Start Date
February
July

Duration
2 year(s) full-time

Program Code
DMFP

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Mode
On-campus/Online

Fees
$AU 30,200 per 1.0 EFTSL for students enrolled in 2025

Degree overview

  • Study one of the first FASEA approved master’s degrees in Australia1.
  • This qualification is best suited to someone who holds a prior qualification and is seeking a career change in the financial services sector. 
  • Choose your preferred learning style and balance life’s other commitments with options to study full-time, part-time, on campus, 100% online or in mixed mode2.
  • Study core courses in business and finance, and gain specialist expertise in areas such as ethics, financial regulation and applied financial planning.
  • Fast-track your studies and shorten the overall duration of your degree by gaining credit or Advanced Standing for relevant previously completed courses and qualifications.
  • Experience our state-of-the-art Iress Trading Room and learn with the same technology used by the world’s leading banks and investment firms.
  • Benefit from exam preparation resources and workshops so you feel confident for your exams.
  • Access invaluable mentorship, industry insight and expert advice from a senior business leader through our Executive Partners Program.
  • Develop career-ready skills employers are looking for once you graduate with enterprise skills embedded in all business courses within this program.
  • UniSA Business is in the top one per cent worldwide and has been awarded an overall five stars for excellence3.
  • Ranked No. 1 in SA for Business and Economics4.
  • Study at the No.1 Business School in SA, and Top 5 business school in Australia for quality5.

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. 2Students may be required to undertake a combination of on-campus or online study. 3UniSA 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. 42024 THE Subject Rankings. 5Australian Financial Review BOSS Best Business Schools List 2023.

Snapshot

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This program is recognised as FASEA approvedand 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 Masters degree meets the most up-to-date industry standards.

Our Master of Finance (Financial Planning) is best suited to new entrants with a non-relevant degree.*

Depending on your previous qualification/s, you may also be eligible to apply for credit or Advanced Standing, which means you could potentially finish your degree sooner, saving you both time and money.

If you do not meet the entry requirements for the master’s program but have industry experience in a related financial services role, you can use our Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning as a direct entry pathway.

Who 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 many factors such as current wealth, and income and lifestyle aspirations to develop plans for their clients to 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:

  • Existing financial adviser: Any person who was ‘current’ on the ASIC’s Financial Advisers Register, or who provided personal advice in a foreign country to retail clients in relation to relevant financial products at any time between 1 January 2016 and 1 January 2019 (and was not prohibited from providing advice on 1 January 2019).
  • New entrant: Any person who does not meet the above definition of an existing adviser.
  • Relevant degree: An AQF 7,8 or 9 qualification that contains at least 8 courses in one or more of the designated fields of study (and in any combination) – financial planning, accounting, taxation law, finance law, finance, business law, investments, estate law, banking, and economics.
  • Non-relevant degree: An AQF 7,8 or 9 qualification in any other different field of study to the areas listed above.
  • Approved degree: A degree that is listed in the Corporations (Relevant Providers Degrees, Qualifications and Courses Standard) Determination 2018 – a Treasury-approved AQF 7 (Bachelor), 8 (Graduate Diploma) or 9 (Master) qualification.

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.

What you'll learn

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This program consists of 16 advanced financial planning courses, which you can complete in 1.5-2 years of full-time study (or part-time equivalent). Your qualification will complement your industry experience and advance your knowledge in specialist areas such as investment management, estate planning, superannuation, and tax. You’ll study compulsory bridging courses that have been outlined in Treasury's education requirements including ethics and professionalism, and financial advice regulatory and legal obligations. As a graduate, you can be confident you’ll leave with the essential education requirements to practise as a qualified financial adviser.

A master’s degree is an opportunity to sharpen your technical ability, legal knowledge and professional expertise. Aside from learning new and relevant legislation, 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.

Degree structure

Course name Area and cat no. Units Reference  
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2, or 3)
Statistics for Data Science MATH 4044 4.5 Rule(s): 2
Accounting for Management M ACCT 5011 4.5 Rule(s): 2
Economic Principles for Business ECON 5020 4.5 Rule(s): 2
Introduction to Financial Planning G BANK 5042 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Financial Theory and Financial Markets BANK 5014 4.5 Rule(s): 3
Corporate Finance BUSS 5233 4.5 Rule(s): 3
Investment Management BANK 5013 4.5 Rule(s): 3
Marketing Management MARK 5025 4.5 Rule(s): 2
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Personal Finance G BANK 5043 4.5
Ethics and Professionalism BUSS 5446 4.5
Financial Advice Regulatory and Legal Obligations COML 5017 4.5 Rule(s): 3
Superannuation G BANK 5045 4.5
Second Semester (4, 5 or 6)
Risk Management and Insurance G BANK 5044 4.5
Estate Planning G BANK 5041 4.5
Applied Financial Planning G BANK 5040 4.5
Taxation ACCT 5017 4.5 Rule(s): 4

Study hours

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects and contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12 – 26 hours of study when at university and 14 – 28 hours of independent study per week. 

