Top 200 worldwide for accounting and finance
#2 business school in Victoria for career impact
Top 3 business school in Victoria
Why choose financial planning at Deakin
Stand out in a changing advice landscape with a postgraduate financial planning qualification that provides the fundamental knowledge and skills required to transition into the financial advice profession. Develop essential understanding and core skills in investment, insurance, superannuation and ethics, learning from industry experienced academics at a highly regarded business school.
You’ll practise applying regulations and frameworks to client scenarios in ways that develop your judgement, communication and problem-solving skills. This course also provides a pathway into the FAS approved Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning. You’ll graduate with the foundational capability to support financial advice and continue into further postgraduate study.
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Industry-approved pathway
Take the first step towards meeting Financial Adviser Standards, then complete your requirements in the graduate diploma.
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Top-ranked for business
Study at a top 3 business school in Victoria, recognised for strong graduate outcomes and industry relevance.
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Practical, career-focused skills
Build foundational capability in financial advice, ethics and client strategy aligned to professional practice.
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Flexible postgraduate study
Start with online study in a short course that suits your schedule and life commitments.
Connected to industry
Deakin’s strong industry connections help shape your learning. Build practical experience in real workplace contexts through work-integrated learning, mentoring and networking opportunities. Industry advisory boards also help shape our degrees, which means what you study is current, relevant and aligned to what your future employers need.
Deakin puts employability first
Career outcomes
Build foundational skills for entry-level and support roles in financial services. You may assist with client administration, financial plan preparation, compliance, insurance and superannuation services.
Paraplanner
Support financial advisers by researching strategies, analysing client information and preparing financial plans and advice documents that meet regulatory and ethical requirements.
- $93k
Typical Australian annual salary
- 3.9/5
Job satisfaction
Client services officer
Support clients and financial advice teams by coordinating enquiries, records, applications and service requests while helping maintain accurate and responsive administrative processes.
- $78k
Typical Australian annual salary
- 3.4%
Projected job growth in 5 years
- 3.5/5
Job satisfaction
Other jobs
- Claims administrator
- Compliance support officer
- Insurance adviser
- Superannuation consultant
- Business development support
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 3 2026 applications close 18 October 2026
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
FAQs
A Deakin postgraduate degree can help you advance your career, deepen your expertise in a specialist field, pivot into a new industry and stand out in a competitive job market. Every course is built with industry input and taught by academics who are active practitioners, so the skills you gain are immediately applicable. Postgraduate study at Deakin is also your chance to connect with leaders in your field and build a network of industry contacts who become valuable professional connections, giving you an advantage that goes well beyond the qualification itself.
Most Deakin postgraduate courses are fee-paying, but there are practical ways to manage the cost of study. You can defer fees with a FEE-HELP loan, repaid through the ATO once you earn above the income threshold. A number of courses have Commonwealth Supported Places where the government covers part of your tuition. Deakin scholarships recognise academic achievement, professional experience and financial need. If you've studied at Deakin before, you may be eligible for a 10% alumni discount. Recognition of prior learning can also reduce costs by crediting past study so you finish sooner.
Yes to all three. Most Deakin postgraduate degrees can be studied online, on campus or a blend of both, and you may be able to switch between full and part time at the start of each trimester to suit your life. If you want to move faster, select courses offer a one-year masters degree designed for working professionals. With three start dates each year for most courses – March, July and November – you don't have to wait long to begin.
The main differences are depth, duration and career outcomes. A graduate certificate is a short, focused qualification, typically six months full time, ideal for upskilling quickly in a specific area. A graduate diploma offers broader knowledge or supports a career change, usually one-year full time. A masters degree delivers advanced expertise and professional recognition, typically one to two years full time. You can also stack qualifications – complete a graduate certificate and use the credit towards a masters.
Each Deakin postgraduate course has a unique structure, check the course stucture section of the course page to see compulsory units, electives and any specialisation streams available. All courses are shaped by industry, so content reflects real challenges in your field. Many courses let you tailor your studies through elective units or specialisations, and some include a capstone project where you apply your learning to a genuine workplace problem.
