CFA ESG

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ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance. Investors are increasingly applying these non-financial factors as part of their analysis process to identify material risks and growth opportunities.

CFA UK is delighted to be working in partnership with CFA Institute to make the Certificate in ESG Investing available globally. Over the next 18 months we will work together to fully transition the Certificate in ESG Investing over to CFA Institute. This will enable greater access to the qualification and will help achieve our vision to deliver ESG education globally across the investment profession. Sign up to get more information about the Certificate in ESG Investing from CFA Institute and what it can do for your career. Check out the information flow chart to help guide candidates through the transition process.

The qualification title, the Certificate in ESG Investing, corresponding syllabus and learning will remain the same (apart form the normal annual updates). If you are an existing candidate, you can find out what this means for you by reading our FAQs. 

If you wish to register your interest in the Certificate in ESG Investing and receive updates from CFA Institute – please sign up to get more information.

* The Certificate in ESG Investing is regulated by Ofqual (on its Regulated Qualifications Framework) as the CFA UK Level 4 Certificate in ESG Investing.  Level 4 indicates the level of difficulty of the qualification and is equivalent to that of a first year of undergraduate degree study.

What is the Certificate in ESG Investing?

The CFA UK Level 4 Certificate in ESG Investing is a level 4 qualification which delivers the benchmark knowledge and skills required by investment professionals to integrate ESG factors (environmental, social and governance) into the investment process. The first qualification of its kind in the UK, it has been developed by practitioners for practitioners.

Registrations for the new Certificate in ESG Investing opened in September 2019 and the first examinations can be scheduled from 2 December 2019

Why should I take the Certificate in ESG Investing?

Developed in consultation with leading firms and supported by the UN PRI, the Certificate will enable you to expand your ESG knowledge and stay ahead in your field. 

It has been designed for practitioners working in investment roles who want to learn how to analyse and integrate material ESG factors into their day-to-day roles.

It will also be suitable for anyone looking to improve their understanding of ESG issues working in:

  • sales & distribution
  • wealth management
  • product development
  • financial advice
  • consulting
  • compliance
  • risk 

The skills learned will be equally applicable to all asset classes.


How it will benefit you

  • Gain a unique and practical qualification
  • Improve your competitive career advantage and increase your employability
  • Expand your ESG knowledge and stay ahead in your field
  • CFA UK qualifications are recognised by leading firms
  • Develop the skills and competencies to fulfil both your fiduciary responsibilities and your firm’s responsible investment mandates
  • Successful completion can lead to the CFA UK Level 4 Diploma in Investment Management (ESG) for existing Level 4 IMC holders
  • Gain a digital badge to highlight to others the skills you have acquired

Entry criteria

There are no formal entry criteria for this qualification, but it is strongly recommended that candidates have a solid grounding in the investment process achieved via formal qualification or experience.

Fees and learning materials

  • The Certificate costs £485 per candidate, including access to online Official Training Manual and the first sitting of your exam; candidates who wish to purchase a hard copy OTM may do so for an additional charge of £95.00* plus postage costs
  • 100 questions assessed by multiple choice questions and item set scenarios

 ‘The curriculum is broad and covers all the key elements. The result is a qualification that starts the journey into ESG investing, a segment that is evolving quickly and will form a key part of our investment future.’

Caroline Shaw, 2026

CFA UK Level 4 Certificate in ESG Investing Overview
Qualification title CFA UK Level 4 Certificate in ESG
Exam registration and online learning materials £485.00 
Official Training Manual Cost (only available to purchase with exam registration)Edition 2: £40 plus postage Edition 3: £95.00 plus postage*
SyllabusSyllabus Version 2
From 01/10/2020 to 30/09/2026
Number of questions100
Time allowed for exam2 hours and 20 minutes
Total qualification time130 hours
Pass markBetween 60% and 70%
Pass rate
Between 60% and 75% 

*CFA UK wishes to act sustainably across its core activities and to encourage candidates to study via the materials provided on its learning materials platform.  The platform has now been successfully running for over 18 months with functionality to work both online and offline (downloading materials to pdf and print). The increased price point for Edition 3 of the learning materials is intended to encourage candidates to consider carefully whether or not they need to purchase a hard copy of the materials.

Training providers

BPP, Fitch Learning and Quartic offers training and study support for the Certificate in ESG Investing. Please note that CFA UK does not currently operate a formal endorsement process.

Need Information or Confused about Something ?

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Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.


📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.
  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.
  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.


💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).


🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.


🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information


📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.