University of New South Wales

Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance

  • Delivery: Online
  • Study Level: Postgraduate
  • Duration: 16 months
  • Course Type: Graduate Diploma

Advance your finance expertise through practical study in investment, valuation, risk and global markets, while gaining the analytical capability to make informed financial decisions across contemporary business environments.

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Download your course guide and connect with a university advisor to explore:

  • Course structure
  • Learning outcomes
  • Fees
  • Entry requirements

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Course overview

For professionals seeking to deepen their financial expertise, the Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance develops practical and analytical capability across investment management, corporate finance and global financial markets. The program provides a structured foundation for navigating complex financial decisions and applying contemporary finance principles across a range of professional settings.

Bringing together financial analysis and practical decision-making, you'll strengthen your ability to evaluate investments, assess risk, understand asset valuation and interpret the forces shaping international financial markets. Elective options also provide opportunities to explore emerging areas such as FinTech, decentralised finance and AI, connecting established financial principles with developments reshaping the sector.

Across eight online courses completed part-time over 16 months, students can combine core finance study with selected electives aligned with their professional interests. Core courses are designed in line with the CFA examination curriculum, while the Graduate Diploma also provides a pathway to the Master of Applied Finance for those seeking to continue their studies.

Key facts

Delivery
Online
Course Type
Graduate Diploma
Duration
16 months (Part time)
Price Per Unit
From $5,130
More Information
The estimated fee is determined by individual units of study and the year the course was commenced.
Intake
24th August, 2026
19th October, 2026
11th January, 2027
8th March, 2027
3rd May, 2027
28th June, 2027
23rd August, 2027
18th October, 2027
Units
More Information
You may be required to complete 0 credit point units throughout your course. The university will confirm this as part of your enrolment.

The unit total reflects the number of units required for course completion, not the total credit point weight. Some units may be double- or triple-weighted, so the number of units you complete may be lower.
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Fees
More Information
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
FEE-HELP

What you will study

To earn the Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance, you must successfully complete eight units from the following options:

  • Any six core units and two available elective units; OR
  • Any seven core units plus one available elective units; OR
  • All eight core units
Core units
  • Portfolio Management*
  • Corporate Finance*
  • Private Equity and Venture Capital*
  • Equity Valuation*
  • International Finance*
  • Fixed Income*
  • Derivatives*
  • Ethics and Professional Standards*

*Course designed in line with the CFA examination curriculum. The CFA-aligned Master of Applied Finance pathway provides students with a strong grounding to pursue the CFA designation.

Elective units

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

To be eligible for the Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance, you must have one of the following:

  • A recognised bachelor’s degree (or equivalent qualification) with a credit average (65 per cent or higher) as determined by the UNSW Admissions Entry Calculator.
  • Three years of relevant work experience in a commercial or public service organisation related to business, banking or finance.
  • Applicants who have successfully completed the Graduate Certificate in Applied Finance with a credit average of 65 per cent or higher can progress to the Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance.

English language requirements

You may need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency to study at UNSW, depending on your educational background and citizenship. UNSW requires a minimum level of English language competency for enrolment. English language skills are essential for webinar comprehension and the completion of coursework, assignments and examinations.

If English is not your first language, you will need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you will be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • English language tests and university English courses.
  • Prior study in the medium of English.
  • Other qualifications.
  • English waivers.

Contact the university or visit its website for more information.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Previous studies may be recognised as credit towards the program where they meet relevant course requirements. Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance students may be eligible for up to four courses of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) advanced standing. Contact the university for more information.

Outcomes

Career outcomes

  • Finance Analyst
  • Portfolio Risk Analyst
  • Financial Investment Analyst
  • Investment Operations Analyst
  • Corporate Banking Associate
  • Treasury Analyst
  • Compliance Support Officer
  • Business Analyst
  • Budget and Forecasting Specialist

Fees and FEE-HELP

Indicative annual fee in 2026: $41,500  (Full-fee paying place)

Indicative annual fees are based on your first year of study.

A student’s annual fee may vary by:

  • The number of units studied.
  • 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.