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Bachelor of Business (Financial Planning)

Undergraduate | 2026

Mode

100% Online

Start date

January, April, June, September

Duration

3 year(s) full-time

Program code

XBBFP

Study as

Full-time

Indicative annual fees

$27,100

Non-tuition fees

Prerequisite

None

Assumed knowledge

None

Time commitment

10-15 hours per week per course

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

Secondary education (Year 12)

Completion of a secondary education qualification equivalent to the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Completion of an award from a registered training organisation (RTO) at Certificate IV (AQF level 4) or higher.

Higher education study

Successful completion of at least 6 months full-time study (or equivalent part-time) in a higher education award program.

International non-student visa holders

This program is delivered online. It is open to international students who:

are studying online outside of Australia; or
do not require a student visa to undertake this program in Australia.

It is not available to international students wishing to study in Australia on a student visa.

English language entry requirements

In addition, international students who speak English as an additional language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at Adelaide University. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.

IELTS Overall 6.5
IELTS Reading 6.0
IELTS Listening 6.0
IELTS Speaking 6.0
IELTS Writing 6.0

Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by Adelaide University and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:

Equivalent English qualifications

International admissions by country

Country	Requirement	Score
Australia	ATAR	65
Bangladesh	Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)	4.75
China	Gaokao	60%
China	Maple Leaf Education Systems World School Program	60%
Global	International Baccalaureate	24
Hong Kong	Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)	15
India	CBSE and CISCE	65
India	State Board Examinations	75
Indonesia	SMA III	70%
Kenya	Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE)	B
Malaysia	Matrikulasi	2.33
Malaysia	Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM)	2.33
Malaysia	United Entrance Certificate (UEC)	25
Nepal	National Examinations Board (NEB)	2.61
Philippines	High School Diploma (Grade 12) (Academic Track) K12	85%
Singapore	Singapore GCE Advanced Levels	6
Sri Lanka	GCE A Levels	7
Taiwan	GSAT %	60%
Thailand	Matayom 6	3.00
UK / Global	GCE Advanced Levels	6
UK / Global	NCUK	6
USA / Global	Advanced Placement (AP)	6
USA / Global	America College Test (ACT)	20
USA / Global	Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)	1050
Vietnam	Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Trung Học Phổ Thôxwng (Vietnamese Year 12)	7.5

Note:

Applications for 100% online study at Adelaide University will open in July 2025, to commence study in 2026.

Why Bachelor of Business (Financial Planning)?

Do you like numbers and working with people? Want a stable career with consistent demand? You might be made for financial planning.

With this flexible, 100% online degree, you can help people achieve financial independence, retire comfortably, and save for major milestones.

Our courses are relevant, practical, and informed by leading industry experts. You’ll get access to cutting-edge research in the field and learn from practising financial advisers. Grow your professional networks and build a formidable business portfolio. Be someone your clients can rely on.

You’ll graduate with in-demand knowledge and skills the financial planning industry is telling us they need

Overview

This flexible degree prepares you for today’s complex financial planning landscape. Developed specifically for online audiences, it sets you up to tackle real-world challenges and support clients of all kinds.

You'll study financial planning focused on the Australian environment, covering everything from tax and risk management to superannuation and estate planning. Learn how to meet client-specific needs despite complex regulatory requirements. Explore business intelligence and data analytics.

Develop crucial interpersonal skills. Understand how to help your clients reach short and long-term financial goals. Gain the essential educational requirements to practise as a financial planner.

Already employed? Apply your new insights immediately to elevate your current role and deliver better outcomes.

You’ll graduate with sought-after business knowledge and financial planning skills. Your expertise will be impactful, transferable and in demand. You’ll be ready for lucrative roles in financial planning, investment, insurance and estate planning.

Key features

Use this degree as a path into the Financial Advice Association of Australia’s (FAAA) CFP® Certification Program.
Practise developing financial and legal documentation in line with regulatory requirements.
Study personal budgeting, investment, financial risk management, estate planning, superannuation and retirement planning.
Get familiar with Australia’s most widely used financial planning software, Xplan.
Gain the skills to prepare detailed financial plans and graduate as a qualified financial planner.

What you'll learn

Adelaide University’s 100% online Bachelor of Business (Financial Planning) is future-focused and industry-engaged, building digital literacy and adaptability. The first year focuses on core courses in business theory. Through discussions, case studies and assignments, you’ll get to grips with business fundamentals, including:

Economics
Accounting
Business intelligence
International business.

