
Explore Postgrad is your opportunity to discover the benefits of postgraduate study and get all your questions answered.
The Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning explores financial markets, products and planning, as well as taxation law and strategies.
The Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning is designed for professionals wanting to upgrade their skills in investment, financial planning and taxation for a career in personal financial advice. You'll gain knowledge about financial markets, financial products, financial planning, taxation law and strategies which are essential for personal financial management. The program is designed for professionals who don't have a bachelor degree or for those who require a bridging qualification for finance graduates to comply with the entry requirement of the Financial Planning Association.
UNSW Business School is ranked the #1 business school in Australia by AFR BOSS*. That means our business education leads the way in career impact, quality and reputation.
With this Graduate Certificate, you'll learn how to pursue or develop a career in personal financial management. This program is suitable for finance graduates who want to pursue a career in financial planning and become a member of the Financial Planning Association.
*AFR BOSS 2022 Best Business School Rankings
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.
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
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.
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
Choose courses that meet your career goals from an industry-relevant selection of topics that cover funds management, risk management, retirement planning and superannuation. You’ll study four subjects: at least two are compulsory, and you can customise your degree with up to two electives.
The compulsory courses include personal financial planning and management, risk and insurance, and estate planning, succession and asset protection. The electives include behavioural finance and principles of Australian taxation law. The compulsory courses (and some of the electives) in this program are approved by the Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority (FASEA).
Visit the Financial Planning Handbook for detailed information.
As a graduate of the Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning, you’ll be able to understand the financial needs of a client or organisation. You’ll also have the ability to research, analyse and design suitable strategies with appropriate financial products. You’ll be taught to prepare and implement a compliant financial plan and provide ongoing reviews.
UNSW Business School students have access to Career Accelerator, a suite of professional development opportunities, including:
Particular courses are set according to the Australian Securities and Investment Commission's (ASIC) Regulatory Guidelines 146. Students are assessed on AQF Level 9, Tax Agent Service Act (2009)/Tax Practitioners Board's Tax (Financial) Adviser requirements. Depending on your previous studies and the courses you take in your Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning, you may qualify for FASEA accreditation.
Graduates are eligible to apply to the Master of Financial Planning, and courses completed in the Graduate Certificate are transferrable to the Master’s degree.
Applications must be submitted through our Apply Online portal. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term. Some high-demand programs and Faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date. Find out more.
For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.
Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
QS World University Rankings, 2024.
AFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.
#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.