CFA® Program Scholarships in 2025

Updated: February 24, 2025

CFA exam / Scholarships / SCHOLARSHIPS IN 2025


CFA Program Scholarships

  1. All 2025 CFA Exam Scholarships
  2. Who's Eligible for CFA Program Scholarship
  3. Who's NOT Eligible for CFA Program Scholarship
  4. Access Scholarship for CFA Candidates
  5. Assess Scholarship Application Windows
  6. Access Scholarship Results
  7. Student Scholarship for CFA Candidates
  8. Student Scholarship Application Window
  9. Professor Scholarship for CFA Candidates
  10. Professor Scholarship Application Window
  11. Key Takeaways for 2025 CFA Scholarships

All 2025 CFA Exam Scholarships


CFA Program scholarships make it possible to reduce the cost of the CFA exam significantly. Three CFA Program scholarships are available in 2025:

  • Access Scholarship,
  • Student Scholarship, and
  • Professor Scholarship.

Each scholarship offers a specific CFA exam registration discount and has different eligibility criteria and application windows.

Women’s Scholarship will no longer be available to female candidates as of the 2025 CFA exams. CFA Institute ceases to offer scholarships for women but still offers other CFA exam scholarships.

That's what CFA Institute says about CFA Program scholarships it offers: "CFA Institute scholarships are part of our commitment to promoting the highest standards of ethics, education, and professional excellence. Our scholarships help make the CFA® charter more attainable and give more people an opportunity to advance their career."

Why not seize the opportunity then and apply if you're eligible?


Who's Eligible for CFA Program Scholarship


To be eligible for a CFA Program scholarship, you need to meet specific criteria.

3 types of CFA candidates are eligible for CFA Program scholarships:

  1. Candidates demonstrating financial need can apply for an Access Scholarship.
  2. Students enrolled in an affiliated university can apply for a Student Scholarship.
  3. Professors teaching full-time at a qualified institution can apply for a Professor Scholarship.

Each type of scholarship follows a defined application process and requires specific supporting documentation.


Who's NOT Eligible for CFA Program Scholarship


Certain CFA candidates cannot apply for CFA Program scholarships.

There are 4 types of CFA candidates that are NOT eligible for CFA Program scholarships:

  1. Those already registered for a CFA exam or awaiting their latest CFA exam result.
  2. Candidates who received a scholarship after 1 September 2024 but did not use it.
  3. Candidates who were awarded a scholarship twice after 1 September 2024 for the same exam level but did not pass at the second attempt.
  4. Candidates who failed to register, schedule, or sit for the exam after receiving a scholarship.

Access Scholarship for CFA Candidates


The CFA Access Scholarship reduces the exam fee to USD 400 and waives the one-time enrollment fee. This scholarship is available for candidates demonstrating financial need. Access Scholarship is the most significant CFA exam discount available. That's why CFA candidates are asked to submit a scholarship essay explaining why it's important for them to receive the scholarship.


Assess Scholarship Application Windows


There are 4 Access Scholarship application windows per each exam cycle. Candidates must apply during the period specified for the CFA exam they intend to take:

CFA Exam Access Scholarship Application Window
May 2025 apply 8 Aug 2024
to 26 Aug 2024
Aug 2025 apply 6 Nov 2024
to 25 Nov 2024
Nov 2025 apply 12 Feb 2025
to 3 Mar 2025
Feb 2026 apply 29 Apr 2025
to 19 May 2025


Access Scholarship Results


CFA exam Access Scholarship results will be released approximately 4-6 weeks after the application window closes. The following table shows the expected decision dates:

CFA Exam Access Scholarship Results Available
May 2025 on 23 Sept 2024
Aug 2025 on 3 Jan 2025
Nov 2025 on 31 Mar 2025
Feb 2026 on 16 June 2025

Student Scholarship for CFA Candidates


The Student Scholarship reduces the CFA exam fee to USD 600 total (no enrollment fee). The Student Scholarship is designed for candidates currently enrolled in an affiliated university, so go ahead and see if your school makes CFA exam scholarships for students available.


Student Scholarship Application Window


The Student Scholarship has a broad application window, as shown below:

Application Window Opens Application Window Closes
1 Sept 2024 31 July 2025

If you're a student and your university is affiliated with the CFA Program, ask about the required application process and additional documents. They vary by university.


Professor Scholarship for CFA Candidates


The Professor Scholarship reduces the CFA exam fee to USD 600. University professors teaching finance-related subjects can apply for this scholarship.


Professor Scholarship Application Window


University professors should take note of the following application window to ensure they apply on time:

Application Window Opens Application Window Closes
1 Sept 2024 15 July 2025

Professors must provide some additional documentation such as the verification of employment, proof of teaching hours, and a CV along with their application.


Key Takeaways for 2025 CFA Scholarships


The 2025 CFA exam scholarships provide a substantial financial support to candidates:

  • Access Scholarship reduces the exam fee to USD 400.
  • Student Scholarship reduces the exam fee to USD 600.
  • Professor Scholarship reduces the exam fee to USD 600.

Scholarship application deadlines vary depending on the scholarship you're eligible for:

  • Access Scholarship: 4 application windows/deadlines, one per exam.
  • Student Scholarship: 31 July 2025 is the application deadline.
  • Professor Scholarship: 15 July 2025 is the application deadline.

Make sure to use your scholarship well and get your study plan now to prepare well for your CFA exam. Good luck to you with your studies :)


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PUBLISHED: Feb 24, 2025



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