Entry requirements vary by course, so check this tab on the course page for specific criteria. Most Deakin postgraduate courses require a relevant bachelor degree, though some may accept significant demonstrable work experience as an alternative. You may also be able to build eligibility through a graduate certificate or graduate diploma, which in many cases could count towards a masters degree.
Deakin postgraduate courses are built with industry input, so you're learning skills employers are actively looking for. Depending on your course, you may access work-integrated learning through placements, internships or industry projects with partners including Microsoft, KPMG, National Australia Bank and the Geelong Cats Football Club. DeakinTALENT, Deakin's career service, supports you throughout your studies and for life, helping you grow your network and connect with opportunities in your field.
Yes. Recognition of prior learning (RPL) may turn your previous study or work experience into course credit, reducing both your study time and tuition costs. For some masters degrees, you may be able to receive credit for up to two-thirds of the course, if eligible. Use the RPL calculator to get an indication of what you might receive, and note that prior learning must generally be within the last 10 years, although some courses have a shorter time limit. You can apply for RPL as part of your course application.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
What will I study in the Graduate Certificate of Financial Planning?
Across one trimester, you will build core financial planning knowledge, progressing from economic and regulatory foundations to ethical, client-focused practice. Graduate with the foundational capability to support financial advice and continue into further postgraduate study.
Financial planning foundations and practice
Understand financial planning frameworks
Learn how economic principles and financial systems shape effective advice strategies.
Explore regulation and ethical practice
Build knowledge of legal, compliance and ethical considerations in financial advice, aligned with professional standards.
Apply client-focused financial thinking
Develop the ability to support tailored financial strategies based on individual needs and financial circumstances.
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Financial Planning, you must pass 4 credit points.
Most units are equal to one credit point. This course is available part time only, with students typically studying one to two credit points each study period.
Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements
Units
To be completed in the first trimester of study:-
What to expect while studying
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
Units which contain work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, working with children check or other check. These requirements will be detailed in unit guides upon enrolment.
You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, online interactions, or professional experiences for Work Integrated Learning (WIL) units. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
Units in this course may have participation requirements that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.
This course does not require students to complete compulsory work integrated learning units.
At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.
If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
When can I start?
When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.
Please note: This course is only available for part-time study.
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
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| Demonstrate the application of core financial planning concepts and theories in authentic contexts; and demonstrate knowledge and understanding of regulatory, ethical and legal obligations for financial advisers |
| Apply appropriate communication skills within the context of providing advice on financial matters |
| Effectively and critically navigate, evaluate and create information using a range of digital technologies |
| Analyse critically, evaluate and express sound judgement, ideas and reflection in relation to a range of core financial planning issues |
| Summarise and explain the financial planning issue to be solved and apply the financial tools necessary to reach a solution |
| Develop skills necessary for independent study and learning in the field of financial planning |
| Develop skills necessary for independent study and learning in the field of financial planning |
| Engage ethically, professionally and productively in work and a professional context, in a manner reflective of an understanding of ethical principles, a systematic knowledge of professional codes of conduct |
- Award granted
- Graduate Certificate of Financial Planning
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- M569
- Level
- Postgraduate (Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$16,500
- Full-fee paying place
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical enrolment of 4 credit points undertaken within the same academic year and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees are determined by your course and unit enrolment. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning. You may also be eligible for a FEE-HELP loan to defer payment of all or part of your tuition fees.
Scholarships
We want to help you excel at Deakin. Our scholarships recognise your dedication and achievements, providing financial support that can ease the cost of living and studying. With less pressure, you'll have more freedom to focus on what matters most – your education and future success.
Applications for 2027 are open
Ready to take the next step? Apply now to start your journey at Deakin and get ready for what’s next.
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 3 2026 applications close 18 October 2026
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
Apply now
Apply direct
Simply create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal and educational details, upload your supporting documents and submit your application.
Recognition of prior learning
We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.
Pathways
This course can be a pathway to: