With the 31 December 2025 deadline fast approaching for existing financial advisers (who do not meet the 10-year experience exemption) to meet the Financial Adviser Standards education requirements, Kaplan Professional has announced a one-time, six-week intensive study period to help advisers. Enrolments are now open for the intensive study period, which commences on 11 August. This accelerated option will run alongside the final two regular intakes of the year before the deadline – Study Period 4 (starting 30 June) and Study Period 5 (starting 25 August). Kaplan Professional recommends advisers prioritise enrolling in Study Period 4 to maximise their options and ensure they stay on track to meet the deadline. They then have the option of the intensive study period and Study Period 5 later on. Kaplan Professional CEO Brian Knight said the decision to introduce an extra intake was largely dictated by enrolment data and demand from licensees and advisers. “We estimate that we have educated about 90 per cent of the market throughout the education uplift and we have had record enrolments in the first three intakes of this year – close to 6,000 subject enrolments. “Based on our student data, there are just over 1,500 advisers currently studying with us who still need to meet the education deadline – this ranges from between one and eight subjects – there are probably close to 500 who may be at real risk if we do not provide additional options. “We are in regular contact with licensees, with dedicated teams working overtime to provide progression reports to keep them up to date with live data – helping identify adviser study gaps in meeting the education standard. “Another major focus for us has been working with licensees to ensure they have a complete understanding of their responsibilities to ensure their advisers’ education details are correctly registered on the FAR. “We feel it is our duty as an educator to ensure we can get as many advisers as possible across the line before the end of the year … we will continue to re-assess progression statistics and if there is continued demand from both licensees and advisers, we will explore the option to add more intensives,” he said. The intensive study period allows advisers to complete a subject in just six weeks – half the time of a standard study period – while maintaining the same academic rigour and assessment requirements. This option would be ideal for advisers who are looking to accelerate progress, manage work-study balance, or complete a subject in a condensed timeframe if it suits their individual circumstances. It is in no way a short cut because the same level of workload and assessments is required as a standard 12-week study period, but rather a streamlined option for those who need to meet the deadline. While the condensed format is demanding, Kaplan Professional will provide a comprehensive support structure, including: Tailored weekly study plans Weekly academic drop-in sessions Timely feedback between assessments Dedicated Course Advice and Student Experience teams Key details All eight core subjects of the Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning are available for enrolment Open to all advisers, regardless of whether they are working towards the 31 December 2025 deadline Advisers may enrol in only one subject during the intensive study period Knight had the following advice for those who still need to meet the 31 December 2025 education deadline. “Whether they have not started their studies, have completed some study with another education provider or are currently studying with Kaplan Professional, it is recommended that they make contact with Kaplan Professional as soon as possible. “While it is still more than achievable, it is going to require a disciplined and committed approach … however, we can support you with a personalised study plan regardless of your individual circumstances or requirements – whatever you need, we will help you,” he said.