If you are an aspiring finance professional, you might dream of exploring investment banking or hedge fund management. The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) course can be your entry point to a rewarding career in finance, both in India and globally. This course, offered by the CFA Institute, is recognized worldwide as a leading provider of financial education. Here, we provide detailed information on the CFA course fees you should be aware of for 2025.
CFA Course Overview
What is CFA? The Chartered Financial Analyst is a rigorous course that demands a significant investment in terms of both time and money. It is divided into three levels, each requiring successful completion to advance. The CFA Institute provides all necessary study materials, but additional resources and coaching can be beneficial.
CFA Levels and Structure
The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) program consists of three levels, each designed to test a candidate’s proficiency in investment management, financial analysis, and ethical standards. The structure of the CFA exams and their associated fees vary by level and registration stage.
Level I
- Focus: Fundamental investment tools and concepts, including ethics, quantitative methods, economics, and financial reporting.
- Format: Multiple-choice questions.
- Fees:
-
- Early registration fee
- Standard registration fee
- Additional costs for study materials and potential retake fees
Level II
- Focus: Application of financial concepts, emphasizing asset valuation and financial analysis.
- Format: Item set questions (case studies with multiple questions).
- Fees:
-
- Varies based on registration timing
- Exam retake fees apply
Level III
- Focus: Portfolio management and wealth planning, requiring the application of concepts from Levels I and II.
- Format: Constructed response (essay) and item set questions.
- Fees:
-
- Higher due to exam complexity
- Registration fees vary, along with potential retake costs
Each level requires a separate registration and exam fee, and candidates should be aware that costs may fluctuate based on when they register.
Detailed Breakdown of CFA Course Fees
Initial CFA Enrolment Charge
The one-time enrolment fee for the CFA program is USD 350, which is paid upon registering for the Level 1 exam.
CFA Registration Fees
The registration fees for each CFA level vary depending on when you register:
- Early Registration Fee: USD 900
- Standard Registration Fee: USD 1200
Curriculum Expenses
While the CFA Institute provides essential study materials online, additional materials can cost between USD 99 and USD 1299 per level. The required calculators (BA II Plus or HP12C) cost around USD 50.
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Fee Structure for CFA Course
The total CFA course fees, including registration and exam fees for all three levels, range between USD 2550 and USD 2850.
CFA Level 1 Exam Fees 2025:
- Early Registration Fee: USD 900
- Standard Registration Fee: USD 1200
Rescheduling Fees for CFA Level 1 Exams
If you need to reschedule your exam, there is a USD 250 fee.
Deadlines for CFA Level 1 Fees 2025
The specific deadlines for the CFA Level 1 fees are announced by the CFA Institute based on the exam schedule.
CFA Level 1 Scholarship Categories
- Access Scholarship
- Women’s Scholarship
- Student Scholarship
- Professor Scholarship
- Regulator Scholarship
CFA Level 2 Exam Fees 2025
- Early Registration Fee: USD 900
- Standard Registration Fee: USD 1200
Rescheduling Fees for CFA Level 2 in 2025
The rescheduling fee for CFA Level 2 exams is USD 250.
Deadlines for CFA Level 2 Fees 2025
Deadlines are provided by the CFA Institute based on the exam schedule.
CFA Level 2 Scholarship Categories
- Access Scholarship
- Women’s Scholarship
- Student Scholarship
- Professor Scholarship
- Regulator Scholarship
CFA Level 3 Exam Fees 2025:
- Early Registration Fee: USD 900
- Standard Registration Fee: USD 1200
Rescheduling Fees for CFA Level 3 in 2025
The rescheduling fee for CFA Level 3 exams is USD 250.
Deadlines for CFA Level 3 Fees 2025
Specific deadlines are provided by the CFA Institute based on the exam schedule.
CFA 2025 Exam Dates:
CFA Level 1 Exam Dates 2025
| Exam Period | Exam Dates |
| February Period | 14th – 20th February |
| May Period | 16th – 22nd May |
| August Period | 22nd – 28th August |
| November Period | 11th – 17th November |
CFA Level 2 Exam Dates 2025
| Exam Period | Exam Dates |
| May Period | 23rd – 27th May |
| August Period | 29th August – 2nd September |
| November Period | 18th – 22nd November |
CFA Level 3 Exam Dates 2025
| Exam Period | Exam Dates |
| February Period | 21st – 23rd February |
| August Period | 29th August – 5th September |
Zell Education provides a comprehensive program for students seeking to obtain a certification in CFA for all three levels. Register now!
