Key facts
Duration
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Locations
OnlineCourse overview
Prepare for a standout financial planning career with a Financial Adviser Standards (FAS) recognised qualification from a leading business school. Whether you're looking to start your career or progress it, you will gain in-depth, relevant learning from professionally active teachers in a long-standing program with strong industry connections.
Build sound professional foundations, understanding the principles underlying financial planning rules, regulations and practices. Learn essential digital tools and specialist capabilities through applied and practical studies in superannuation, taxation, estate planning and behavioural finance.
You will develop the ethical and human insight needed to design tailored financial strategies in complex advice scenarios, analysing client needs and applying regulatory frameworks.
Graduate ready to provide financial advice, meeting the industry’s ethical and compliance standards, and progress towards professional financial planning roles.
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 3 2026 close 18 October 2026
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 1 2027 close 7 February 2027
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
2027 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 your 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.
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
$33,000 for 1 yr full-time - Full-fee paying place
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical full-time enrolment of 8 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 all or part of your tuition fees.
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.
Deakin alumni discount
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.
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 the 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.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Demonstrate an advanced understanding and application of core financial planning concepts and theories |
| Apply appropriate communication skills within the context of providing advice on financial matters |
| Use appropriate digital technologies to identify and disseminate complex information, concepts and theories |
| Apply a systematic research process and develop a clearly articulated argument to support a view and use it to justify one or more conclusions |
| Apply problem solving skills necessary to conceptualise and solve complex issues in financial planning |
| Demonstrate independent study and learning in the field of financial planning |
| Identify challenges associated with organising and managing teams in professional contexts and the importance of providing an instructional framework to nurture teamwork |
*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.
