Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning

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 practicing 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.

CPA and FPA members receive 15% off course fees for all UniSA postgraduate Financial Planning programs and coursesIf you are a member of CPA Australia or the Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA), you are eligible for a 15% discount off your postgraduate course fees. To access the discount, you'll need to provide your relevant association membership number as part of your application.

Responding to industry needsThe 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.

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's education pathways and RPL provisions are available in their Education Pathways Policy.

• Completion of the Advanced Diploma of Financial Services/Planning (ADFS/P) or equivalent approved by FASEA - up to 2 courses credit available.
• Completion of education undertaken in the process of attaining an approved professional designation - up to 2 courses credit available.
• Completion of an AQF 7, 8 or 9 qualification that contains between 4 and 7 units in one or more of the designated fields of study* - up to 2 courses credit available.

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.

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 FASEA's 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 practice 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 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 Planners Association (FPA) and the Association of Financial Advisers (AFA), as well as other industry professionals.

Note: Single courses are also available for existing financial advisers who only wish to complete one or more bridging courses to meet FASEA requirements.

*Behavioural Finance Client and Consumer Behaviour is only available to study online.

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.

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, 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:

• 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.

1ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2018-2019. Public SA-founded universities only.