All about CFA Access Scholarship!

The CFA Institute Access Scholarship by CFA Institute, USA is available to individuals who cannot afford the full CFA program fees. The grant of scholarship waives the CFA enrollment fee of US$ 350 and reduces the exam registration fee of US$ 940/1250 to US$ 300 and all other scholarship types US$ 400. 

The scholarship application window is OPEN 2 times a year. The first application window for the program year 20 Sep 2023 – 31 Aug 2024 is expected to OPEN in 20th September’23 and the second window in January’24. One application window remains OPEN generally for about 4 weeks, the results of which are mostly declared within 4-6 weeks.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants to CFA Access Scholarship Program must meet the CFA enrollment requirements. There is no minimum or maximum income or asset level for Scholarship applicants. To be eligible for the scholarship, a candidate should not have already registered for the CFA exam. 

How To Apply?

Log in and complete the scholarship application on CFA Website. 

Evaluation Criteria

Financial need is considered the basic factor. However, final awards are based on a combination of factors, including

• Financial need
• Academic, professional, or other accomplishments
• Any obstacles overcome by the candidate
• Any contributions to the local community
• Candidate’s interest in pursuing the CFA charter
• Personal characteristics that indicate the individual is a strong candidate 

An individual has to write a personal statement in about 250 words for the scholarship as part of the application. The statement should emphasize all the above factors. Here’s a sample essay you may refer to. Note, however, that your personal statement must be unique and truly reflect yourself.

Other Things To Note 

• While the scholarship application is pending, one should not register for the CFA exam
• Scholarship can be availed for all 3 levels of the CFA exam. Applications for the same are however made separately.
• Candidates won't miss out on the early registration fee because they are waiting for the scholarship results.

For example, if Aman aims to take the Level 1 CFA Exam in May 2024, the early registration window would close by 12 Oct’23. If Aman applies for the scholarship in the September window, even though the results of the scholarship will come later in Dec, Aman will be allowed to register for May 2024 exam by paying the early registration fee. 

• If you are awarded the scholarship, you'll have a few CFA exam offerings to choose from. offerings/windows may be available to you. Your scholarship expiration date will be given in the email that you'll get from CFA Institute.

Click here to refer to sample acceptance / rejection emails. Have any questions about the CFA scholarship?  Let us know in the comments below. 

All the best!!
Team 1FIN

About CFA by 1FIN - We at 1FIN have partnered with Kaplan Schweser, the World Leader in CFA Prep to offer CFA courses in India. Schweser has helped 1000s of candidates earn CFA charter. The study package comprises – Video Classes, the Latest Printed Books, Quick Sheets, Online Practice Questions, Mock Exams, Pass Protection & Much More - everything you need to succeed in the CFA exams!

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