CFA Scholarship 2025: How to Apply for CFA Scholarship

The Chartered Financial Analyst course is one of the most preferred courses in finance due to the salary package CFAs receive on successful completion of their course. Even students who have done their graduation in Art and Science related streams can choose to pursue CFA after graduation because it offers several exciting job opportunities in the stream of investment. As per the CFA institute, in 2021, there were about 28,849 candidates throughout the globe who sat for the CFA Level 1 examinations in the July testing window. 

Since the Chartered Financial Analyst examinations aren’t that easy to clear, there was an overall passing rate of only 22%. 

There are various things to consider before you apply for the CFA exams like the coaching institute, the ideal study plan, jobs you can get after CFA and the total fees of the CFA exams. However, when it comes to the course fees, you’d be happy to know that the CFA Institute provides certain scholarship programs to students.

Before we take a look at the scholarship programs, let’s first understand the breakdown of the CFA course fees.  

CFA Level 1 Course Fees

Chartered Financial Analyst has three levels with 10 papers in each level. You can appear for the second level only after completing the first one. The course fees for each of these levels differ from one another. Here’s a look into the fees breakdown of the CFA level 1.

Total Cost 

Early registration fee: $700 USD

Standard registration fee: $1,000 USD

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Different Types Of CFA Scholarships And How To Apply For Them

If you’ve decided to take up CFA as your professional  course and the fees seem to be getting in the way of your learning journey, you must be wondering if there is any scholarship in CFA? The answer to that question is yes. There are several scholarships available for CFA. Here’s a detailed list of all the scholarships and how you can apply to each of them.

1. Access Scholarship

The Access Scholarship Program is designed for students who can not afford the CFA program enrollment fees. With this scholarship, the student will only have to pay 50 USD for the enrolment fee of $300 = INR 25,000 is completely waived off, and you only need to pay a balance $50 = INR 4,166.99

How to avail this CFA scholarship: To avail this scholarship you will be expected to submit and state all of your financials, for example: family income and the current assets of your family. Additionally, you need to write an essay which states why you as a candidate deserve this scholarship. 

2. Women’s Scholarship

The Women’s Scholarship Program, as the name suggests, is specifically designed to encourage women to sign up for the CFA program. Under this scholarship program, your enrolment fee would be waived and the exam registration is reduced to USD 400.

How to avail this CFA scholarship: To be eligible for this CFA scholarship, you need to be a woman who isn’t eligible for any other CFA scholarship. You must not apply for the CFA program until you receive your scholarship award.

3. Student Scholarship

If you are currently a student and are enrolled with a University affiliated with the CFA Institute, then you may be eligible for the Student Scholarship Program. With this scholarship, your enrollment fee would be waived and the exam registration is reduced to USD 400.

How to avail this CFA scholarship: Students currently attending an Affiliated University and have not yet registered for their next exam are eligible to apply for a CFA Program Student Scholarship. Students must also satisfy the enrolment criteria and requirements for the CFA program.

4. Professor Scholarship

If you are currently working as a professor at a college or a university and you teach subjects like finance, economics, business, or any of the topics from the CFA Program Candidate Body of Knowledge (CBOK). With this scholarship, your enrollment fee would be waived and the exam registration is reduced to USD 400.

How to avail this CFA scholarship: To avail this scholarship you must be a full time professor, administration or department head at college or university. They should have the minimum number of credit hours for the scholarship eligibility.

5. Regulator Scholarship

A Regulator Scholarship is designed for those working in a company that is responsible for overlooking the standards of practice or business conduct of the investment management industry. This could include financial regulators, central banks, securities commissions, stock exchanges, SROs and/or government entities that have an agreement with the CFA Institute. With this scholarship, your enrollment fee would be waived and the exam registration is reduced to USD 400. 

How to avail this CFA scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to organizations and not directly to students. To apply for this scholarship, your organization must nominate you for it. For this, you must check with your HR or designated CFA representative.

We hope that with this information, you’re successfully able to pursue your dream of becoming a Chartered Financial Analyst. The Chartered Financial Analyst is a globally recognised qualification in the field of finance and investment. If you have recently completed your graduation or are appearing for your final semester, you may be eligible to become a CFA. Interested? We highly recommend checking out our Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) course.

CFA Scholarship Application Process

The CFA Institute offers several scholarships to help reduce the financial burden for aspiring CFA candidates. To apply for these scholarships, you need to follow a few steps. First, create an account on the CFA Institute website and complete your registration for the CFA program. Once registered, you can submit your scholarship application, ensuring that you choose the scholarship that best fits your situation (e.g., Access, Women’s, Student, etc.). Each scholarship type has specific eligibility criteria and application requirements, such as essays or financial disclosures, so be sure to read the guidelines carefully. Additionally, remember not to register for the exam before you receive the scholarship award, as this could disqualify you from certain scholarships.

