STUDYING FINANCIAL ADVICE
To become a Financial Adviser the Australian Government requires you to hold an approved degree.
Where can I study?
An approved degree is typically a Bachelor, Graduate Diploma or Master’s degree that majors in Financial Planning.
The below table outlines universities that are taking enrolments in approved degrees in 2025.
| Education Provider | State | Lead Academic | Bachelor | Graduate Diploma | Masters | Scholarships |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Queensland University | QLD | Dr Angelique McInnes |  |  |  | Yes |
| Curtin University | WA | Dr Siwen Song |  |  |  | Yes |
| Deakin University | VIC | Mr Marc Olynyk |  |  |  | Yes |
| Griffith University | QLD | Dr Kirsten MacDonald |  |  |  * | Yes |
| James Cook University | QLD | Dr Tania Driver |  |  |  | Yes |
| Kaplan Professional | NSW | Call 1300 135 798 |  |  |  * | N/A |
| Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology | VIC | Professor Abdullahi D. Ahmed |  |  |  | Yes |
| Swinburne University of Technology | VIC | Associate Professor Reza Tajaddini |  |  |  | Yes |
| TAFE NSW | NSW | Mrs Marriane Said |  |  |  | N/A |
| The Institute of International Studies | VIC | Michael Lehner |  |  |  | N/A |
| University of South Australia | SA | Mr Ron McIver |  |  |  | Yes |
| Victoria University | VIC | Associate Professor Leicha Bragg |  |  |  | Yes |
| Western Sydney University | NSW | Dr Peter Humphreys |  |  |  | Yes |
*Masters column indicates the education provider offers an opportunity to integrate the CFP designation with their degree.
A full list of current and historical degrees can be found in the current degree legislative instrument under the heading called ‘Schedule 1 – Degrees and qualifications’.
FAAA Members are eligible to access tuition fee discounts of up to 28% from a range of postgraduate education providers.
Frequently asked questions
What type of business employs a financial adviser?
To offer financial planning a business must either hold an Australian Financial Services License (AFSL) or be authorised by an AFSL to offer financial planning services. Both large and small businesses offer the opportunity to become an employed financial adviser. Of course, you may also want to one day get your own AFSL and become what is known as self-licensed … and/or employ financial planners to work in your business.
How do I find a job as a financial adviser?
There are many places to look but a good start is Striver and the FAAA Careers Centre.
Is financial planning a good career to get into?
We think so. There is currently a shortage of financial advisers in Australia, so much so, that the role is listed as being in “skills shortage” by the Government.
Who can get into financial planning as a career?
Anyone with the drive and passion and who wants to give great advice to help more Australians build a better financial future. Financial planning suits career changers as well as those who are recently out of university and wanting to work in financial services.