The Financial Planning specialisation focuses on practical, real-world learning, preparing you to stand out in the industry. You’ll build crucial skills in areas like:

Personal budgeting
Superannuation and retirement planning
Investment management
Financial risk management
Insurance planning
Tax planning.

You’ll learn how to use Xplan, Australia’s most widely used financial planning software – and prepare a client Statement of Advice.

You’ll get familiar with databases like Morningstar to research financial products. Analyse real-world case studies from major superannuation and investment firms, such as UniSuper, one of Australia’s largest superannuation funds.

You’ll develop practical career planning strategies to boost your job prospects and help you reach your goals. Connect with professionals in the field, including the leading industry body, Financial Advice Association of Australia (FAAA).

Because we’ve designed this degree for online learning, you can plan your study to fit around your other responsibilities and progress at your own pace. You’ll have access to our interactive online environment and learning resources 24/7 and support will be available seven days a week.

Majors

The online Bachelor of Business is also available with majors in the following:

Economics, Finance and Trade
Human Resource Management
Management
Marketing
Tourism, Events and Hospitality Management.

What courses you'll study

Complete 144 units comprising:

126 units from Core courses, and
18 units for Electives

Complete exactly 126 units from the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name UO Accounting for Business	Course code ACCT1005	Units 6
Course name UO Financial Markets and Institutions	Course code BAFI1003	Units 6
Course name UO Personal Finance	Course code BAFI1004	Units 6
Course name UO Career Development in Business	Course code BUSI1017	Units 6
Course name UO Principles of Economics	Course code ECON1010	Units 6
Course name UO Macroeconomics	Course code ECON1011	Units 6
Course name UO Business Law	Course code LAWS1018	Units 6
Course name UO Marketing Principles: Trading and Exchange	Course code MARK1013	Units 6
Course name UO Quantitative Methods for Business	Course code MATH1028	Units 6
Course name UO Management and Organisation	Course code BUSI2019	Units 6
Course name UO Entrepreneurship for Social and Market Impact	Course code BUSI2021	Units 6
Course name UO Business Intelligence	Course code INFO2022	Units 6
Course name UO Companies and Partnership Law	Course code LAWS2012	Units 6
Course name UO Applied Financial Planning	Course code BAFI3008	Units 6
Course name UO Estate Planning	Course code BAFI3009	Units 6
Course name UO Portfolio and Fund Management	Course code BAFI3010	Units 6
Course name UO Risk Management and Insurance	Course code BAFI3011	Units 6
Course name UO Superannuation	Course code BAFI3012	Units 6
Course name UO Strategic Management	Course code BUSI3033	Units 6
Course name UO Strategic Financial Analysis	Course code BUSI3034	Units 6
Course name UO International Business Environments	Course code IBUS3008	Units 6
Course name UO Taxation Law 1	Course code LAWS3007	Units 6

Complete 18 units for either of the following:

18 units for all Free electives, or
18 units for all Program electives

	Course code	Units
Course name UO Business and Society	Course code BUSI1018	Units 6
Course name UO Critical Approaches to Online Learning	Course code SOCI3014	Units 6
Course name Elective 1	Course code AUXX1011	Units 6

Career outcomes

Financial planners do so much more than manage investments. It’s a rewarding profession that helps people make smart money choices for their families and achieve financial independence.

As a financial planner, you’ll have plenty of career options. You could work at financial institutions, insurance funds, investment banks or financial advisory firms. You might choose self-employment and set up your own practice, using your new business insights to get off the ground. Perhaps you’ll specialise in tax planning, risk management or retirement planning.

You could also be a:

Qualified financial planner or financial adviser
Investment manager
Insurance broker
Estate planner
Superannuation consultant
Wealth manager
Client relationship manager.

Or, continue to a master’s degree in business to broaden your career prospects.

Since January 2019, new national rules have required anyone wanting to become a financial planner to complete an accredited degree that includes approved study of ethics. The new rules also introduced extra professional requirements. As well as an approved degree, financial planners must complete a professional year including undertaking Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and pass a national exam.

Industry trends

In 2021, the Australian financial services market was valued at over A$10.9 trillion, growing at a rate of 13.2% (Roy Morgan, 2023). The financial and insurance services industry is expected to employ more than 600,000 people by May 2033, with increasing demand for managers and skilled professionals (Job and Skills Australia, 2023).