How To Write CFA Scholarship Essay

When applying for a CFA scholarship, writing a compelling essay is often a crucial part of the process. The essay is typically where you’ll explain why you deserve the scholarship and how it aligns with your career aspirations. Here are a few tips to help you write an impactful CFA scholarship essay:

• Be Clear and Concise: State your financial needs or career goals clearly. Use examples to illustrate your commitment to pursuing a career in finance and how the CFA qualification will help you achieve that.
• Show Your Passion: The scholarship essay is your opportunity to show your enthusiasm for the CFA program and how it aligns with your career objectives. Be authentic in sharing your motivations.
• Highlight Your Achievements: If you’ve excelled in any related coursework, internships, or projects, mention them. This will demonstrate your capability and determination.
• Follow the Guidelines: Ensure you follow any specific instructions regarding word count, format, or submission deadline.

Application Essay Format

The application essay for CFA scholarships generally follows a standard structure. A typical format would include the following:

1. Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself, your educational background, and your career aspirations.
2. Main Body: Discuss why you want to pursue the CFA, what motivates you, and how the scholarship will help you. Be sure to include any financial hardships or other challenges you are facing.
3. Conclusion: Reaffirm your commitment to achieving the CFA charter and thank the committee for considering your application. Mention how this scholarship will significantly impact your ability to succeed in the program.

Make sure the essay is well-organized, free of grammatical errors, and fits within the required word limit.

New 2025 CFA Exam Access Scholarship Windows

For those looking to apply for the Access Scholarship in 2025, the CFA Institute has set specific application windows. The Access Scholarship is designed to assist candidates who are unable to afford the full cost of the CFA program. The 2025 scholarship application window will open on [specific dates] and will remain open for a limited time. During this window, eligible candidates can submit their applications, which may include submitting financial documents and writing an essay. Be sure to check the CFA Institute’s official website for the exact dates and to ensure you apply within the given timeframe.

How To Check CFA Exam Access Scholarship Results

Once you’ve submitted your application for the CFA Access Scholarship, you’ll need to wait for the results. Typically, you’ll be notified of the outcome via email or through your CFA Institute account. After receiving the result, you can check the status of your scholarship award by logging into your CFA Institute portal. If you are awarded the scholarship, you’ll also receive instructions on how to proceed with your exam registration. If you’re not selected, don’t be discouraged; you can reapply in the future or consider other scholarships.

Tips & Advice for CFA Scholarship Application

To improve your chances of receiving a CFA scholarship, follow these essential tips:

• Start Early: Begin the scholarship application process as early as possible to give yourself ample time to gather all necessary documents and complete your essay.
• Be Honest: Be transparent about your financial situation and how the scholarship will help you. Overstating your needs or making false claims can lead to disqualification.
• Tailor Your Essay: Don’t use a generic essay for all scholarships. Customize your essay to match the specific requirements and focus on what makes you an ideal candidate for that particular scholarship.
• Follow Instructions: Pay close attention to application deadlines, essay word limits, and other instructions. Missing these could result in your application being rejected.
• Proofread: Before submitting your essay and application, proofread them carefully. A well-written, error-free submission will show your commitment and attention to detail.

Additional Terms & Conditions for CFA Scholarship

Each CFA scholarship type comes with specific terms and conditions that you must agree to before applying. These include:

• Eligibility Requirements: Each scholarship program has different eligibility criteria, such as being a student, professor, or working in a regulatory body. Ensure you meet the necessary requirements before applying.
• Registration Restrictions: For most scholarships, you cannot register for the exam until your scholarship application has been approved. Make sure you wait for the confirmation before proceeding.
• Scholarship Availability: Scholarships are available on a limited basis, and not all applicants will receive an award. Apply early and ensure your application is complete to increase your chances.
• Non-transferable: Scholarships are non-transferable and cannot be used by anyone other than the applicant.

Make sure to review these terms and conditions carefully to avoid any surprises during the application process.

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Final Thoughts

We hope that with this information, you’re successfully able to pursue your dream of becoming a Chartered Financial Analyst. The Chartered Financial Analyst is a globally recognised qualification in the field of finance and investment. If you have recently completed your graduation or are appearing for your final semester, you may be eligible to become a CFA. Interested? We highly recommend checking out our Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) course.

FAQs on CFA Scholarship 2025

How can I apply for the CFA scholarship?

To apply for the CFA scholarship you need to register at the CFA website, create your account and submit your application. However, avoid registering for the examination before receiving your scholarship.

Can I do CFA for free?

You can apply for the Investment Foundations Program by the CFA institute for free and even get certified for this program.

Is the CFA level tough to clear?

The CFA level 1 can be tough to clear if the student does not have any academic background in the field of finance

Anant Bengani, brings expertise as a Chartered Accountant and a leading figure in finance and accounting education. He’s dedicated to empowering learners with the finest financial knowledge and skills.