What's CFA® Exam Student Scholarship?

CFA exam / Scholarships / STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP

1. CFA Exam Student Scholarship
2. CFA Exam Student Scholarship Deadline
3. 5 Things to Know about CFA Exam Student Scholarship
4. Student Scholarship vs Access Scholarship for CFA Candidates
5. Key Takeaways for CFA Program Student Scholarship

CFA Exam Student Scholarship

The CFA exam Student Scholarship can significantly reduce CFA exam registration costs for students. If you're a student at an affiliated university, this scholarship offers a discounted fee of USD 600, which makes the CFA exam much more affordable.

That's what CFA Institute says about the Student Scholarship: "This scholarship is available to students around the world who are enrolled at an affiliated university and have not yet registered for their next exam."

So, the CFA exam Student Scholarship is designed to support students who are currently enrolled at universities or colleges affiliated with the CFA Program. This scholarship allows you to register for your level 1 CFA exam at a lower cost. It not only reduces the registration fee to USD 600 in 2025 but also waives the enrollment fee.

This scholarship can be used for any of the three levels of the CFA exam but is most often used by level 1 CFA candidates who enter the CFA Program as college students.

If you're wondering how much of a difference this makes, consider this: without the scholarship, the early-bird CFA exam registration fee in 2025 is USD 990 (the standard registration fee is as high as USD 1290 if you don't register as an early bird) + there’s the one-time enrollment fee of USD 350 if you register for your first level 1 CFA exam. However, with the Student Scholarship, the fee is reduced to just USD 600, allowing you to save a significant amount of money.

To apply, students must check with their university to see if it's affiliated with the CFA Program and confirm CFA exam eligibility requirements. The application process is straightforward and involves filling out an online application form on the CFA Institute's website.

CFA Exam Student Scholarship Deadline

The CFA exam Student Scholarship deadline is 31 July 2025. Importantly, the scholarship application window opens on 1 September 2024 and closes on 31 July 2025, which means that students have ample time to apply.

However, it's wise to apply early, especially if you want to secure your spot in the upcoming exam cycle.

CFA Institute says that "Student scholarships are valid for six months from the date you were notified by CFA^® Institute of your award. Please refer to your decision email for this date."

Here's a quick overview of the important dates for the Student Scholarship application:

For more details on how to apply for the CFA exam Student Scholarship, you can visit the CFA Institute's website and our blog.

5 Things to Know about CFA Exam Student Scholarship

The broad student scholarship application window provides a fantastic opportunity for students to take advantage of the reduced exam fee. Here are five important things you should know about the CFA exam Student Scholarship before you apply:

1. Application Window: The student scholarship application window opens on 1 September 2024 and closes on 31 July 2025.
2. Eligibility: This scholarship is only available to students who are enrolled at an affiliated university or college. Make sure to check if your school qualifies.
3. CFA Exam Fee Reduction: If awarded, the scholarship reduces your CFA exam registration fee to USD 600. This discounted rate includes the enrollment fee (if applicable, i.e., for the first level 1 CFA exam).
4. Scholarship Validity: Once awarded, the scholarship is valid for six months. This means you must take your CFA exam during this period, or you may lose your scholarship.
5. No Refund: If you fail to appear for the exam, you may request an emergency deferral if you meet the specified criteria. However, you are not permitted to purchase a paid deferral.

The CFA exam can be challenging, but the Student Scholarship provides great exam motivation for students who wish to embark on their journey to earn the CFA designation.

By reducing the financial burden, the Student Scholarship makes it more affordable for students to pursue the CFA designation and helps them fully focus on exam preparation.

Student Scholarship vs Access Scholarship
for CFA Candidates

Choosing between the CFA exam Student Scholarship and the CFA exam Access Scholarship depends on your individual circumstances. Let's compare these two options to help you decide:

The Student Scholarship offers a student discount that cuts down the registration fee to USD 600. The Access Scholarship provides a greater reduction, which lowers the fee to USD 400. Moreover, the Student Scholarship is for students at affiliated universities, whereas the Access Scholarship is open to a broader audience, provided they demonstrate financial need.

If you're a student and meet the eligibility requirements for both scholarships, you might as well apply for both the Student Scholarship and the Access Scholarship. However, if you are facing significant financial constraints and do not qualify for the Student Scholarship, the Access Scholarship might be a better fit for you.

If you apply for both scholarships and receive both, only the most recently awarded one will be valid. If you're awarded a scholarship, make sure to use it. Otherwise, you will be ineligible for any future scholarships.

Key Takeaways for CFA Program Student Scholarship

Here are the main points you need to remember about the CFA exam Student Scholarship:

• Discounted Fee: The scholarship reduces the registration fee to USD 600 (that includes the enrollment fee).
• Eligibility: Only available to students enrolled at universities affiliated with the CFA Program.
• Validity: If awarded, the scholarship must be used within six months from the notification date.
• Deadline: You may apply for the Student Scholarship from 1 September 2024 to 31 July 2025.
• Use It or Lose It: If you do not use the scholarship after you've been awarded with it, you may become ineligible for future scholarships from CFA Institute.

Applying for the CFA exam Student Scholarship can be a game-changer for students who are motivated to pursue the CFA designation but need financial assistance. Be sure to apply within the deadline and use your scholarship wisely to advance in your CFA exam journey.

Read Also:

• Quick Study Guide for CFA Candidates
• How to Create CFA Exam Study Plan
• How to Be Motivated for CFA Exam