According to Gartner’s Top 5 Priorities for CFOs (2024), 40% of finance roles will either be newly created or significantly changed by 2025 due to advancements in finance technology. This will drive demand for finance professionals with expertise in modern digital tools and technologies – a major focus in Adelaide University’s financial planning courses.

How to apply

Applications for 100% online study at Adelaide University will open in July 2025, to commence study in 2026.

If you want to start your studies earlier, consider applying to the University of Adelaide or UniSA now, and continue onto Adelaide University in 2026.

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Ask Adelaide University

You’ll access all your learning resources, submit assessments, and engage with your academic team and peers via Adelaide University's unique online learning platform, available 24/7.

You'll learn through a mix of interactive experiences including videos, virtual forums, online discussions and activities, with no need to attend an Adelaide University campus, not even for assessments or exams.

Our degrees are specifically designed for online learning, and you'll be fully supported throughout your studies by our local student support team and our expert academics, available seven days a week. You'll stay engaged with networking opportunities and virtual events, and once you graduate, you're invited to either join us in Adelaide, or celebrate via livestream with your family and friends.

As a general rule, any desktop or laptop computer produced in the last three years will be capable of meeting the online learning requirements. While mobiles and tablets are able to access most of your online content, we recommend using a desktop or laptop computer to make the most of the online learning experience. You'll also require a reliable internet connection, and you may need a webcam.

As an Adelaide University student, you'll have free access to the full Office 365 ProPlus suite, which includes Word, Excel and PowerPoint. If your degree requires specialised software, you'll also be able to download this to your device for free.

You'll have 24/7 access to your learning resources via the online learning platform, and can study when and where it suits you. In some rare instances, assessments or contact with your online academic team may require you to be online at a set time, however these times are generally flexible. You'll be able to discuss your requirements with your academic team or speak to our student support team if you need assistance.

If your course has an exam, you will generally need to sit this at a designated date and time.

Yes, if you have studied at university or completed a VET qualification (Certificate IV or above), or can demonstrate significant and relevant work experience, you could be eligible to receive credit towards your degree.

Your eligibility for credit will be assessed once you have submitted your application, and you will be informed of your credit outcome before your application is approved and you need to enrol. If you don't have the information required to be considered for credit when you apply to study, you will still be able to apply for credit after your application has been approved, with an outcome usually determined within a few days.

No, if you are enrolled in a 100% online Adelaide University program, you are not able to enrol into an on-campus course as part of your degree. However, as an Adelaide University student, you are welcome to visit our Adelaide campuses and participate in student events and clubs, utilise our sporting facilities and libraries, and attend your graduation ceremony in-person.

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Your study experience and support

Studying 100% online with Adelaide University means joining a dynamic community of learners – all supported by dedicated teams committed to your success. From day one to graduation, you’ll have access to comprehensive academic, student and technical support teams to ensure you get the most out of your online learning journey.

Student support services

Need help with enrolments, managing your study load, or setting your academic goals? Our student support team is here to assist. They’re your first point of contact for advice and are available seven days a week, including out-of-hours and on weekends. Get the help you need – when it suits you.

As an online student, you’ll also have access to our specialised on-campus student support services. Whether you’re looking for career advice, health and wellbeing support, international student assistance, accessibility services, or something else, we’ve got you covered. Visit the Support webpage to explore the services available.

Online academic support

From understanding course content to tackling assignments, writing, and referencing, our expert academics are here to guide you. Available seven days a week, they’ll provide personalised support to help you progress through your studies.

Tech support

We’ve got your back when it comes to technology. Our IT support team is available 24/7 to resolve any tech challenges you might face. With fast response times and tailored solutions, we’ll ensure nothing stands in your way. You’ll also enjoy free access to software downloads required for your program.

Study hours

Adelaide University’s 100% online programs offer the flexibility to fit your lifestyle. You can engage with course materials at any time that works for you – there’s no need to log in at set times. To stay on track, we recommend setting aside 10 to 15 hours per week for each course, but you can adapt your schedule and your study load to suit your needs.

Assessment

All assessments, including exams (if required) are conducted 100% online – so you’ll never need to travel to submit an assignment or sit an exam. Depending on your program, your assessments might include:

An industry-relevant project or case study
An online presentation
Essays and reports.