Take the first step to become a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional.
There is strong demand for qualified financial planners with Australian government regulation changes and increased demand to achieve the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® credential. Our program is a pathway into the CFP® Certification program with the Financial Planning Association of Australia.
- Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
- * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2025 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
- Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
- * Campus note: In addition to being able to study all courses at Sippy Downs, students may choose to complete some core and foundation business subjects at the Noosa Centre or Gympie campus. There may be a limited selection of subjects available at South Bank. The option to study at Noosa is not available to international students on a Student visa.
- * Campus note: In addition to being able to study all courses at Sippy Downs, students may choose to complete some core and foundation business subjects at the Noosa Centre or Gympie campus. There may be a limited selection of subjects available at South Bank. The option to study at Noosa is not available to international students on a Student visa.
There is strong demand for qualified financial planners with Australian government regulation changes and increased demand to achieve the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® credential. Our program is a pathway into the CFP® Certification program with the Financial Planning Association of Australia.
Gain skills and knowledge from a wide range of business areas and learn how to integrate them with financial management, business consulting and financial advising. You’ll have the flexibility to study a major in financial planning, a double major in accounting and financial planning, or add a second major in another Business area.
While studying on campus you’ll use the same financial planning software used in the industry. In your final year, you’ll also have the option of completing an internship in the financial planning sector. Many students have received graduate employment as a direct result of their internship. When you graduate you’ll be RG146 compliant with the Australian Securities and Investment Commission and legally able to work as a financial planner.
Career opportunities
Financial planning, fund management, investment advising, compliance, insurance broking, stockbroking, investment banking, business management.
Membership
Financial Planning Association of Australia Ltd; and if coupled with the accounting major, CPA Australia^; Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia^; Institute of Public Accountants^.
^ It is the responsibility of the student to confirm with the three Australian accounting bodies (CPA, ICAA and IPA) whether any credit granted will impact on their eligibility for professional association membership.
Accreditation
This program is fully accredited with the Financial Planning Association of Australia Ltd.
Program structure
Required introductory courses (6)
ACC106 Chemistry
BUS101 Accounting Principles
BUS102 Business Analytics
BUS104 Introduction to Economics
BUS108 Management and Organisational Behaviour
COR109 Introduction to Informatics
Required advanced courses (10)
ACC211 Communication and Thought
ACC311 Business Finance
BUS203 Taxation Law and Practice
BUS320 Business Law and Ethics
FIN210 Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility
FIN220 Introduction to Financial Planning
FIN221 Retirement and Superannuation
FIN310 Insurance and Risk Management
FIN320 Personal Investment Management
FIN321 Tax and Estate Planning
Elective courses (8)
Select 8 elective courses, 4 must be advanced level (200/300 coded) courses. Up to 6 electives may be from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
Note: Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Total units: 288
Recommended study sequences
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Complete 6 required introductory level (100 coded) courses.
- Complete 10 required advanced level (200/300 coded) courses.
- Complete 8 elective courses, 4 must be advanced level (200/300 coded) courses.
- Complete no more than 10 introductory level (100 coded) courses, including the core course.
- Complete no more than 6 courses from the School of Communication, School of Social Sciences or Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering.
- (Optional) Use electives to complete a major (8 courses) or minor (4 courses).
- Register any selected majors or minors with the Faculty of Arts and Business.
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses).
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods.
- As part of your USC program, you may apply to Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider. It is advisable to contact your Faculty Program Advisor to discuss timing and course issues.
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student visa.