Graduate Certificate of Financial Planning
Swinburne Online - online delivery only
The Australian financial planning industry is growing fast. Be part of it with our Graduate Certificate of Financial Planning.
You’ll be introduced to the knowledge and skills needed to provide tailored, professional financial advice while navigating complex financial matters and ever-changing industry regulations.
Ethical conduct is a key focus of new Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority (FASEA) regulations; this course features a unit of study that focuses on the code of ethics and ethical conduct in the industry to ensure graduates are well informed in this crucial topic.
Complete the course around your work and other commitments with our flexible online delivery.Every international student application is considered for a scholarship
Whether you’re living in Australia or overseas, you’re automatically considered for a scholarship of up to 20% off your course fees. Please check our updated entry requirements.
Duration
6 Month/s
Intakes
Online (March, July, November) - View application and start dates
Fees
A$20100 (total for 2023)*
The indicative course fees shown in Course Search apply to international students for the relevant year only. They are based on a standard study load per year. However, please note that fees are assessed according to a student's study load in each semester, and variation to study load will result in an adjustment to tuition fees. All fees are subject to annual review and may be adjusted.

Study with Swinburne Online
With Swinburne Online, the learning experience is 100% online and studied at your own pace. Our courses are built for the jobs of the future with a focus on collaboration and our flexible learning environment empowers you to study on your own terms. They are developed by leaders in the field and taught by professionals with industry experience.
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.
Course structure
To qualify for the award of Graduate Certificate of Financial Planning students must complete 50 credit points comprising:
- 4 core units
On successful completion of the Graduate Certificate of Financial Planning, students may progress to the Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning or Master of Financial Planning and will be given full credit for the units completed.
Units of study
FIN60011 Behavioural Finance and Investment *
FIN60012 Ethics and Client Management *
LAW60003 Corporations and Contract Law
*Outcome units - matched exemptions are generally not granted for higher education outcome units.
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities and course aims and objectives.
Career opportunities
Aims and objectives
- apply coherent and advanced knowledge of financial planning and business concepts in diverse contexts and applications using critical thinking
- apply problem solving, design and decision making methodologies to identify and provide innovative solutions to complex problems with intellectual independence
- communicate proficiently with clients, gather and interpret appropriate data and use advanced tools and practices to produce a financial plan
- demonstrate integrity, ethical conduct, accountability, respect and a broad awareness of the professional code of conduct and cultural norms.

Pathways and scholarships
- Scholarships.
Course fees and requirements
- Fees, entry requirements and English language requirements.
Course fees
Entry requirements
A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) can now be done on campus in Hawthorn at Room 132, Building TD. Book now or call +61 3 9214 3584 for more information.
A recognised bachelor degree in any discipline PLUS a minimum of 2 years equivalent full-time relevant professional experience* or
English language requirements
Satisfactory completion of one of the following:
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 70%, all skills 65%
- minimum IELTS overall band of 6.5 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
- any other equivalent assessment of English language proficiency.
How to apply
Please note: This online course is not available to on-shore international students holding a student visa.
Find out more
Tel: +613 9214 8444 (outside Australia)
Free call: 1300 794 628 (within Australia)
Email: international@swinburne.edu.au