Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning

Critical Thinking

Apply coherent and advanced knowledge of financial planning and business concepts in diverse contexts and applications using critical thinking.

Professional Knowledge

Draw from your comprehensive knowledge of financial systems and relevant regulations to help clients achieve their financial goals.

Communication

Communicate proficiently with clients, gather and interpret appropriate data and use advanced tools and practices to produce a financial plan.

A qualification approved by the Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority (FASEA) is mandatory for all financial planners. Swinburne Online’s FASEA-approved Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning is a great way to meet the new education requirements for existing financial planners, as well as people who are looking to start their career in the field.

This qualification will equip you with knowledge in investment, insurance, taxation, superannuation and estate planning. It develops the analytical and creative skills you will need for tackling Financial Planning issues within planning and decision making.

Studying online gives you the benefit of upskilling and earning your qualification without having to put your life on hold. You can continue to work and study at the same time.

The Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning is also accredited by the Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA). While you are studying you can become a member of the FPA for free to get access to a network of financial planning professionals and resources. Existing members of the FPA will receive a 15% discount for this course.

Recommended study pattern

Elements of Financial Planning and Regulation (FIN60010)

Behavioural Finance and Investment (FIN60011)

Corporations and Contract Law (LAW60003)

Ethics and Client Management (FIN60012)

Insurance and Estate Planning (FIN80022)

Superannuation and Retirement Planning (FIN80023)

Taxation Principles and Planning (ACC80012)

Accounting Systems and Reporting (ACC60008)

Award requirements

To qualify for the award of Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning [Online Learning], students must complete 100 credit points comprising of:

• Eight prescribed units of study (100 credit points)

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $22,400

The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

Swinburne University of Technology leads the way with innovative and new ways of teaching, learning and thinking. It offers a wide range of study options, from pre-apprenticeships, undergraduate, postgraduate and PhDs, including online degrees with Open Universities Australia. Swinburne is known for career-oriented education and encouraging lifelong learning.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

19

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

17

To gain entry into this course, applicants must meet the following entry criteria:

A recognised bachelor degree in a related discipline

OR

A recognised bachelor degree in any discipline PLUS a minimum of two years equivalent full-time relevant professional experience

OR

A Graduate Certificate of Financial Planning.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Speak to a Course Consultant about applying for RPL.