STUDYING FINANCIAL PLANNING
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.
When exploring options, courses for financial planners typically include a Bachelor’s degree, a Graduate Diploma or a Master’s in Financial Planning. These qualifications meet the financial adviser education requirements set by the Australian Government and ASIC.
Common pathways when studying financial advice include:
- Financial planner degree (Bachelor’s level)
Financial planning degrees provide foundational knowledge for school leavers or early-career professionals seeking a structured entry into the financial advice profession.
- Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning
An accelerated pathway for those looking to meet financial adviser education requirements and enter the profession efficiently.
- Master of Financial Planning for career changers or professionals seeking advancement
A more in-depth qualification suited to career changers or professionals seeking long-term advancement, leadership opportunities, or deeper technical expertise.
- Financial adviser course online
Those wishing to undertake a financial planner course online now have a variety of options from respected institutions, making it easier to study while working.
The table below outlines universities that are taking enrolments in approved courses for financial planners in 2026.
Click the tick to view approved financial adviser qualifications at each institution.
| 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.
Once you meet financial adviser requirements, you may also choose to apply for your own AFSL and operate independently. This pathway is common for those who want full control over their business or plan to employ other advisers.
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, to the point that the role is listed as being in “skills shortage” by the Government. Now is the ideal time to explore a financial adviser degree or a financial planner course online.
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 is suitable for:
- Career changers
- Recent graduates
- Professionals seeking long-term stability
- People interested in finance, strategy, and helping others
If you’re willing to study, meet financial planner education requirements, and commit to ethical practice, this is a career with strong long-term demand and flexibility.