Assessment

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Course assessment will comprise a mix of assignments, presentations and examinations.

In addition to meeting new education standards, FASEA has also 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.

Research

UniSA is recognised and respected for a comprehensive research program inspired by the contemporary challenges facing Australia and its region. Our focus is always on finding practical solutions and creating new knowledge. In the Master of Finance (Financial Planning), our lecturers are leaders in their field. You could be learning from experts who are also researching areas such as applied finance, accounting, economics sustainability and choice.

Our commitment to research with an industry focus is unprecedented. In the 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) rankings, all of our assessed research was rated at or above world-class. Read more about our strengths in research.

Why Master of Finance (Financial Planning)

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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 FASEA approved program to start your career.

Examination support

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.

An enriching student experience

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.

Real-world connections

In addition to learning from teachers with professional experience and research expertise as part of your degree, we also offer opportunities for you to connect with experts beyond your studies.

Our applied finance, accounting and economics researchers provide multi-disciplinary insights into the dynamics of domestic and global economies and financial systems. Links to UniSA research ensures your learning is connected to the latest technologies, theories and applications of finance knowledge. 

We also host regular University-wide employee master classes, employment expos and alumni events in Australia and overseas.

Online study

Online study

Part, or all, of this degree can be studied online. This means that you can:

  • study online, including accessing videos and course resources
  • participate in an interactive online learning environment
  • submit your assignments and get feedback online
  • use discussion forums for team work and communication

With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment, you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle. 

Please note that for some degrees, some on-campus attendance (such as to attend seminars, workshops or examinations) and/or placements may apply. Any applicable requirements will be detailed on individual course pages.

Executive Partners Program

Extend your network and career by connecting with a senior business professional as part of our Executive Partners Program.

This is a unique opportunity for you to engage with a highly successful industry executive and receive invaluable mentorship, industry insights and expert advice. Their wealth of knowledge and experience will help you achieve your career goals. 

Study Financial Planning at UniSA

Hear from Geoff Pacecca, Founder and Principal Adviser of GAP Financial and UniSA Financial Planning lecturer, about our suite of programs and the benefits of furthering your unstoppable career at UniSA.

UniSA Video

Career outcomes

Your career

In addition to new education standards, FASEA 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.

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 individuals.

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 areas such as tax planning, risk management or retirement planning.

Careers to consider include:

  • Client relationship manager: proactively engage clients by providing high value, holistic and strategic financial advice; identify opportunities to build new client relationships and strengthen existing ones; research the latest products and regulations; and focus on delivering a high-quality customer experience.
  • Estate planner: provide clients with legal, financial and accounting advice to ensure long term financial protection of their estate during life and post-mortem; help ensure any assets are dispersed according to the wishes of the deceased in an effective way; and develop estate plans which may include preparing wills, life insurance, family trusts and manage tax implications for beneficiaries.
  • Insurance broker: research and review available finance and insurance products to meet client requirements; arrange insurance, home loan mortgages and other types of finance for clients through banks, lenders, financiers and insurance companies; help clients understand insurance policy conditions, risks, premium rates and benefits; prepare reports for underwriters and liaise with other insurance professionals.
  • Investment adviser or manager: develop financial plans and investment strategies for individuals and organisations; monitor investment performance and review investment plans based on needs and changes in the market; buy and sell stocks and bonds for clients; and provide advice on tax implications, securities, insurance cover, pension plans and real estate.
  • Qualified financial planner or adviser: help clients to meet short-term and long-term financial goals; assist with legal and financial documents, financial laws and regulatory requirements; provide advice on personal investments and security planning, estate planning, tax planning, employee benefits planning and insurance planning; and deliver a high-quality customer experience.
  • Superannuation consultant: provide compliant financial advice in areas such as personal and business superannuation, retirement income stream products, pensions rollovers and annuities; interpret new legislation changes and consider the impact of those changes on the portfolio of funds, help clients understand merits of Self-Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSF), and develop retirement plan strategies.
  • Wealth manager: deliver holistic wealth management strategies and plans to help clients grow and sustain long-term financial goals; provide services across a range of areas including financial planning, investment management, and financial advice on pensions, trusts, inheritances, estate planning, retirement planning, and tax bands; and possess knowledge of software solutions and key platforms in the industry.

Professional accreditation and recognition

This program is a Financial Adviser Standards, The Treasury approved program.

Industry facts

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Between now and 2023, the ABS projects the number of professional finance roles in Australia will increase.

Australian Bureau of Statistics, Catalogue 8165.0 – Counts of Australian businesses, including entries and exits, June 2012 to June 2016.

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The main topic areas of financial advice clients seek advice on are superannuation and investment advice, loans and investment advice, self-managed superannuation fund advice, and tax advice.

