Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2025
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You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2025
Mode
On-campus/Online
Fees
$AU 30,200 per 1.0 EFTSL for students enrolled in 2025
1The degree is a Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority (FASEA) approved program. The Financial Adviser Standards and Conduct Unit (FASCU), The Treasury, have taken on the responsibilities of the Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority (FASEA) as of 1 January 2022. 2UniSA Business is one of just 13 institutions in Australia and approximately 200 globally (from over 25,000 universities) to be EQUIS accredited. EFMD, March 2024. 2023 QS Stars Business School Ratings. 3Australian Financial Review BOSS Best Business Schools List 2024. 42024 THE Subject Rankings.
This program is FASEA approved1 and will equip you with the education requirements to practise as a qualified financial adviser.
We’ve worked closely with industry to develop our course content, and regularly consult with Treasury to ensure your Graduate Diploma meets the most up-to-date industry standards.
If you have a relevant degree, you may also be eligible to apply for credit, which means you could potentially finish your degree sooner, saving you both time and money.
What is a financial adviser?
Financial advisers assist clients to build and manage their personal wealth, tax, financial risk and spending over their lifetimes. They consider several factors such as current wealth, income and lifestyle aspirations to develop plans so their clients can reach short and long-term financial goals.
With a strong practical focus and access to state-of-the-art technology, you will further your skills in preparing detailed financial plans and documentation which meet legal and regulatory requirements.
*Definitions:
1The degree is a Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority (FASEA) approved program. The Financial Adviser Standards and Conduct Unit (FASCU), The Treasury, have taken on the responsibilities of the Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority (FASEA) as of 1 January 2022.
This program consists of eight advanced financial planning courses, which you can complete in one year of full-time study (or part-time equivalent). Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) based on FASEA requirements for existing advisers will be considered and can reduce the number of courses you must complete.
Your qualification will complement your industry experience and advance your knowledge in specialist areas such as investment management, estate planning, superannuation, and tax.
You can study compulsory bridging courses that have been outlined in the FASEA education requirements including Ethics and Professionalism, Financial Advice Regulatory and Legal Obligations, and Behavioural Finance Client and Consumer Behaviour*. As a graduate, you can be confident you’ll leave with the essential education requirements to practise as a qualified financial adviser.
If you’re an experienced adviser, your Graduate Diploma is an opportunity to sharpen your technical ability, legal knowledge and professional expertise. Aside from learning new and relevant legislations, regulations and codes of practice, you’ll also enhance your skills in building and managing client relationships – a critical focus area for future financial advisers.
Throughout your studies, you’ll gain contemporary career planning strategies and techniques to boost your employability and achieve your career goals. You’ll also have opportunities to network and connect with leading industry bodies such as the Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA), as well as other industry professionals.
Note: Single courses are also available for existing financial advisers who only need to complete one or more bridging courses to meet FASEA education requirements.
*Behavioural Finance Client and Consumer Behaviour is only available to study online.
As one of the leading providers of accounting and finance education in Australia, you can be confident you will graduate with the knowledge and skills required to succeed in the financial services sector.
You’ll learn from expert academics and current practising financial advisers. Your studies are enriched in so many ways as you’ll gain unique insights from professionals who know the ins and outs of the industry and understand the unique challenges and opportunities that financial advisers face today.
Your course content has been developed in conjunction with leading industry experts to ensure that what you learn is practical, relevant and current to today’s changing business landscape.
UniSA Business is the only business school in South Australia accredited by both AACSB International (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) and EFMD (EQUIS) – the world’s leading accreditation bodies recognising excellence in business education and research at a global level. These dual accreditations demonstrate the high standards we hold across all areas such as teaching, student learning and research, as well as our commitment to continually improving the quality of our programs.
Responding to industry needs
The financial services profession has recently introduced new education standards, making it more important than ever for practising and aspiring financial advisers to hold a recognised qualification.
If you’re currently working in financial planning, you’ll need to complete a FASEA-approved program by 2026 to continue practising. If you’re looking to enter the industry, you’ll now need to study a Treasury-approved program to start your career.
Recognition of prior learning (RPL)
Under FASEA guidelines, existing financial advisers can be granted a maximum of 4 courses credit in the Graduate Diploma, depending on their prior learning and pathway. More information on FASEA education pathways and RPL provisions are available in their Education Pathways Policy.
Completion of the Advanced Diploma and professional designation maps widely to content in our Superannuation G, Taxation, Risk Management and Insurance G, and Investment Management courses.
*financial planning, investments, accounting, tax law, finance law, finance, business or commercial law, estate law, banking and economics.
As part of your studies, you’ll have the opportunity to access exam preparation resources or workshops so you feel confident and prepared for your exams. We’ll provide you with useful strategies, tips and support – all the information you need to succeed.
Our flexible delivery and extracurricular opportunities are designed to suit your lifestyle, preferred learning style, and career interests. You can benefit from online and on-campus study, part-time or full-time learning, Summer and Winter School intensive courses, mentoring and networking opportunities with industry, and accelerated learning pathways. Plus, you can make the most of professional development courses endorsed by industry, build leadership skills by participating in the UniSA+ Award, or seek support at our on-campus Business Student Hub.
As the No.1 university in South Australia for Finance and Economics1, our quality teaching and learning experiences will ensure you graduate ready to succeed.
The financial services industry is one of the leading sectors in the Australian economy and plays a key role in facilitating the productive flow of funds between industries, companies and people.
If you’re an existing financial adviser, your qualification opens up many more opportunities in your business and career.
If you’re looking to make a career change, there are a range of roles you could pursue in diverse businesses. There are opportunities in financial institutions, investment banks, superannuation and insurance funds, and financial advisory firms – or you could choose to be self-employed and set up your own practice. Financial advisers can also specialise in areas such as tax planning, risk management or retirement planning.
Careers to consider include:
In addition to new education standards, FASEA has outlined new professional requirements. This includes completing a professional year (for new entrants only), passing a national exam, undertaking Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and completing a code of ethics course.
12023 THE Subject Rankings.
Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, tech zones, and spaces that simulate real work environments. You’ll also find student gyms and campus sport activities to keep you active. We also offer flexible study options, with online resources available for accessing lecture recordings, virtual classrooms, library resources and learning support.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.