Access Scholarship

The CFA Institute Access Scholarship Program is designed to make CFA® Program more accessible to individuals who may not be able to afford the full program fees while adhering to our mission and values.

Learn more about exam dates, costs, test locations, and other important registration details >

Access Scholarship eligibility requirements and scholarship rules

If you are considering applying for an Access Scholarship, please review all of the information below carefully. Applicants are expected to understand the program requirements before applying.

Award benefits

Beginning with scholarships awarded on 4 March 2026, The Access scholarship reduces the CFA Program exam registration fee to USD 400 under the Premium Registration Package which includes Practice Pack. Applicable tax applies.

Scholarships awarded prior to 4 March 2026 will not have complimentary access to the Practice Pack. No exceptions will be made.

Application window

The Access Scholarship has 4 application windows per year that align with each exam window.

February 2027 – Levels I and III
Opens: 5 May 2026
Closes: 25 May 2026
Decision Date: 19 June 2026

May 2027 – Levels I and II
Opens: 12 August 2026
Closes: 1 September 2026
Decision Date: 25 September 2026

August 2027 – Levels I, II, and III
Opens: 3 November 2026
Closes: 23 November 2026
Decision Date: 18 December 2026

November 2027 – Levels I and II
Opens: 9 February 2027
Closes: 2 March 2027
Decision Date: 26 March 2027

Eligibility requirements

Applicants must meet the requirements for the CFA Program. For full eligibility requirements, please review the Access Scholarship Rules.
More about Access Scholarships