Financial Planning

The Bachelor of Financial Planning at the University of South Australia provides students with a comprehensive education designed to prepare them for a successful career in the financial services industry. This program offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to deliver professional financial advice and planning services. Through a carefully structured curriculum, students gain an in-depth understanding of financial products, investment strategies, estate planning, cash flow management, risk assessment, and ethical considerations in financial consultancy.

The course emphasizes the development of critical thinking and analytical skills, enabling graduates to assess clients' needs and develop tailored financial plans that align with their goals and circumstances. Students will engage in case studies, simulations, and real-world projects that foster experiential learning and practical application of financial planning principles. The program also covers important regulatory and compliance issues surrounding financial advising, ensuring graduates are well-versed in the legal frameworks governing the industry.

In addition to core financial planning subjects, students have opportunities to specialize or broaden their expertise through electives in areas such as superannuation, insurance, taxation, and investment management. The university’s strong connections with industry partners and professional bodies facilitate placements, internships, and networking opportunities to enhance employability upon graduation. Graduates of the Bachelor of Financial Planning are equipped to pursue careers as financial advisors, planners, analysts, or consultants in banking, insurance, investment firms, or run their own financial advisory practices. The program also provides a solid foundation for further professional certification and postgraduate studies in financial planning, ensuring ongoing career development.

The Bachelor of Financial Planning at the University of South Australia offers students a comprehensive education designed to prepare them for a successful career in the financial services industry. This program provides in-depth knowledge of core financial principles, including investment management, risk assessment, retirement planning, estate planning, and taxation. Students will develop critical analytical skills and practical competencies necessary to assess clients' financial situations and develop tailored financial plans that meet their individual needs and goals.

Throughout the course, students explore the ethical and professional standards essential to the financial planning sector, ensuring they are well-equipped to operate with integrity and compliance. The curriculum combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, enabling students to gain hands-on experience through case studies, simulations, and industry-based projects. This approach fosters problem-solving capabilities and enhances decision-making skills in real-world financial contexts.

In addition to core financial planning topics, the program emphasizes the importance of communication skills, client relationship management, and technological proficiency in financial advisory services. Students learn to utilize cutting-edge financial planning software and tools, preparing them to adapt to advancements in the industry effectively. The program also covers relevant regulatory frameworks, including the Australian Financial Services (AFS) licensing requirements and responsible advice standards, ensuring graduates are ready to meet industry compliance standards.

Students will have access to excellent support and resources through the university’s partnerships with industry professionals, providing networking opportunities and practical insights. The Bachelor of Financial Planning prepares graduates for careers as accredited financial planners, wealth advisers, or financial consultants. Additionally, the program provides a pathway for further professional certification and postgraduate studies, enhancing career prospects and ongoing professional development. Overall, this program aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical foundation necessary to excel in the dynamic and evolving field of financial planning.

• Finished bachelor degree from a recognised higher education institution or equivalent
• or finished graduate certification or greater postgraduate qualification in a recognised higher education institution
• or finished Diploma or Advanced degree in a related field and 2 years relevant professional experience
• Or minimum of 5 years relevant professional experience
• International students who speak English as a foreign language must have obtained the necessary criteria prior to admission.

The University of South Australia offers comprehensive financial planning studies designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in the financial services industry. The program covers core areas such as investment strategies, retirement planning, risk management, taxation, estate planning, and ethical considerations in financial advising. Students will learn through a blend of theoretical coursework and practical applications, including case studies, simulations, and industry placements, ensuring they are well-prepared for professional certifications and employment opportunities. The curriculum emphasizes current industry standards and regulations, such as compliance with the Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) requirements and the Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority (FASEA) standards. Financial aid options, including government loans and scholarships, are available to eligible students to support their studies. The program also prepares students for essential professional designations, such as the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification, by integrating relevant learning modules aligned with these qualifications. Tuition fees vary depending on residency status and enrollment intensity, with detailed information available through the university’s official website. The university offers flexible study modes, including full-time and part-time options, facilitating access for working professionals. The program's strong industry connections provide students with networking opportunities and access to internships at leading financial firms, enhancing employability upon graduation. The financial planning program at UniSA emphasizes ethical practice, client-centered advising, and lifelong professional development, ensuring graduates are competent, compliant, and competitive in the dynamic financial sector.

The Bachelor of Commerce (Financial Planning) at the University of South Australia is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to prepare students for a successful career in financial planning and related fields. This program combines core business principles with specialized knowledge in financial planning, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to meet the professional standards required by industry regulators and employers. The curriculum covers a broad range of topics including financial advice, investment planning, superannuation, estate planning, taxation, and ethics in financial services. Students develop critical skills in financial analysis, client relationship management, and compliance, which are essential for providing high-quality financial advice.

The program is structured to include a mix of theoretical coursework, practical training, and industry engagement. Students have opportunities to participate in case studies, simulations, and internships, which foster real-world understanding and networking opportunities. The program also emphasizes ethical practice and professional integrity, aligning with the requirements of the Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). Graduates of this program are eligible to sit for accreditation exams and pursue further certifications such as the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation.

Entry requirements typically include a secondary education qualification that meets the university’s admission standards, with some preference given to applicants with relevant backgrounds in commerce, finance, or economics. The program is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, and online learning modules, providing flexibility for domestic and international students. The university’s strong industry links and dedicated career services support students in securing work placements and employment opportunities after graduation.

As financial advice becomes increasingly regulated and specialized, the demand for qualified financial planners continues to rise across Australia. This program is designed to meet this demand by producing graduates who are knowledgeable, ethical, and capable of advising clients on a wide range of financial issues. Upon completion, students are prepared to work in financial planning firms, banks, insurance companies, superannuation funds, and as self-employed advisors, contributing to the financial well-being of individuals and organizations. The University of South Australia remains committed to providing quality education that aligns with industry needs, ensuring graduates are ready to excel in their professional careers.