Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning

Degree Level Postgraduate

Years

International students

Start date
February
July

Campus
City West

Duration
1 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus/Online

Program Code
DGFP

Fees
AUD$ 42,000 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025

English Language Requirements

IELTS total [6.5]
IELTS reading [6.0]
IELTS writing [6.0]

Equivalent English qualifications (PDF)

International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements

CRICOS Code
098153F

Entry requirements

Applicants are required to have one of the following:
A completed bachelor degree in an accounting, finance, economics or financial planning discipline from a recognised higher education institution or equivalent; or
A completed graduate certificate or higher postgraduate qualification in an accounting, finance, economics or financial planning discipline from a recognised higher education institution; or
A completed diploma or advanced diploma in financial planning and two years relevant professional experience.
English language entry requirements
International students who speak English as a foreign language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at the University of South Australia. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.
English language test
- IELTS total [6.5]
- IELTS reading [6.0]
- IELTS writing [6.0]
Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by UniSA and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements: English Language Equivalence Table (PDF)
View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

Aim

The Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning is designed to equip students with the key knowledge and practical skills required for employment in a modern globalised financial sector. The degree provides an accredited business education program for a professional career in financial planning.

Content & Structure

The program requires the completion of eight courses totaling 36 units. Course prerequisites must be met.

Study at the new Adelaide University in 2026

The University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia are combining their strengths to create a new university for the future, Adelaide University, opening in January 2026.

From 4 August 2025, the University of Adelaide and University of South Australia will no longer be accepting applications for new students.

Apply now to study with Adelaide University in 2026.

What courses you'll study

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
PROGRAM CORE COURSE
Ethics and Professionalism	BUSS 5446	4.5	Note(s): 1,4
THEN SEVEN OF THE FOLLOWING COURSES:
Applied Financial Planning G	BANK 5040	4.5	Note(s): 1,4
Investment Management	BANK 5013	4.5	Note(s): 1
Superannuation G	BANK 5045	4.5	Note(s): 1
Risk Management and Insurance G	BANK 5044	4.5	Note(s): 1
Estate Planning G	BANK 5041	4.5	Note(s): 1
Financial Advice Regulatory and Legal Obligations	COML 5017	4.5	Note(s): 1,4
Taxation	ACCT 5017	4.5	Note(s): 1
Behavioural Finance Client and Consumer Behaviour	BANK 5052	4.5	Note(s): 4

Rules & notes

Notes

1. Students accepted to the program who are not eligible for any Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) (as per FASEA requirements) or credit (as per university policy) will complete these courses.

2. Students who have taken, for another award, a course which is substantially equivalent to a course from the program schedule, or equivalent RPL, may be granted up to 18 units of the program in credit or may substitute a course of equal standing and unit's value, with the approval of the Program Director. Credit will only be granted for courses undertaken at postgraduate level.

3. Existing advisors who meet the FASEA requirements for RPL (see FASEA website for details) will be granted up to 18 units (4 courses) in credit, with the approval of the Program Director.

4. Existing advisors with RPL (as in note 3) will do these courses (which includes at least 3 bridging courses) and other required courses with the approval of the Program Director.