Graduate Certificate of Financial Planning

What you will study

To complete the Graduate Certificate of Financial Planning, students must attain a total of four credit points, consisting of three credit points of core units and a one credit point course elective unit chosen from a specified list, plus completion of the compulsory 0-credit point module.

Core units

• Financial Planning and Economic Fundamentals
• Superannuation and Retirement Planning
• Ethics for Financial Services *

Elective units

The remaining one credit point of elective may be selected from:

• Financial Behaviour and Decision Making*
• Estate Planning and Risk Management Strategies
• Principles of Income Tax Law
• Business Law

This is an intensive unit that will be completed within a short time frame.

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 must meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.

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's degree or higher.
• At least two years of relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent).

English language requirements

To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:

• Bachelor's 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 (contact the university for more information).

Recognition of Prior Learning

The university aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning that exceeds the course's standard entrance requirements and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students must complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is greater. For certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.

You can also refer to Deakin's Recognition of Prior Learning system, which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.

Outcomes

Learning outcomes

• 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 advisors.
• Apply appropriate communication skills within the context of providing advice on financial matters.
• Effectively and critically navigate, evaluate and create information using various digital technologies.
• Analyse critically, evaluate, and express sound judgement, ideas, and reflection on 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 financial planning.
• Engage ethically, professionally, and productively in work and a professional context that reflects an understanding of ethical principles and a systematic knowledge of professional codes of conduct.

Career outcomes

As a graduate of this course, you may seek employment in a variety of areas related to finance, including:

• Financial Adviser/Planner
• Insurance Advisor
• Paraplanner
• Business Development Manager
• Superannuation Consultant
• Claims Administrator
• Compliance Manager
• Risk Advisor

Fees and FEE-HELP

Estimated first-year tuition fee in 2026: $15,800 (domestic full-fee paying place).

All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a full-time study load of four credit points (normally four units) per year.

A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:

• The number of units studied per term.
• The choice of major or specialisation.
• Choice of units.
• Credit from previous study or work experience.
• Eligibility for government-funded loans.

Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.

FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.