
Explore Postgrad is your opportunity to discover the benefits of postgraduate study and get all your questions answered.
The Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning is designed to develop (or upgrade) your skills in investment, financial planning and taxation for a career in personal financial advisory.
Gain specialised knowledge in financial services, investments, insurance and more while developing awareness of ethical and professional conduct. Strengthen your career potential with relevant industry knowledge, an improved ability to build trusted relationships and the confidence to provide reliable financial advice through effective problem solving and decision making.
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.
You can study around your work/life commitments in a combination of online learning and face-to-face classes. This diploma is Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority (FASEA) accredited, offering professional recognition and comprehensive financial service knowledge to advance your career. UNSW Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning is a one-year degree with UNSW Business School, which currently ranks 1st in Australia and top 21 worldwide for Accounting and Finance**.
*AFR BOSS 2022 Best Business School Rankings
**QS Rankings by Subject 2023
You will need a bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification), that is recognised by the UNSW Business School, plus a minimum of two years full time relevant work experience.
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.
You will need a bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification), that is recognised by the UNSW Business School, plus a minimum of two years full time relevant work experience.
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.
You can choose courses that meet your career goals from an industry-relevant selection of topics including funds management, risk management, retirement and estate planning and superannuation.
You’ll study six subjects: four compulsory, and two electives that build on the areas that interest you most. The compulsory topics include personal financial planning and management, risk and insurance, estate planning, succession and asset protection.
Depending on your goals, you can choose electives from topics including behavioural finance, financial technology (FinTech), principles of Australian taxation law and more.
Visit the Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning Handbook for detailed course information.
The skills and insights gained from your Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning can have an immediate positive impact on your career. If you aren’t already working as a financial adviser, the diploma will prepare you for a career in the field. Graduates of this degree often find opportunities in financial planning roles, including personal financial advisor and para-planner with leading organisations or financial service firms.
UNSW Business School students have access to Career Accelerator, a suite of professional development opportunities including:
Upon graduation, you’ll comply with the Australian Securities and Investment Commission's Regulatory Guidelines 146. Depending on your chosen subjects, you can satisfy the entry requirements for the Financial Planning Association of Australia and/or gain compliance with the Tax Agent Service Act (2009)/Tax Practitioners Board’s Tax (Financial) Adviser in commercial law.
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.