Key facts
Duration
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Locations
Course overview
Get a specialist qualification in finance with Deakin’s Graduate Diploma of Finance. Study at a university ranked in the top 150 worldwide for finance* and graduate with the skills and knowledge to advance your career.
Want to build a versatile skill set that can be adapted to meet your career goals?
The coursework and research components of this course have been designed to enhance professional practice in a range of financial domains, which may be of particular interest to you if you are currently working as a finance professional.
If you have a non-business undergraduate degree, or you’re keen to acquire a professional qualification in finance, this course will also be suitable for you. You will study a combination of core units and electives, enabling you to tailor your studies to suit your goals.
As a graduate, you may also choose to articulate into the Master of Finance.
*QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 2 2026 close 21 June 2026
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Graduate Diploma of Finance
- Year
2026 course information
- Deakin code
- M630
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 054576B Burwood (Melbourne)
- 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
Flexible course delivery
Deakin’s blend of online and on-campus learning means you can balance work, study and personal development. Achieve work-life balance – study with Deakin's dedicated support and flexible learning options.
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Diploma of Finance, you must pass 8 credit points. The number of credit points required may vary, depending on your entry point or how much credit you receive as recognition of prior learning (RPL) based on your professional experience and previous qualifications.
An 8-credit point Graduate Diploma of Finance includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first study period
- 4 credit points of core units
- 4 credit points of open elective units.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
To be completed in the first trimester of study:-
The remaining 4 credit points of units may be selected from the following list of electives:
* MPT code denotes Study Tour version of the unit
^Students who do not have prior business background are recommended to take MPE781 and MAA702 in their first trimester of study
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
Course duration
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
Mandatory student checks
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.
Workload
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.
Participation requirements
Units in this course may have participation requirements that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Work experience
This course does not require students to complete compulsory work integrated learning units.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements or higher to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in any discipline
- at least three years' relevant work experience in business or other related field (or part-time equivalent).
Examples of relevant work experience include, but not limited to business experience in either a finance role or a managerial position with business oversight responsibilities in a finance related field, such as financial consulting, financial analysis, treasury management, corporate finance, fund management and banking.
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
$34,200 for 1 yr full-time - Full-fee paying place
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The available fee places for this course are detailed above. Not all courses at Deakin have Commonwealth supported places available.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical tuition fees for students completing this course within the same year they started. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.
One year full-time study load is typically represented by eight credit points of study. Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for your course.
You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook. Learn more about fees and available payment options.
Higher Education Loan Program
Take the next step towards your ultimate degree with a Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) loan to help pay your tuition fees.
You may be eligible for a HELP loan – including FEE-HELP or HECS-HELP – depending on your course, type of fee place, and your citizenship or residency status. Check your eligibility and learn more about Government HELP loans.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship can open the door to new opportunities. Whether you have something unique to offer or simply need a bit of extra support to reach your goals, we’re here to help. Scholarships can assist with course fees, living costs and study materials – so you can focus on achieving your best. Explore the range of opportunities and find the right fit for you.
Postgraduate bursary
We love welcoming Deakin alumni back to continue their journey with us. If you're starting a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible for a 10% discount on your enrolment fees, applied per unit. It's our way of supporting your next step.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.
Need more information on how to apply?
For more information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage. If you're still having problems, please contact us for assistance.
Pathways
This course can be a pathway to:
Further study options
Alternate exits
- Graduate Certificate of Finance (M530)
Career outcomes
The Graduate Diploma of Finance provides strong technical and analytical skills for mid-level finance roles or those stepping into the sector. It’s ideal for professionals looking to deepen their finance expertise or pivot into financial services.
Career opportunities include:
- financial adviser (associate level)
- finance officer
- treasury analyst
- credit analyst
- budget and forecasting specialist
- investment operations officer
- risk analyst
- compliance support officer
- corporate banking associate
Professional recognition
Deakin Business School holds both AACSB and EQUIS accreditations. These prestigious accreditations are awarded to business schools that meet strict standards of quality, academic and professional excellence, and demonstrate a commitment to ongoing improvement and innovation in their courses, ensuring our graduates are employable worldwide.
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Evidence an advanced understanding and application of finance, financial markets and products in an international context |
| Communication | Communicate finance terminology to both specialists and non-specialists |
| Digital literacy | Apply appropriate digital technologies to find and use complex financial data, information and ideas |
| Critical thinking | Develop research and critical thinking skills to analyse a range of complex finance related information to make informed financial decisions for the business community in a global market setup |
| Problem solving | Apply problem solving skills necessary to conceptualise and solve emerging global issues in finance |
| Self-management | Evidence an ability to work and learn independently and show personal responsibility |
| Teamwork | Foster a constructive environment through ongoing academic collaboration |
| Global citizenship | Reflect on different international and regulatory perspectives in financial markets |
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
