Western Sydney University
Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 6 months
- Course Type: Graduate Certificate
Learn the nature and process of financial planning within the Australian economic, legal, social, cultural and ethical environment.
Course overview
The Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning is a fully online program designed to introduce students to postgraduate study in the financial planning sector with the option to continue into a Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning and a Master of Financial Planning.
Topics in this course involve budgetary analysis, term structure, investment decisions, ethics, client goal-setting and statement of advice compliance. You will also learn how to evaluate academic literature in various business contexts so you can communicate effectively as an individual or within groups and apply ethical practices in different business contexts.
CSP Subsidised Fees Available
This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.
Key facts
What you will study
Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of four core subjects:
- Communication and Ethics for Financial Planners
- Commercial Law
- Principles of Financial Planning
- Principles of Taxation
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
Applicants must meet one of the following to be considered:
- Successfully completed an undergraduate degree, or higher, in any discipline.
- Successfully completed a minimum of three years of full-time equivalent managerial/professional work experience in a related field.
- Successfully completed an advanced diploma, or higher, in a business discipline and have a minimum of five years of general work experience in a related field.
- Successfully completed an associate degree, or higher, in a business discipline.
- Submitted other evidence of general and professional qualifications that demonstrates potential to pursue graduate studies.
Applicants seeking admission on the basis of work experience must support their application with a current CV for all work experience listed on their application and a Confirmation of Employment for all work experience listed on the application.
Only applicants seeking admission through an established industry partnership agreement can provide an agreed alternative to the Confirmation of Employment. The confirmation of employment can be either be a letter on employer letterhead specifying their role and length of service or the industry declaration form.
English language requirements
Applicants who have undertaken studies overseas may have to provide proof of proficiency in English.
Contact the university for further information about English language requirements.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
As a graduate of this degree, you can look forward to a broad range of exciting career opportunities in different sectors and industries. Below are some examples:
- Investment
- Money management
- Corporate finance
- Financial management
Fees and CSP
Indicative annual fee in 2025: $8,496 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
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.
Commonwealth Supported Places
The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.
If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you'll only need to pay a portion of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.
Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.
Your student contribution amount is:
- Calculated per unit you're enrolled in.
- Dependent on the study areas they relate to.
- Reviewed and adjusted each year.
HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.