Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning University of South Australia - City West Campus, Australia

This program is FASEA approved1 and 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 Graduate Diploma meets the most up-to-date industry standards.

If you have a relevant degree, you may also be eligible to apply for credit, which means you could potentially finish your degree sooner, saving you both time and money.

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 several factors such as current wealth, income and lifestyle aspirations to 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.

What you'll learn

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.