The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) has unveiled a transformative pricing model for its education programs, aimed at making coffee learning more accessible and equitable worldwide. The model adjusts costs based on local economic conditions, reducing fees for learners and trainers in lower-income countries. This strategic shift will launch in 2025, further expanding access following the association’s move to offer free global membership in 2024.
Explore the full details of SCA’s educational evolution here.
A New Chapter in Coffee Education: SCA Introduces Region-Based Pricing to Make Learning More Accessible
In a major move set to democratize access to specialty coffee education, the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) has announced a groundbreaking pricing model that adjusts course and trainer fees based on a country’s economic standing. The initiative, which takes effect in 2025, is designed to remove financial barriers and expand educational opportunities in emerging markets and underserved communities across the globe.
For decades, the SCA has been a global standard-bearer in coffee knowledge—developing tools, guidelines, and curricula that have empowered professionals from seed to cup. Yet as the coffee industry evolves and expands, so too does the demand for more affordable, inclusive education.
Why Now?
“Education serves as the foundation for careers, leadership, and innovation throughout the value chain,” said Yannis Apostolopoulos, CEO of the SCA. “After years of dedicated work, we are proud to introduce a new model designed to make our education more accessible and widely available.”
This announcement follows a similar move by the SCA last year to eliminate membership fees, making access to its global community free of charge. The new pricing model represents the next step in ensuring coffee professionals everywhere—regardless of location or income—can grow their careers through SCA certification.
How the Model Works
Using economic data from the International Monetary Fund and the Purchasing Power Parity per Capita Index, the SCA has grouped countries into five tiers. Education fees will be scaled accordingly:
-
A learner in Group 5 (high-income countries) will pay $50 per course.
-
A learner in Group 1 (lower-income countries) will pay just $8.
Similarly, the annual license fee for Authorized SCA Trainers (ASTs) will be:
-
$975 in Group 5 countries.
-
Only $115 in Group 1 countries.
This regionally adjusted model applies across all SCA certificate programs, including the renowned Q Program. While trainers still retain the ability to set their own prices, this structure offers a consistent and transparent baseline that reflects economic realities.
Building a More Inclusive Coffee Community
The goal, according to the SCA, is to meet learners where they are—geographically, financially, and professionally. By doing so, the association aims to foster a more equitable and empowered global coffee industry.
The pricing changes are also backed by a range of partnerships with key industry institutions that are helping the SCA expand access while leveraging local expertise. Among these partners are:
-
Coffee Quality Institute (CQI)
-
Colombian Coffee Growers Federation (FNC)
-
Brazil Specialty Coffee Association (BSCA)
These collaborations ensure that educational offerings remain rooted in regional context while maintaining global quality standards.
What’s Next?
The full pricing matrix is now live on the SCA Education website, and a series of online and in-person info sessions are planned in the coming weeks. The first will take place at World of Coffee Jakarta on May 17 at 12:00pm in the Kakatua Room—with no registration required.
The rollout of the new pricing structure is scheduled to begin in the coming months. With this bold step, the SCA is not only modernizing its educational framework but reaffirming its mission: to make coffee better—together.