CFA Level 3 Scholarship Categories:
The following are some of the CFA scholarship categories.
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 of $50 = INR 4,166.99
How to avail of this CFA scholarship: To avail of 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 that states why you, as a candidate, deserve this scholarship.Â
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 would be reduced to USD 400.
How to avail of 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 enrolment fee would be waived, and the exam registration would be reduced to USD 400.
How to avail of 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 would be reduced to USD 400.
How to avail of this CFA scholarship: To avail of this scholarship, you must be a full-time professor, administration, or department head at a 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 will be waived, and the exam registration will be reduced to USD 400.Â
How to avail of 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.
Comparison: CFA Course Fees vs. Other Financial Certifications
While considering a financial certification course, there are several options for courses, including ACCA, CFA, or CPA. Here’s a detailed comparative analysis of these courses for a better understanding.Â
| Certification | Estimated Fees | Duration | Global Recognition |
| CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) | $3,100 – $4,500 (including exam fees & study materials) | 2-4 years | Highly recognized in investment and finance sectors |
| ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) | $2,500 – $3,500 (including registration, exams & subscription) | 3-5 years | Strong global recognition, especially in accounting |
| CPA (Certified Public Accountant – US) | $3,000 – $4,500 (including exam fees & state licensing) | 1-2 years | Highly valued in accounting and auditing, especially in the U.S. |
Payment Methods for CFA Level 2 Fees in 2025
The CFA Institute accepts payments via credit card, check, or wire transfer.
Locations of Examination Centres
CFA exams are conducted in various cities globally. Candidates can choose the most convenient location during registration.
CFA Coaching Fees in 2025
Coaching fees for CFA preparation vary widely. For instance, Zell Education offers training for CFA Level 1 between INR 20,00 and INR 75,000.
CFA Study Materials’ Cost
While the CFA Institute provides essential study materials, additional materials can cost between USD 99 and USD 1299 per level.
Can I Study CFA for free?Â
There are some students who prefer to study for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Program on their own without signing up for any coaching classes. This will save your CFA course. However, it may hinder your study preparations quite a bit.
CFA is one of the most preferred finance courses for BBA and BCom students.
It is important to have some expert guidance when you are preparing for a professional course like CFA. When you sign up for a coaching class, you get exclusive access to their resources, such as exclusive study materials, recorded lectures, regular mock exams, and tests, as well as doubt-solving solving sessions with faculty members and experts.
CFA Course Duration
The CFA exams can be attempted during specific exam windows during the year. The exam windows for all three levels of CFA are as follows:
CFA Level 1: Feb, May, Aug, Nov
CFA Level 2: Feb, Aug, Nov
CFA Level 3: May, Aug
Ideally, it should take around 3 years to clear all three levels of CFA with an adequate amount of preparation.Â
The CFA Institute has bent its rules for the better with effect from November 1, 2022. Students with two years left in their undergraduate studies can now sign up and take the CFA Level 1 exam.
The Chartered Financial Analyst is a globally recognized qualification in the field of finance and investment. Planning to become a CFA? If you have recently completed your graduation or are appearing for your final semester, you may be eligible to become a CFA. We highly recommend checking out our Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) course.
Conclusion
Pursuing the CFA designation is a significant investment, both financially and in terms of time. While the fees may seem high, the CFA credential is globally recognized and highly valued in the finance industry. Understanding the cost structure, potential hidden fees, and policies around registration and deferrals can help you plan your journey more effectively. With careful preparation, the CFA can be a game-changing certification for your career in finance.
Need further insights on CFA costs or planning? Feel free to ask!
FAQ’s on CFA Course Fee Structure 2025:
What is the total fee of the CFA course?
The total fee, including registration and exam fees, ranges between USD 2550 and USD 2850.
What is the average cost of a CFA in India?
The total cost, including study materials and coaching, can range from INR 1.9 to 2.1 lakhs.
What is the CFA course salary?
Salaries for CFA charter holders vary widely, but they can expect an average starting salary of up to INR 18 lakhs per annum.
Who earns more, CA or CFA?
Earnings can vary significantly based on experience, location, and the specific role. Generally, both CA and CFA professionals can earn high salaries, but CFA charter holders often command higher salaries in investment banking and related fields.
