Victoria University

Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning

  • Delivery: Online
  • Study Level: Postgraduate
  • Duration: 8 months
  • Course Type: Graduate Certificate

Strengthen your financial planning knowledge across investment, taxation, superannuation, retirement, risk management and estate planning.

Ready to take the next step?

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

The Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning at Victoria University provides focused postgraduate study in key areas of financial planning and advice. You will strengthen your knowledge of financial planning principles while considering investment decisions, risk, taxation, superannuation and retirement planning.

Across four core units, you will study risk management and estate planning, superannuation and retirement wealth planning, financial and investment planning and Australian taxation law. The course explores how these areas apply to client circumstances, financial advice and the regulatory environment.

Delivered 100% online through VU Online, the course can be completed in a minimum of eight months part-time. You will study one unit at a time across seven-week study periods, with six intake periods available each year.

Key facts

Delivery
Online
Course Type
Graduate Certificate
Duration
8 months (Part time)
Price Per Unit
$3,115
More Information
The estimated per-unit fee is calculated using the annual average first-year fee. It is based on a part-time study load of four units per year.
Intake
11th January, 2027
8th March, 2027
10th May, 2027
5th July, 2027
30th August, 2027
5th 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 attain the Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning Online, students are required to complete these four units:

  • Risk Management and Estate Planning
  • Superannuation and Retirement Wealth Planning
  • Principles of Financial and Investment Planning
  • Taxation Law of Australia (Bridging)

Entry requirements

Applicants must have one of the following requirements:

  • Completion of an Australian bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a similar discipline.
  • Applicants with a minimum of five years of approved work experience will be considered for admission to this course.

Recognition of Prior Learning

You may be able to get credit for your course based on prior formal, non-formal or informal learning. To apply, you will need to provide supporting documentation outlined by the university. Contact the university for more information.

Outcomes

Career outcomes

After completing your graduate certificate, you may be equipped for roles including:

  • Financial adviser
  • Financial planner
  • Insurance adviser
  • Superannuation consultant
  • Risk adviser
  • Business development manager
  • Client service officer

Fees and FEE-HELP

Cost per unit in 2026: $3,115 (domestic full-fee paying place)

Total cost for four units in 2026: $12,460 (domestic full-fee paying place)

All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of 48 credit points (normally four units) per year.

FAAA members discount

As part of the FAAA Member Rewards program, you can receive a discount of 15% on the Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning. This means your fees will be discounted to $2,380 per unit.

Student annual fees 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.

You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.

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.

Student Testimonials

Maxwell Gratton

Maxwell Gratton

It was personally satisfying to connect and collaborate with a range of industry professionals. Many have become valuable work contacts, some even lifelong friends and career mentors.

Amanda Frape

Amanda Frape

I am receiving a lot of support from my facilitators and my Student Success Advisor, who boosts my confidence and self-esteem.

Emma Longuet

Emma Longuet

The flexibility, relevance and opportunity that VU Online brings to higher education are testaments to excellence in teaching and learning.