Considering a career in financial planning in Australia? If you’re seeking to upskill or change career paths to become a financial adviser, there are three key steps you will need to take to meet the regulatory requirements as set out by the governing body, the Australia Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC): Meet the minimum education standards, this means you will need to achieve an approved bachelor’s degree (AQF7 or higher) Undertake a Professional Year of supervised and structured training Successfully complete and pass the Financial Adviser Exam set by ASIC Kaplan Professional’s Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning qualification meets the minimum required education standard, while the Master of Financial Planning will help you stand apart. Both of these qualifications can be completed 100% online at your own pace. With the flexibility to study across six annual intakes each year, you can balance study with your personal and professional commitments more easily than with a traditional in-person semester schedule.Here’s what you need to know about each of the qualifications available. What financial planning courses are available in Australia? Kaplan Professional is a leading education provider for the financial services sector in Australia. We offer purpose-built Financial Adviser Standards (FAS)-approved qualifications. All of Kaplan Professional’s financial planning qualifications have been designed and developed in partnership with leading industry experts with a wealth of professional experience 1. Master of Financial Planning Kaplan Professional’s FAS-approved Master of Financial Planning is set at AQF level 9 and encompasses 12 subjects. This 100% online and purpose-built qualification was developed in consultation with leading industry experts. It combines advanced technical rigour with practical and relevant performance-focused learning outcomes, offering financial advice strategy and theory at the highest level. The Master of Financial Planning is suitable for individuals who are looking to complete a FAS-approved qualification to meet the new education requirements, while expanding on existing knowledge and skills to stand out in a competitive industry. “Kaplan Professional has set the standard for what financial advice education should be. It gave me not just the knowledge to succeed, but the confidence to keep evolving – as an adviser, a leader and a mentor. That is the kind of foundation every adviser deserves.” — Craig Abela, Master of Financial Planning 2. Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning Kaplan Professional’s Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning is a FAS-approved qualification set at AQF level 8. The Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning may be suitable if you’re seeking to commence a FAS-approved qualification or looking to broaden existing knowledge in investment, taxation, estate and succession planning, and client engagement. On successful completion of this qualification, you’ll have the opportunity to progress and complete four (4) more subjects to obtain the Master of Financial Planning. “Studying with Kaplan Professional gave me not just technical knowledge, but the confidence and resilience to grow from administration into advice. Every step of the way, Kaplan Professional’s program supported me to keep moving forward.” — Mary-Jane Watkins, Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning 3. Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning Kaplan Professional’s Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning encompasses four subjects and is set at AQF level 8. It’s the ideal entry point for individuals without a relevant qualification seeking a pathway into the FAS-approved Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning and the FAS-approved Master of Financial Planning. This qualification may be suitable if you’re considering changing careers to become a financial adviser, in addition to those who aren’t financial advisers but require a deeper understanding of financial advice for their role. Studying with Kaplan Professional Kaplan Professional is one of Australia’s leading providers of online education, providing learning solutions to over 45,000 industry professionals annually. As the education partner of choice for the majority of the country’s leading financial services organisations and major banks around the country, we’re committed to providing personalised education pathways to financial advisers and supporting them with the tools they need to succeed throughout their education journey. Throughout your studies with Kaplan Professional, you can expect to benefit from: 100% online study Early access to learning materials and assessments to start preparing early High-touch engagement and tutor support throughout your studies Interactive learning delivered by industry experts Six intakes per year to plan your studies around your work and other commitments FEE-HELP and fixed subject fees for the duration of your qualification Specialist designation pathways More about the specialist designation pathways With Kaplan Professional, your Master of Financial Planning and Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning postgraduate study can lead to globally-recognised credentials streamlined and integrated within your course. We’ve proudly partnered with the College for Financial Planning®, Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA) and SMSF Association to offer our graduates a way to further show case their hard-earned knowledge and expertise, differentiate themselves from their peers and help attract and retain clients. Let’s take a look at the designations and specialisations available: Chartered Retirement Planning CounsellorSM (CRPC®) — a College for Financial Planning® designation Accredited Behavioural Finance ProfessionalSM (ABFP®) — a College for Financial Planning® designation Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®) pathway with the Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA) SMSF Specialist Adviser™ (SSA®) pathway with the SMSF Association Whether you’re taking your first step into financial advice or advancing towards specialist expertise, Kaplan Professional offers a clear, supported pathway to help you achieve your goals. With flexible online study, integrated designation opportunities and strong industry recognition, you can build the technical capability, confidence and credentials to stand out in a competitive profession and shape a long-term career with purpose. We’re here to help Regardless of where you’re at in your financial planning career journey, Kaplan Professional is here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re studying your first qualification or hesitant about returning to study after many years in the workforce, we can tailor a personalised study plan to suit your individual circumstances and needs. Have questions about your next step? Our highly knowledgeable and experienced Course Advice team are available to answer your questions. Request a call now and a friendly and knowledgeable Course Adviser will be in touch shortly.