Victoria University

Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning Online

  • Delivery: Online
  • Study Level: Postgraduate
  • Duration: 16 months
  • Course Type: Graduate Diploma

Build advanced financial planning knowledge across investment, superannuation, taxation, risk, ethics, law and client advice.

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Download your course guide and connect with a study advisor to explore:

  • Course structure
  • Learning outcomes
  • Fees
  • Entry requirements

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Course overview

The Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning at Victoria University provides postgraduate study across the technical, legal, ethical and professional requirements of financial planning. You will build knowledge relevant to providing financial advice while considering client needs, regulatory obligations and contemporary financial planning practice.

Across eight core units, you will study financial and investment planning, superannuation and retirement, risk management and estate planning, taxation, professionalism and ethics, commercial law, behavioural finance and financial plan construction. The course combines technical financial planning knowledge with client communication and professional decision-making.

Delivered 100% online through VU Online, the course can be completed in a minimum of 16 months part-time. You will study one unit at a time across seven-week study periods, with six intake periods available each year. The qualification is FAS-approved and provides an approved education pathway towards becoming a financial adviser, subject to meeting the other relevant professional requirements.

Key facts

Delivery
Online
Course Type
Graduate Diploma
Duration
16 months (Part time)
Price Per Unit
From $3,115
More Information
The estimated per-unit fee is based on the indicative tuition fee per subject.
Intake
11th January, 2027
8th March, 2027
10th May, 2027
5th July, 2027
30th August, 2027
25th 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

Students are required to complete the following eight units:

  • Risk Management and Estate Planning
  • Superannuation and Retirement Wealth Planning
  • Principles of Financial and Investment Planning
  • Taxation Law of Australia (Bridging)
  • Professionalism and Ethics (Bridging)
  • Financial Advice Corporation and Commercial Law (Bridging)
  • Behavioural Finance for Financial Advisers
  • Financial Plan Construction and Client Management

Entry requirements

Applicants must have one of the following:

  • Completion of an Australian bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a similar discipline.
  • Completion of an Australian graduate certificate (or equivalent) in a similar discipline.
  • Applicants with a minimum of five (5) 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 the Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning, you will have the skills and knowledge to succeed in a variety of specialised roles within the industry. This can include roles such as:

  • 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 eight units in 2026: $24,920 (domestic full-fee paying place)

All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of eight units.

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 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

Emma Longuet

Emma Longuet

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

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.

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.