The Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning is designed for professionals seeking to upgrade their investment, financial planning, taxation knowledge and skills for a career in personal financial advisory.

The Graduate Certificate enables you to develop knowledge and skills in financial markets, financial products, financial planning, taxation law and strategies which are essential for personal financial management. The program is designed for professionals who do not have a bachelor degree and provides articulation into the Master of Financial Planning Program, which will enhance your abilities to work with clients, build long lasting and trusted relationships, and provide sound financial guidance and education. The program can also be used as a bridging program for finance graduates to comply with the entry requirement of the Financial Planning Association. This program provide you with either the Australian Securities and Investment Commission’s (ASIC) Regulatory Guidelines 146 (RG146) compliance assessed at AQF Level 9 or Tax Agent Service Act (2009)/Tax Practitioners Board’s Tax (Financial) Advisor requirements in commercial law and taxation for financial planners compliance.

Taught by leading Finance and Taxation academics at UNSW Business School, this program provides you with a distinguished level of training to advance in the career of personal financial and investment advisory. The courses offered in the Graduate Certificate allow you to choose from a combination of online and face-to-face courses to suit your work/life balance.

Given the rapid growth in the investment management and retirement planning demand in the dynamic Australian investment and regulatory environment, ample career opportunities are available. Career prospects include Personal financial advisor, para-planner with leading organisations or financial services firms.

The program offers you a challenging learning environment to achieve an integrated learning in financial planning, investment and taxation. It also provides you with the learning required for professional accreditation. Graduates develop knowledge and skills in financial markets, financial products, investment (theory, evidence, and quantitative techniques), risk management, financial planning, taxation law and strategies, compliance, ethical and professional conduct.

The Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning program consists 4 courses (24 UOC):

Choose 2 to 4 compulsory core courses (12 - 24 UOC) from the following list.

Choose maximum of 2 elective courses (12 UOC) from the following list:

The Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning courses may be completed in a face-to-face mode or in online mode. Both modes have access to an online course website where you will find all of the study materials, resources and learning activities for your studies.

0.5 year full-time, 1 year part-time (24UOC).

Note: Articulation into the Master of Financial Planning requires an achievement of 65 Weighted Average Mark (WAM). On successful completion of the Graduate Certificate you will need to complete an internal transfer online form:www.business.unsw.edu.au/students/resources/online-forms

For information regarding fees for UNSW programs, please refer to the following website:  UNSW Fee Website.

Category A
Recognised bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification), as determined by the UNSW Australia Business School, plus a minimum of two years full-time professional work experience.

Category B
Professionals without a bachelor degree require a minimum of 4 years work experience, as determined by UNSW Business School, plus demonstrated completion of professional courses or studies. Applicants must provide a detailed resume (outlining relevant competencies and achievements) and evidence of other academics and professional qualifications.

Upon successful completion of these courses (minimum credit average) you have the opportunity to articulate into the Master of Financial Planning.

The Graduate Certificate in Financial planning graduates can claim compliance to:

Please note that these requirements may be subject to change.
Students are advised to follow requirements according to the year they commenced. Please refer to previous editions of the Online Handbook for your program requirements.

Contact the UNSW Business School Student Centre for advice.
tel: + 61 2 9385 3189
location: Level 1, room 1028, Quadrangle Building
Forms, policies and procedures
Frequently asked questions