Financial Services Royal Commission, Some Features of the Australian Financial Planning Industry, 2018.

money-trees

Australia’s financial services sector is the largest contributor to the nation's economic growth.

Financial Services Council. State of the Art 2019

How to apply

Applying to study with us:

  • go to the top of this page and make note of the relevant SATAC code (see below) then click Apply
  • you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application

You may be eligible for Advanced Standing. When applying through SATAC, please refer to the codes below. If you are uncertain about your eligibility, please include more than one SATAC code in your list of application preferences. 

  • 2 years - SATAC CODE 4CM216
  • 1.5 years - SATAC CODE 4CM218

What is Advanced Standing?

Advanced Standing for previous studies means you can complete the requirements of this qualification in less than 2 years. You can apply if you have successfully completed one of these (please see entry requirements for further details):

  • bachelor degree in a business discipline
  • bachelor degree which includes a major in business, commerce, marketing or management
  • graduate certificate in a business discipline

Scholarships

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.

More scholarships

Your study experience and support

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.

Student services

Student services

The Business Student Hub is a dedicated and convenient support service for business students, from first year right through to graduation. The team provides expert advice on study options, elective choices and any academic difficulties, and can help with referrals to support services across the University. The Business Student Hub is there to facilitate your life at university, so you get the most out of your UniSA experience.

You can also access a range of other student services including:

  • academic counselling
  • personal counselling
  • social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
  • common rooms
  • prayer rooms
  • security officers
  • Wirringka Student Services, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a supportive place to study
  • UniSA’s Student Association, USASA, also provides a range of other services.

We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers which you can work with face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies.

When you become a UniSA student you can contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your ID cards, fees and any other questions you might have.

24/7 digital environment

With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle. You can:

  • study online, including accessing videos and course resources
  • participate in virtual classrooms
  • submit your assignments and get feedback online
  • use forums and discussion boards for team work and communication

Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

Please note some on-campus attendance (such as to attend seminars, workshops or examinations) and/or placements may apply. Any requirements like this are detailed on individual course pages.

Student services

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Location This degree is delivered at the following campus.

Your program director

I am Program Director: Finance and Financial Planning in UniSA Business and Lecturer in Financial Planning and Finance. I have worked at the University of Greenwich (London) and have consulted both national and international organisations in economics, finance, and financial planning.
I teach in the areas of banking, finance, and financial planning, including personal financial planning, and personal risk management and insurance. My current research focuses on aspects of corporate social responsibility (CSR), environmental, sustainability and governance (ESG) factors, green finance, financial system governance and institutional reform, market spillovers, and the cost and provision of financial advice to lower socio-economic groups.
I am also a member of key industry professional bodies, and serve on relevant industry committees, enabling me to deliver the latest industry-informed knowledge to students. I believe my extensive experience helps me to understand and support students as they develop the necessary academic and practical skills to address real-world industry challenges, becoming experts in their area of interest.

Mr Ron McIver

Program Director

Enquire
Portrait image for Mr Ron McIver
Portrait image for Mr Ron McIver

Mr Ron McIver

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

  • How do I apply? minus-thick plus-thick

    The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.

    The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.

    There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.

    If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.

    You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.

    If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying

  • Is there a closing date for applications? minus-thick plus-thick

    Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

    Undergraduate

    The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.

    Postgraduate

    Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.

    As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.

  • What credit can I receive for previous studies? minus-thick plus-thick

    You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central. 

  • Can I speak to someone regarding my study options? minus-thick plus-thick

    Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.

More FAQs

What others are saying

As an international student, studying a FASEA*-approved program at UniSA was the first step to becoming a certified Financial Planner in Australia. UniSA gave me the opportunity to build my confidence and professional network through a range of organised networking events with key contacts in the financial industry. Studying at UniSA was also an invaluable experience with access to the Iress Trading Room where we had the opportunity to trade and learn with market data.

*Financial Adviser Standards, The Treasury have taken on the responsibilities of the Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority (FASEA) as of 1 January 2022. The degree is a Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority (FASEA) accredited program.

Karen Figueroa Vargas

Master of Finance (Financial Planning)
Paraplanner | GPW Gray Perry Wealth Advisers

Karen Figueroa.jpg

Karen Figueroa Vargas

Master of Finance (Financial Planning)
Paraplanner | GPW Gray Perry Wealth Advisers

Financial planning is a rapidly changing environment especially when it comes to legislation and compliance. Studying this masters degree at UniSA allowed me to build upon my existing knowledge and helped me to develop the transferable skills needed to adapt to the requirements of a role within today’s finance industry.

Andrew Galea

Master of Finance (Financial Planning)
Client Services Coordinator | UniSuper

Andrew Galea.PNG

Andrew Galea

Master of Finance (Financial Planning)
Client Services Coordinator | UniSuper