CFA® Program Scholarships in 2026

CFA exam / Scholarships / SCHOLARSHIPS IN 2026

1. All 2026 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 2026 CFA Scholarships

All 2026 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 2026:

• 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 are no longer available to female candidates as of the 2026 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:

Get Your CFA Exam Study Plan for Free

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:

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:

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:

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 2026 CFA Scholarships

The 2026 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 2026 is the application deadline.
• Professor Scholarship: 15 July 2026 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 :)

PUBLISHED: Feb 24, 2025

Read Also:

• CFA Exam Cost. Is CFA Expensive?
• How to Create CFA Exam Study Plan
• How to Be Motivated for CFA Exam