Bachelor of Business (Financial Planning)
Degree Level Undergraduate
Year 2025
You're considered an International student if you are:
Degree Level Undergraduate
Year 2025
Program Code
DBRF
Prerequisites
None
Assumed Knowledge
None
Fees
AUD$ 38,300 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025
Admissions
Student Profile
International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements
CRICOS Code
097499K
The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.
Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.
Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:
Recent secondary education
Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
AND
Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.
OR
Higher education study
OR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
OR
Work and life experience
German Abitur | 3.5 |
Kenya KCSE (average) | B |
Malaysia STPM (best 3) | 6 |
Malaysia UEC | 31 |
Norway GPA | 3 |
Pakistan HSSC | 80 |
Sri Lanka A Levels (best 3) | 7 |
Sweden GPA | 13 |
UK Board GCE A Levels/HK Board | 7 |
Vietnam | 7.5 |
Australia | 68 |
IB (best 6) | 26 |
USA SAT (1600) | 1110 |
India (best 4) State Board | 75 |
India (best 4) Central Board | 65 |
HKDSE | 15 |
Bangladesh HSC | 3.5 |
Canada High School (OSSD) | 65 |
Eynesbury FSP | 320 |
Nepal NEB | 2.51 |
Students may be eligible for a High Achiever Grant. For more information visit the UniSA Financial Planning High Achiever Grant page.
1UniSA 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. 22018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 32024 THE Subject Rankings. 42023 THE Subject Rankings. 5The 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 is a FASEA approved degree by the Financial Adviser Standards and Conduct Unit (FASCU), The Treasury1 and will equip you with the education requirements to practise as a qualified financial adviser.
Explore an exciting career in a dynamic and growing area of the financial services industry with one of the first bachelor programs in Australia to meet new education requirements.
We’ve worked closely with industry to develop our course content, and regularly consult with Treasury to ensure your degree meets the most up-to-date industry standards.
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 a number of factors such as current wealth, income and lifestyle aspirations, and 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.
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.
You will start with core courses in areas such as analytics, accounting and economic theory. These will give you a solid grasp of business fundamentals that you can apply to a range of careers.
In your specialisation you will develop your expertise across areas such as: tax; superannuation; insurance; personal finance; relevant legislations, regulations and codes of practice; as well as building and managing client relationships – a critical focus area for future financial advisers.
You will study estate planning and compulsory courses that have been outlined in Treasury's education requirements, including ethics and professionalism, and financial advice regulatory and legal obligations. In your final year, you will also develop and present a detailed statement of advice (SOA) – a comprehensive document financial advisers provide to clients based on their needs and goals.
This program is recognised a FASEA approved program1 which means it provides you with the essential education requirements to practise as a qualified financial adviser after graduation.
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.
Tertiary Transfer
If you have a Pass average or above from another eligible degree, you may be eligible to use this as entry into this program. Learn more.
Recognised Prior Learning (RPL)
If you have undertaken related Higher Education, TAFE, VET, Professional body, or work experience, you may be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) and reduce the duration of the degree. Learn more.
This degree FASEA approved degree will provide you with the knowledge and skills required to practise as a financial adviser and succeed in the financial services sector1.
Your course content has been developed in conjunction with leading industry experts and researchers to ensure that what you learn is practical, relevant and current to today’s changing business landscape.
You’ll learn from expert academics and practising financial advisers. Your studies are enriched by the 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.
You will also use our state-of-the-art Iress Trading Room which includes a market data feed, trading software as well as XPLAN financial planning software common in practice.
You can participate in an investigative study tour learning about business practices, financial sectors as well as political and cultural influences in other regions.
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 Treasury-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.
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.
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.
Want to gain a postgraduate degree with just one extra year of study? You can package the Bachelor of Business with a Master of Management and graduate with two qualifications in four years with our Fast-track to Masters package. You’ll study a three-year bachelor's degree and a one-year master’s degree (which typically takes two years) by swapping selected undergraduate courses or electives for postgraduate courses, and set yourself up for career success, fast.
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.
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.
Our quality teaching and experiences beyond the classroom will ensure you graduate career ready.
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.
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 can choose to be self-employed and set up your own practice. Financial advisers can also specialise in several areas, such as tax planning, risk management or retirement planning.
Careers to consider:
In addition to new education standards, Treasury 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.
This program is a Financial Adviser Standards, The Treasury approved program.
How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.
Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
International
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
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.
Recipients can get a 50% reduction on tuition fees for up to four years of full-time study for selected degrees.
Recipients can get a 15% reduction on tuition fees for the duration of their chosen degree.
As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.
Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gain access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and lots more.
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.
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.
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.
Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.
If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.
Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.
There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.
You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.
The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.
UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.
Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.
We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.