Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2023
You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2023
Program Code
DCFP
SATAC Code
4GC088 (Internal)
Study as
Full-time
or part-time
Mode
On-campus/Online
Fees
$AU 13,650 per 0.5 EFTSL for students enrolled in 2023
Applicants are required to have one of the following:
A completed bachelor degree* from a recognised higher education institution or equivalent;or
A completed graduate certificate or higher postgraduate qualification* from a recognised higher education institution; or
A completed Diploma or Advanced Diploma in a relevant field and two years relevant professional experience; or A minimum of five (5) years relevant professional experience.
1Ranked #9, ComparED (QILT) Course Experience Questionnaire 2019-20 (Postgraduate). Public universities. 2UniSA Business is one of just 12 institutions in Australia and approximately 200 globally (from over 25,000 universities) to be EQUIS accredited. EFMD, March 2022. 32023 THE Subject Rankings.
This qualification can serve as a bridging program for existing financial advisers who already hold an approved or relevant qualification and are only required to study a selection of remaining courses to meet education requirements.
We’ve embedded three Treasury-approved bridging courses into this program which you can study based on your prior learning and Treasury-approved professional designations.
These bridging courses include:
Depending on your individual circumstances, you may need to undertake one, or all, of these courses (each course is equivalent to a 4.5 unit postgraduate course).
Completing your courses this way will be formally recognised by Treasury.
You can also choose to study bridging courses as standalone courses on campus, 100% online, in mixed mode or as intensives, providing you with the flexibility to choose the best learning option for you.
This qualification can also be used as a direct entry pathway into our Treasury-approved Master of Finance (Financial Planning) if you do not hold a prior qualification but have industry experience in a related financial services role.
Following completion of the six-month graduate certificate, you will be eligible for Advanced Standing into our master’s program, shortening the duration of your program to 1.5 years. You will need to go on to study our master’s degree to meet Treasury education requirements.
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 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 learn how to prepare detailed financial plans and documentation which meet legal and regulatory requirements.
Definitions:
Our Graduate Certificate consists of four advanced financial planning courses which can be completed in six months full-time (or part-time equivalent). The courses you’re required to complete will depend on the level of education you currently hold.
Depending on your individual requirements, you’ll study either one Treasury-approved bridging course (Ethics and Professionalism), or all three of the bridging courses outlined below, plus an additional elective (if this is required). Electives include topics such as investment management, regulatory and legal obligations, estate planning, risk management and insurance, superannuation, and tax.
Please refer to the Australian Government's Financial Adviser Standards for further info.
*Students who intend to undertake the Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning or the Master of Finance (Financial Planning) should not choose Behavioural Finance Client and Consumer Behaviour as an elective in this program.
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 who are current practising financial advisers themselves – including an award-winning academic who was named Financial Standard’s Power50 most influential financial advisers in Australia*. 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.
*UniSA Financial Planning academic, Geoff Pacecca was awarded the Financial Standard’s Power50 most Influential Financial Advisers in Australia, 2019.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
As the No.1 university in South Australia for postgraduate teaching quality1, 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 a number of areas, such as tax planning, risk management or retirement planning.
Careers to consider include:
1ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2018-2019. SA public universities.
Applying to study with us:
The Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning is not a Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority (FASEA) approved program. Successful completion of the Graduate Certificate will provide students seeking to meet FASEA educational requirements for financial planning accreditation with entry to the FASEA approved DMFP Masters of Finance (Financial Planning)
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.
Available for students who are interested in undertaking specified activities with the aim of enhancing the overall student experience at UniSA.
Travel Grants are available to participate in our Study Overseas Programs. UniSA has agreement with over 80 institutions globally.
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.
I am a Senior Lecturer in Finance, and my research is in the area of stock valuation and investment. Before academia, I worked in Finance and Management consulting for several years. I am an engineer by trade and hold an MBA, a MSc in Finance and Investment from Durham University and a PhD in Finance from the University of Sydney. Our programs are industry-informed and designed with the employability of our graduates in mind. Therefore, students will be engaged in industry-driven issues and apply theories to real world applications in the courses, while enhancing their soft skills. That’s why our graduates are sought after by top employers in Finance and Property industries.
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
Applications for admission into the University of South Australia’s undergraduate and most postgraduate degrees are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Visit satac.edu.au and follow the links.
For the MBA degrees please apply through the UniSA MBA Application Portal. Applications for a small number of degrees are submitted direct to UniSA through our Apply Online portal. It will be noted on the degree page if you need to apply via Apply Online.
Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Master of Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.
Undergraduate
Yes. The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be given equal consideration is in 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 (mid January). Some degrees will not make any offers after the main offer round. Please click here find all of the key dates for applications here.
Postgraduate
Most postgraduate degrees do not have a closing date for applications. However, there are exceptions, so it is best to check – either on the SATAC website, Apply Online or the degree homepage. Postgraduate offers are normally ‘rolling’, meaning they may be sent out at any time up until the program starts. This also means that applications may close at any time without warning, if the quota is filled earlier. For this reason, postgraduate applications should be submitted without delay. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquiries team on (08) 8302 2376 or via the online enquiry form.
Credit transfer or advanced standing
You may be eligible to receive a credit transfer 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 a credit transfer will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
Recognised prior learning
If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning for this experience. Receiving recognised prior learning will normally reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and can reduce the duration of the degree.
How do I get credit?
Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director who will discuss your prior learning and experience with you to ascertain what credit you may be eligible for.
Many of our credit transfer arrangements are listed on our online Credit Assessor.
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.
If you are interested in studying an MBA please contact admissions@unisa.edu.au and our Future Student Enquiries team will contact you regarding your enquiry.
Alternatively, you can complete a MyCareerMatch career profile. MyCareerMatch is an online career profiling tool that you can use free-of-charge through UniSA. MyCareerMatch specialises in career profiles and provides you with a personalised career report outlining information about your personality style and a list of career options, which are complementary to your natural strengths and talents.
We have many events throughout the year where you can speak with a lecturer or tutor about your degrees of interest. You can find out what is happening at UniSA by visiting our events page or by signing up to our mailing list, so you're the first to know about careers events, information sessions, degree requirements, scholarships and more!
There are also many career counsellors external to the University that you can discuss your career options with. If you are unsure where to start your search, you can contact the Government's Work Ready team (formally Skills for All). Visit skills.sa.gov.au or call 1800 506 266.
You may also find Job Outlook a helpful resource in your decision-making.
It can be difficult to decide what degree you would like to do and where. You might find information from government organisations will help to weigh up your degree and provider options.
Find a course or a provider
TEQSA is a regulatory body for higher education providers. Use the TEQSA national register of higher education providers to search for a course or a provider. Compare courses and providers for undergraduates and postgraduates using the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) online comparison tool.
More information on university admission
Visit the SATAC website to find out important news, events and information on applying to university in South Australia. Visit Study with Us to find out everything you need to know about studying at UniSA, admissions and the application process.
Questions about your application
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your application you should contact the Future Students Enquiries team in the first instance.