Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning: What is it and why should I study it? Are you looking to meet the FAS education standard? Whether you’re a new entrant to the industry, a career changer or an existing adviser, Kaplan Professional’s FAS-approved Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning can help you meet education requirements to progress your financial planning career. In this blog post, we cover what a Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning is and what the benefits of completing the qualification are. What is a Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning? Kaplan Professional’s FAS-approved Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning is a higher education qualification set at the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) level 8. This qualification consists of eight subjects, which are the first eight subjects of the Master of Financial Planning. The Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning is delivered 100% online with six study intakes per year. This gives you the flexibility to manage your study around your career and personal commitments. The qualification can be completed in 1.25 years full-time, 2.5 years part-time or 10 months accelerated full-time. The Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning is ideal if you’re looking to meet industry education requirements. It’s also suitable if you want to expand your current skills and broaden technical knowledge in taxation, investment, succession planning and client engagement. Leading advisers and industry experts have also been heavily involved in the development and delivery of this purpose-built qualification. This ensures that what you learn throughout your studies is practical, relevant and can be immediately applied to your professional practice. By successfully completing the Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning, you’ll be able to: Apply key theoretical and technical concepts and economic principles in the context of financial planning Formulate suitable recommendations and strategies for clients, including those with specialist needs Create solutions in a financial planning context using inquiry skills and problem-solving research Apply analytical skills to propose appropriate business and tax structures for various clients’ circumstances To meet eligibility requirements and enrol in the Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning, you’ll need to have completed an Undergraduate Degree or Graduate Certificate, a related Diploma, or an unrelated Advanced Diploma or Diploma plus two years related industry experience. If you don’t meet the education requirements, a potential pathway into the qualification is by completing the Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning before progressing to the Graduate Diploma. What can I do after a Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning? There are several options once you’ve successfully completed the Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning. One option is to progress your studies and complete four additional subjects to attain the FAS-approved Master of Financial Planning. This will enable you to enhance your credentials and further specialise in your financial planning career, while building on your existing technical knowledge and skills. If you’re looking to combine your masters degree with a professional designation, you have the opportunity to combine Kaplan Professional’s Master of Financial Planning with the Financial Planning Association of Australia’s (FPA) Certified Financial Planner® (CFP) designation. This combined pathway requires you to complete four additional subjects, which consist of the Master of Financial Planning’s final two core subjects and one elective subject. The final elective subject, the CFP® certification unit, is completed with the FPA. Another option is to combine the Master of Financial Planning with the SMSF Specialist Advisor (SSATM) designation. This pathway is in partnership with the SMSF Association and provides you the opportunity to specialise in one of the fastest growing sectors of the superannuation industry. To achieve the Master of Financial Planning and the SSATM designation, you’ll need to complete four additional subjects. This consists of the Master of Financial Planning’s final two core subjects, one elective subject of your choice, and you must complete the subject FPE020 SMSF Regulations and Taxation as your other elective. What are the benefits of completing a Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning? Successfully attaining a Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning can open the door to many potential career opportunities, including: Financial planner/adviser Insurance/risk adviser Business development manager Superannuation consultant Portfolio analyst Investment banker Other potential career paths may include claims administrator, risk adviser, compliance manager, financial advice practice manager and responsible manager. There are several benefits to completing a Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning with Kaplan Professional. Kaplan Professional is Australia’s leading provider of online financial services education, with more than 30 years’ experience educating and supporting the financial planning and wider financial services industry. We have a deep understanding of the Australian financial advice landscape and are the education partner of choice for most of the country’s leading financial services organisations and major banks. We’re committed to providing personalised education pathways to advisers and supporting them with the tools they need to succeed throughout their education journey. While studying a Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning with Kaplan Professional, you can expect to benefit from: 100% online study, including online proctored exams, allowing you to study from anywhere at anytime Early access to learning materials and assessments to start preparing early High-touch engagement and one-on-one tutor support throughout your studies Interactive learning delivered by industry experts Complete flexibility with six study intakes per year, so you can plan your studies around work and other commitments FEE-HELP and fixed subject fees for the duration of your qualification Proactive and personalised student support from a dedicated team We’re here to help Considering a career in financial planning but not sure where to start? Do you already work in the industry and need to meet the FASEA education standard? Our friendly and knowledgeable Course Advice team are available to answer your questions. They can help you map out your studies and provide personalised guidance best suited to your circumstances. Request a call now and an experienced Course Adviser will be in touch shortly.