Key facts
Duration
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Locations
OnlineCourse overview
Build upon the core knowledge and skills required of a professional financial planner by studying Deakin’s Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning. Graduate with a fully accredited and approved degree, that enables you to either enter the financial planning profession or expand upon existing career opportunities and accreditation requirements.
The Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning is accredited as a FAS-approved degree therefore providing you with a pathway to progress your career as a professional financial planner.
Interested in a qualification that enhances and further develops your core financial planning competencies?
If you are a current financial planner returning to study, you will develop and refine your knowledge and analytical skills to better support the needs of your clients. Whether you're looking to start your career in financial planning or progress it, under the guidance of industry-active teachers you will learn about:
- the theoretical principles underlying the rules, regulations and practices that apply in financial planning
- the digital tools of the modern financial planner
- the application of knowledge in an applied and practical learning environment.
Importantly, the course places a strong emphasis on the professional responsibilities of the modern financial planner, both in an ethical and compliance sense - as well as the practical application of concepts to work-based problems. Industry reforms have created an increased demand for ethical decision-makers, putting Deakin financial planning graduates in a strong position to stand out from the pack.
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 2 2026 close 21 June 2026
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 3 2026 close 18 October 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 Financial Planning
- Year
2026 course information
- Deakin code
- M669
- 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 Financial Planning, 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 Financial Planning includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first study period
- 7 credit points of core units
- 1 credit point of course 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:-
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:
- Online
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Online
- Start date: November
- Available at:
- Online
Please note: This course is only available for part-time study in Trimester 3
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.
Placement can occur at any time, including during standard holiday breaks. Learn about key dates at Deakin.
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
- at least two years’ relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)
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
$31,600 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:
Master of Business Administration (M701)
(Please note that applicants must also meet all the admission requirements for the course.)
Alternate exits
Career outcomes
Whether you are currently working in financial services industry or a career changer looking to transition into the financial planning profession, this course equips you with the knowledge and skills to work in a range of mid-level advisory or specialist roles.
Graduates are well positioned for roles such as:
- client services officer or administrator
-
paraplanner
-
associate financial adviser or planner
-
associate insurance adviser (life, income protection, TPD)
-
compliance manager
-
business development manager
-
claims administrator
-
superannuation consultant
-
client relationship officer
This qualification is accredited as a FAS-approved degree which is required to be able to practice as a financial adviser in Australia. The course may also be used as a pathway to the Master of Business Administration or the Master of Business for those seeking further professional growth.
Professional recognition
The Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning is a FAS-approved course, making it a recognised pathway towards becoming a registered financial planner.
Graduates will satisfy the education standards prescribed by FAS to be able to provide financial advice in Australia, subject to meeting other registration requirements prescribed by FAS (including completion of a Professional Year for Provisional Relevant Providers and passing a National Adviser Exam).
Graduates of the Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning will be eligible for advanced standing into the CFP® Certification Program
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 | Demonstrate an advanced understanding and application of core financial planning concepts and theories |
| Communication | Apply appropriate communication skills within the context of providing advice on financial matters |
| Digital literacy | Use appropriate digital technologies to identify and disseminate complex information, concepts and theories |
| Critical thinking | Apply a systematic research process and develop a clearly articulated argument to support a view and use it to justify one or more conclusions |
| Problem solving | Apply problem solving skills necessary to conceptualise and solve complex issues in financial planning |
| Self-management | Demonstrate independent study and learning in the field of financial planning |
| Teamwork | Identify challenges associated with organising and managing teams in professional contexts and the importance of providing an instructional framework to nurture teamwork |
| Global citizenship | Not explicitly addressed as a learning outcome in this award |
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
