Scholarship FAQs

For education scholarships, the spring application window is typically open from late February to early April. The fall application window is typically open from late August to early October.

For exam review and exam scholarships, the application window typically opens in February for the July CFP® exam, in June for the November CFP® exam, and in October for the March CFP® exam.

Please visit each scholarship program’s webpage to learn about eligibility requirements. Please read carefully as eligibility differs across programs.

Having a bachelor's degree of any kind is acceptable to attend a certificate program. Individuals from any profession may apply as we encourage career changers to enter the financial planning profession. However, you must attend a CFP Board registered program in financial planning to be eligible for scholarship opportunities. Please visit our website to find an eligible education program that fits you.

Yes, unless otherwise stated as a certificate-level only program. Graduate students are considered for a maximum award amount of $5,000.

Yes.

To receive one of our scholarships, you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident attending a Registered Program within the U.S.

You may apply for as many scholarships as you are eligible for, however you may only receive a maximum of one education scholarship. After you complete your education at a Registered Program, you may apply for one of the exam prep review or CFP® exam scholarships.

Most programs require:

• Resume
• Most up-to-date unofficial undergraduate transcript
• 1 Letter of recommendation
• Short essay responses totaling ~1,500 words max

Use of ChatGPT or AI to compose your personal statement is strongly discouraged. Evidence of overreliance on AI will result in a lower score.

There are no specific requirements for your letter of recommendation. However, most individuals choose either a professor, employer, volunteer supervisor, or mentor (former or current) to complete their letter. We discourage relying on family members or direct reports as recommenders. A recommender should speak to your work ethic, your impact, and other details that allow the review committee to assess your preparedness for a career in financial planning.

• Proof of enrollment, such as an unofficial transcript or welcome email.
• Proof of full cost of tuition, such as an order confirmation, promissory note/invoice, or receipt.
  • If you are paying course-by-course, please submit a receipt for 1 course and a screenshot of the total cost of your program.

Please allow up to 6 weeks to receive your scholarship payment after you submit the required documentation.

Yes.

Yes! We highly encourage you to reapply.