With the 31 December 2025 deadline fast approaching for existing financial advisers (who do not meet the 10-year experience exemption), Kaplan Professional has announced two final six-week intensive study periods to provide every possible opportunity to meet the Financial Adviser Standards (FAS) education requirements. The Spring Intensive starts on 6 October (with early access from 22 September) and the Summer Intensive starts on 27 October (with early access from 13 October). Results for both intensives will be released on 9 December and 15 December respectively, ensuring advisers can meet the year-end deadline. To maximise preparation time, Kaplan Professional will provide advisers with early access to all learning materials two weeks before each intensive begins, enabling them to plan ahead and make the most of the condensed format. All eight core subjects of the Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning are available for enrolment, and it is recommended advisers complete one subject per intensive period. However, exceptions can be made for those who have multiple subjects to complete if they believe they are able to take on the workload. Kaplan Professional CEO Brian Knight said the expanded study options underscore the education provider’s responsibility to ensure advisers have every opportunity to complete their studies and meet the looming deadline. “We recognise this is a critical moment for advisers who are still finalising their studies. By offering two additional intensive six-week intakes before the deadline, we are providing advisers every possible chance to finish on time while maintaining the same high academic standards. “Kaplan Professional has supported more than 90 per cent of the market through this transition. Our priority now is to ensure those still completing their studies can meet the deadline with certainty,” he said. Knight noted the strong uptake of the first Winter Intensive as clear evidence of demand, reinforcing Kaplan Professional’s decision to offer additional opportunities. “The response to our first intensive was extremely strong, with higher-than-expected enrolments and an excellent level of student commitment. It is clear this format is a vital avenue for advisers who need a flexible, accelerated option to complete their studies and meet the deadline,” he said. Knight also cautioned advisers against delaying decisions. “The time for waiting is over – advisers need to act. By enrolling now, committing to a disciplined approach and leveraging the support we provide, there is still a clear path to meeting the 31 December deadline. We are committed to helping every adviser cross that finish line,” he said. In addition to the two six-week intensives, Kaplan Professional has one final standard 12-week intake (Study Period 6) available for enrolment this year. Study Period 6 starts 13 October and finishes 16 January 2026. While this intake would not be suitable for advisers who intend to finish their studies this year to meet the FAS education deadline, it remains highly relevant for those who may be pursuing other goals – including new entrants to the profession and advisers who have already met the standard but are extending their studies to differentiate themselves through specialist electives, professional designations or the Master of Financial Planning. Existing advisers who will not complete the education requirements by 31 December 2025 must cease on the Financial Adviser Register (FAR) before the deadline to return once their studies are complete. Those who fail to do so will only be able to re-enter as a new entrant. Existing advisers intending to cease (and return when studies are complete), as well as those who have met their pathway but wish to complete a full qualification, are encouraged to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) this year (before 31 December 2025) to secure credit for prior experience, designations and study – credits that will not be available after this date.