Question 1

Why should I study financial planning?

Accepted Answer

Studying a financial planning degree will prepare you to help people make confident financial decisions and secure their future. It’s a chance to combine a passion for numbers with a career that makes a real difference in people’s lives.

Whether you want to work with individuals or big businesses, it's a diverse career path where you can achieve long-term success. And you won't be alone. Labour Market Insights data indicates the industry has had strong growth over the last 5 years and will continue to grow. By 2026, it's projected that 68,800 financial planners and advisors will be employed.

If you’re still not sure this is the study area for you, you might like to browse courses in finance, accounting, tax, or business law.

Question 2

Which financial planning course should I choose?

Accepted Answer

Choosing the right financial planning course depends on your goals and where you are in your career journey. Whether you're starting out or looking to advance your skills, there's a course for you. And financial planning courses online allow you the perfect amount of flexibility to get you on the path to a career you’ll love.

If you want to establish yourself in this space, a Bachelor of Business with a major in financial planning might be the right fit. For those wanting to build on existing skills, a postgraduate degree with a focus on financial planning could suit. And if you’re eager to upskill in a specific area only, there are single subjects that focus on key specialties including estate planning, superannuation and risk management.

Struggling to choose which financial planning course is best for you? Book a consultation with one of our student advisors. They can offer advice tailored to you.

Question 3

What will I learn in a financial planning course?

Accepted Answer

A financial planning course gives you the tools to help people make smart financial choices. You’ll learn to:

Build budgets and savings plans
Manage investments and grow wealth
Plan for retirement and maximise superannuation
Handle taxes and reduce financial risks
Offer ethical, compliant advice
And more.

Question 4

What are the entry requirements for financial planning?

Accepted Answer

Entry requirements for financial planning courses can differ depending on the university and the specific degree. Most require an ATAR or relevant prior qualifications, such as a diploma or advanced diploma.

However, Open Universities Australia offers flexible options to help you get started. Some degrees, like the Bachelor of Applied Financial Advice, allow you to begin your studies with a single subject—no ATAR needed. This can be a great pathway into a full degree.

Question 5

How long does it take to become a financial planner?

Accepted Answer

Becoming a financial planner usually takes 3 to 5 years.

Here’s what's involved:

Study: Complete a 2-year advanced diploma or a 3-year bachelor degree. Your degree must meet Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) standards. Business or accounting degrees with a major in financial planning are common pathways.
Practical experience: After graduation, spend one year working under a licensed financial planner to meet ASIC’s practical experience requirements.

This combination of study and real-world training sets you up to start a rewarding career in financial planning.

Question 6

What other career opportunities can I explore after studying financial planning?

Accepted Answer

After studying financial planning, there are many career opportunities to explore. Some options include:

Insurance broker: Help clients select the right insurance to protect their assets.
Wealth manager: Manage investments and financial strategies for individuals or families.
Tax advisor: Guide clients on tax planning and help reduce tax burdens.
Superannuation consultant: Help clients plan their retirement savings and maximise their superannuation.
Investment analyst: Research and analyse investment opportunities to help clients grow their wealth.
Financial educator: Teach others about personal finance, budgeting, and investing.

These roles offer a variety of career paths in the finance industry, allowing you to apply your skills in different ways.

Question 7

How do I enrol?

Accepted Answer

Here at Open Universities Australia, we make enrolling online as straightforward as possible. To get started, find the course for you by browsing the options on this page. You can also compare different qualifications using our handy comparison tool, or request help from one of our student advisors.

When you’ve made your choice, click ‘Apply now’ on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We’ll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.

Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.

Please note that enquiries and applications for some courses are handled directly by the university. If this is the case, it will be indicated on the course listing page.

For more information about enrolment, read our online self-service enrolling instructions. If you get stuck at any time, contact us and we’ll talk you through it.

Financial planning courses

Introduction to Financial planning