Take advantage of our range of courses and units specifically designed to help you meet the Financial Adviser Standards (FAS) education requirements for all financial advisers.
An undergraduate degree is generally completed between two to four years, depending on the pattern of study and any recognition of prior learning you may have. Associate degrees, bachelor and bachelor with honours are all undergraduate degrees.
A postgraduate qualification can be undertaken by students who have already completed an undergraduate degree or possess significant, demonstrable work experience. Postgraduate courses include graduate certificates, graduate diplomas, masters and PhDs, as well as specialist programs for industry professionals.
Research degrees are research based master’s or PhD programs that focus on a single area of expertise. They provide students the opportunity to carry out highly specialised research under expert supervision.
We are a leader in financial planning education – for over 30 years our students have graduated with a highly respected and recognised qualification within the industry and international accrediting bodies.
The following courses and units are FAS compliant: Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning, Master of Financial Planning and bridging units (MAA769, MLC714 and MAA728 incorporated into the Graduate Certificate of Financial Planning).
Financial Adviser Standards (FAS) is a unit within Treasury that sets education and training standards and the code of ethics for licensed financial advisers in Australia.
If you’re starting out, our industry experts will help you understand the high ethical standards required to guide clients to invest successfully. If you’ve just finished school or you’re a new entrant training to become a financial adviser, you must:
1. complete an approved degree
2. undertake a professional year; and
3. pass the financial adviser exam.
You need to complete an approved qualification at a bachelor degree (AQF7 level), graduate diploma (AQF8 level), masters level (AQF 9) or an equivalent qualification before you can become a provisional financial adviser.
If you were listed on the Financial Advisers Register at any time between 1 January 2016 and 1 January 2019, you have until 1 January 2026 to meet the education standards.
Depending on your current qualifications, you may only need to do between one and three bridging course units or may need to study an eight-unit graduate diploma. If you have completed an approved degree you will need to complete the Ethics for Professional Advisers bridging course to comply with the new standards, unless otherwise specified in the current legislative instrument.
Professionally recognised units are a simple pathway to becoming FAS compliant. Choose to fast-track your learning experience with our three-day intensive programs or complete a unit over our 12-week trimester, either online or at our Melbourne Burwood Campus.
Examine key topics and issues facing the modern financial planning professional. Use these webinars to gain valuable continuing professional development (CPD) points by completing a short assessment task, or simply to explore areas of interest.
Get one-on-one advice from a Deakin adviser about your route to becoming Financial Adviser Standards compliant.
Book an appointment or call us on 03 9251 7969.
I can’t recommend this course enough for any adviser looking to further their skills and knowledge. I was motivated to complete this qualification to improve the advice outcomes for my existing and future clients.
Jeffrey Bonnici
Master of Financial Planning student
The Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning, Master of Financial Planning and bridging units (MAA769, MLC714 and MAA728) meet Financial Adviser Standards. Other accreditation includes:
By 1 January 2026, all financial planners will need an approved qualification. Roles in financial and insurance services are projected to grow 6.3% by 2026.* As a financial planning graduate, you could find employment as a:
We offer scholarships and discounts on course fees for students from selected partnerships. If you’re working as a financial adviser, we can also grant recognition of prior learning.
A scholarship can help you thrive while at university. Be recognised for your academic merit, perseverance and dedication with a scholarship to transform your future.
We’ll grant recognition of prior learning in-line with FAS education requirements. You may be eligible for up to two credits in our graduate diploma and up to four credits in our masters. There is no time limit on qualifications.
If you have an innovative idea that you'd like to bring to life in the world of financial planning, consider studying a higher degree by research with Deakin.
We're happy to discuss establishing B2B partnerships with licensees and other organisations, which provide significant benefits in the form of course discounts and rebates, support services and a personalised student experience.
Forming a partnership with Deakin provides your organisation and advisers with access to a comprehensive range of education services including:
Contact us to learn more about B2B partnership opportunities with Deakin.
Deakin offers students from selected partnerships a discount on course fees. Check out the list of affiliated organisations below or get in touch to partner with us. You may be eligible for a discount or rebate if you are affiliated with any of the following organisations:
Our partnership with the Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA) allows you to combine the Master of Financial Planning with the CFP® Certification Program. When you successfully complete the CFP® Certification Unit you’ll satisfy the program's education requirements.
Deakin graduates Wayne and Luke tell us why they chose to study financial planning and share their life after graduation.
Looking for a career that gives you the opportunity to help people achieve their financial goals? Find out why now is the time to study financial planning.
*Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections to 2026, 2021
For more information on financial planning courses and units, contact:
Domestic
+61 3 9251 7969
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International
+61 3 9918 9188
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