Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning

    Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning

    Duration1 year(s)
    Tuition Fee
    AUD 39,600 / Year
    Next IntakeFebruary 1, 2024

    Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning

    About

    • Study at a university recognised globally in Business. UniSA Business is in the top one per cent worldwide1 and has been awarded an overall five stars for excellence in the QS Stars Ratings 2022.
    • UniSA Business is accredited by both AACSB International and EFMD (EQUIS) – the world's leading accreditation bodies.
    • Study at a university ranked No. 1 in South Australia and Top 15 in Australia for Business and Economics2.
    • Study one of the first FASEA approved Graduate Diplomas in Australia3.
    • This qualification is best suited to existing financial advisers who need to study a FASEA-approved program to meet new education requirements, or professionals with a relevant degree seeking a career change.
    • Upskill in areas such as investment management, regulatory and legal obligations, estate planning, risk management and insurance, superannuation, ethics and tax.
    • Fast-track your studies by gaining credit 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.
    • Develop career-ready skills employers are looking for once you graduate with enterprise skills embedded in all business courses within this program.
    • Access invaluable mentorship, industry insights and expert advice from a senior business leader through our Executive Partners Program.

    1UniSA 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. 22023 THE Subject Rankings. 3The 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.

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    At a minimum you must have successfully completed an undergraduate degree, to the required standard, from a recognised higher institution in Australian or the international equivalent and/or the equivalent professional work experience. The University offers both coursework and research degrees.

    English Requirements

    • PTEMin 58
    • IELTSMin 6.5
    • TOEFLMin 79

    Career

    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:

    • 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 adviser or financial planner: 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.

    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.

    Fee Information

    How to Apply

    Set off on a new course in life by applying to become an international student at the University of South Australia. Just follow these four steps.

    The University of South Australia does not charge an application fee.

    Find the best program for you

    Start your search and discover the possibilities

    Check entry requirements

    Make sure you are aware of entry requirements for the University as well as individual program requirements.

    • English language requirements
    • Guidelines on genuine temporary entry
    • Guidelines on living costs and evidence of funds

    Undergraduate – you must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 program or an equivalent program in your home country or a recognised Pathway or Foundation Studies Program. If you are an international student studying Year 12 in Australia you need to apply via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC).

    Postgraduate – At a minimum you must have successfully completed an undergraduate degree, to the required standard, from a recognised higher institution in Australian or the international equivalent and/or the equivalent professional work experience. The University offers both coursework and research degrees.

    See if you need to apply through a registered UniSA Agent

    Depending on your country of citizenship, you may be required to apply through a registered UniSA education agent unless you are already onshore in Australia. View the full list of countries by citizenship here.

    You will also find a full list of registered UniSA agents on our website (Find an agent).

    Find an agent

    Apply using our online International Application System

    Once you have found the program you wish to study, from the program's home page click 'apply online' which will take you to our easy to use online International Application System. What can you expect from UniSA’s new International Application System:

    • A quick and easy to use online application form
    • Ability to track the progress of your application throughout the submission, assessment, offer and acceptance stages
    • Ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment through our secure online system

    Accept your offer

    Follow our step-by-step guide to accepting your offer, then get excited preparing for student life in Adelaide.

    Important information

    There is no closing date for submitting your application. Application outcomes will be advised within one to two weeks from the date we receive your application and all required supporting documentation. If you require a student visa, you will need to allow additional time to apply for a student visa.

    Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning

    University of South Australia

    University of South Australia

    Australia

    Australia, Adelaide