Supports women to pursue the CFA Program Supports students pursuing CFA through affiliated institutions Enables educators to pursue CFA without financial constraints
Objective Increase female representation in the CFA Program Encourage early entry into the CFA Program Enhance educators’ credentials and finance education quality
Application Method Online registration with personal details and personal statement Apply via official CFA Institute website Apply as per guidelines on CFA Institute website
Eligibility Proof — Proof of enrollment at a CFA-affiliated university Must meet CFA Institute credit requirements
Supporting Documents Personal statement Financial documents and personal statement University ID, official email ID, proof of teaching qualifications
Registration Fee Fully waived Fully waived Fully waived
Exam Fee Reduced from USD 1,000 to USD 350 Reduced from USD 1,000 to USD 350 Reduced from USD 1,000 to USD 350
Application Windows Multiple short windows throughout the year Varies by university Open for several months with a fixed deadline
Enrollment Deadline Must enroll within 7 months Must enroll within 7 months Must enroll within 7 months
Key Benefit Improves access for women in finance Makes CFA affordable for students Strengthens academic expertise and student outcomes
Types of CFA Scholarships & Who They’re For
1.
Access Scholarship

(Financial Need-Based)

Ideal for candidates who:

  • Need financial assistance
  • Are not currently enrolled in the CFA Program
  • Want to reduce CFA costs significantly

Benefit

Enrollment fee: Waived
Exam fee: $400

2.
Student Scholarship

(University-Affiliated Students)

Perfect for::

  • Students currently enrolled in an affiliated university
  • Young aspirants planning to start the CFA journey early

Benefit

Enrollment fee: Waived
Exam fee: $600

3.
Professor Scholarship

(For Academics & Educators)

Designed for:

  • Full-time college or university professors
  • Educators teaching finance, economics, business, accounting or related subjects

Benefit

Enrollment fee: Waived
Exam fee: $400

CFA Scholarship – Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Requirement Description
CFA Program Enrollment Candidate must be enrolled in or planning to enroll in the CFA Program
Financial Need Applicant must demonstrate genuine financial need
Career Commitment Must show a strong interest and long-term commitment to building a career in finance
Application Completeness A complete application must be submitted with all required supporting documents
Scholarship Type Enrollment Fee Exam Fee
Access Scholarship Waived $400
Student Scholarship Waived $600
Professor Scholarship Waived $400
Without Scholarship $350 $940
CFA Fee Structure: With vs Without Scholarship
Scholarship Type Enrollment Fee Exam Fee
Access Scholarship Waived $400
Student Scholarship Waived $600
Professor Scholarship Waived $400
Without Scholarship $350 $940
Scholarship Type Enrollment Fee Exam Fee
Access Scholarship Waived $400
Student Scholarship Waived $600
Professor Scholarship Waived $400
Without Scholarship $350 $940
How to Apply for a CFA Scholarship

1. Identify the Right Scholarship

  • Access Scholarship: For candidates needing financial support.
  • Student Scholarship: For students at CFA-affiliated universities.
  • Professor Scholarship: For full-time faculty teaching finance-related subjects.

2. Check Eligibility Requirements

  • Access: Financial need + not currently enrolled for a CFA exam.
  • Student: Must prove current university enrollment.
  • Professor: Must be full-time faculty in a relevant subject.

3. Prepare Application Materials

  • A personal statement/essay explaining your goals and financial situation (if required).
  • Supporting documents such as income proof, student ID, university letter, or faculty verification.

4. Submit Before the Deadline

  • Apply within the CFA Institute’s scholarship window.
  • Wait for the result before registering for any exam, otherwise your application becomes invalid.

CFA Scholarship – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I get a scholarship for the CFA Program?

You can get a CFA Scholarship by applying through the official CFA Institute website during the open application window. Applicants must meet eligibility criteria, demonstrate financial need (where applicable), and submit a complete application including a personal statement and required documents.

How much scholarship is given in the CFA Program?

CFA Scholarships offer significant fee relief. Selected candidates receive a full waiver of the enrollment fee, and the exam fee is reduced from USD 1,000 to around USD 350, depending on the scholarship type.

How do I apply for CFA scholarships offered by global financial education providers?

CFA scholarships offered by global education providers must be applied for online through their official platforms. The process usually involves filling out personal details, uploading supporting documents, and submitting a motivation statement. Always apply directly through authorized websites to avoid misinformation.

Are there any financial institutions providing CFA exam scholarships in India?

In India, the CFA Institute is the primary scholarship provider for the CFA Program. However, some employers, universities, and financial institutions may offer reimbursements or sponsorships for CFA candidates based on internal policies.

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