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Subject overview


STUDY MODE

100% online

AQF LEVEL

5

NEXT INTAKE

4 May 2026

SUBJECT DURATION

12 weeks

SUBJECT FEE

$720.00


The financial planning profession and its role in supporting individuals to achieve their financial goals are explored in this subject. It examines the regulatory and legislative framework governing financial advice, including compliance requirements, disclosure obligations and ethical considerations.

Individuals are introduced to the six-step financial planning process and the key activities involved in delivering advice, from client engagement and data gathering through to developing and presenting recommendations. An understanding of the different types of financial advice, their purpose, and associated costs is also developed.

Core areas of financial planning are introduced, including taxation, estate planning and social security, highlighting their importance in developing holistic advice strategies. The practical application of financial advice is further examined through case studies and real-world scenarios.

For more information, please refer to the subject outline.

Diploma of Financial Services >

Subject information

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, individuals should be able to:

  • Describe the obligations of financial advice licensees and advisers
  • Explain the six steps involved in the financial planning process
  • Discuss the fundamental principles of taxation and their implications for financial planning decisions
  • Identify key concepts and strategies in estate planning and social security

 

Topics covered

  1. Providing financial advice – licensee and advice obligations
  2. Six steps of the financial planning process
  3. Introduction to taxation
  4. Overview of estate planning
  5. Overview of social security
  6. Research, data analysis and recommendations
  7. Financial planning in practice

Reading list

There is no prescribed text for this subject.

Individuals are provided with key readings and access to Kaplan’s online databases. Individuals are encouraged to research and read widely on the topic.

Assessments

Assessment TypeAssessedWeighting
TaskWeek 420%
Oral AssignmentWeek 720%
QuizWeek 1020%
AssignmentWeek 1240%

Previous study requirements

Assumed knowledge

Not applicable

Course transition subject equivalence

There are no equivalences for this subject.

Key dates

Study Period 1 2026

12 Jan 2026 - 3 Apr 2026

❌ Enrolments now closed

Early access opens N/A

Early access to assessments N/A

Study period commences 12 January 2026

Enrolments close/census 28 January 2026

Study period ends 3 April 2026

Assessment dates See assessment information

Study Period 2 2026

9 Mar 2026 - 29 May 2026

❌ Enrolments now closed

Early access opens N/A

Early access to assessments N/A

Study period commences 9 March 2026

Enrolments close/census 25 March 2026

Study period ends 29 May 2026

Assessment dates See assessment information

Study Period 3 2026

4 May 2026 - 24 Jul 2026

✓ Enrolments open now

Early access opens N/A

Early access to assessments N/A

Study period commences 4 May 2026

Enrolments close/census 20 May 2026

Study period ends 24 July 2026

Assessment dates See assessment information

Study Period 4 2026

29 Jun 2026 - 18 Sep 2026

✓ Enrolments open now

Early access opens N/A

Early access to assessments N/A

Study period commences 29 June 2026

Enrolments close/census 15 July 2026

Study period ends 18 September 2026

Assessment dates See assessment timetable

Study Period 5 2026

24 Aug 2026 - 13 Nov 2026

✓ Enrolments open now

Early access opens N/A

Early access to assessments N/A

Study period commences 24 August 2026

Enrolments close/census 9 September 2026

Study period ends 13 November 2026

Assessment dates See assessment timetable

Study Period 6 2026

19 Oct 2026 - 8 Jan 2027

✓ Enrolments open now

Early access opens N/A

Early access to assessments N/A

Study period commences 19 October 2026

Enrolments close/census 4 November 2026

Study period ends 8 January 2027

Assessment dates See assessment timetable

Fees and FEE-HELP

Locked-in pricing and FEE-HELP

To safeguard against any future price increases, you can lock in the price of your subject enrolment fees for the duration of your qualification. Many eligible students use FEE-HELP, which is a Commonwealth Government loan. This means you do not need to pay to study upfront, helping you to reduce some of your financial burden . Please note that government fees apply for the use of FEE-HELP for higher education diploma subjects. Click here for further information.

Tuition fees

When you apply to study with Kaplan Professional, you pay for the subjects you have enrolled in for each study period.

The tuition fee listed below applies to all Diploma of Financial Services subjects:

Enrolment feesFee
Subject fee 2026$720 (GST free)

Note: If this subject is undertaken as a standalone subject, no FEE-HELP is available.

FEE-HELP is available for individuals undertaking this subject as part of a qualification. Click here to find out if you’re eligible.

Further fees may apply. Click here for a full list of fees and allowances.

Other fees

Further fees may apply. Click here for a full list of fees and allowances.

Programs you might be interested in

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Master of Financial Planning

A FAS-approved postgraduate qualification at AQF Level 9, developed with input from industry experts. It blends advanced technical rigour with practical, performance-focused learning that is immediately applicable. The course supports pathways to the Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®) and SMSF Specialist Adviser™ (SSA®) designations, while also offering the option to add specialist credentials such as the Accredited Behavioural Finance Professional℠ (ABFP®) and Chartered Retirement Planning Counsellor℠ (CRPC®) to showcase expertise in targeted advice areas.
CRS1200364

Master of Applied Finance

A leading online postgraduate degree for professionals seeking advanced finance expertise. It blends academic rigour with practical, real-world learning that's immediately applicable in the workplace. Designed for both experienced practitioners and career changers, it offers specialisation options and pathways to prestigious credentials such as the CFA®. Ideal for those looking to future-proof their careers in dynamic finance environments.
CRS1200368

Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning

An eight-subject qualification at AQF Level 8, forming the first part of the Master of Financial Planning. FAS-approved and designed as a benchmark qualification, it equipsindividuals with advanced technical capabilities and practical insights to support regulatory obligations and career progression. Individuals can also pursue specialist designations such as the Accredited Behavioural Finance Professional℠ (ABFP®) or Chartered Retirement Planning Counsellor℠ (CRPC®).

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