A postgraduate diploma is rigorous. It is AQF Level 8, typically eight units over one year full time. Expect advanced theory, applied projects, and independent study. The workload is lighter than a full master’s but more intensive than undergraduate study, especially...
Studying in Aus
Who qualifies for a postgraduate diploma?
Admission usually requires a recognised bachelor degree or equivalent professional experience. Some programs expect discipline-specific prerequisites. English language entry commonly requires IELTS 6.5 overall, with minimum band scores set by the university....
How much does a postgraduate diploma cost?
For international students in Australia, postgraduate diploma tuition typically ranges from AUD 20,000 to 60,000 for one year, depending on the field, university, and state locations. Business and IT sit toward the lower-middle of the range, while engineering, health,...
Can I convert my PG diploma to a Masters?
Yes. Many Australian universities design PG diplomas as the first stage of a master’s. If you continue in the same field, you can often receive up to eight units of credit into a 16‑unit master’s, subject to grades, time limits, and course alignment. This conversion...
What is the value of a post graduate diploma?
A postgraduate diploma delivers advanced, job-ready skills in about one year, recognised at AQF Level 8. It is valuable for upskilling, meeting industry needs, or pivoting fields. It also provides a clear pathway into a master’s with credit, improving employability...
Where do financial planners make the most money?
Financial planners generally earn the most in Sydney and Melbourne, especially in private wealth, family office, and CBD advisory firms. High‑net‑worth client segments, leadership roles, and equity partnerships drive top earnings. Regional roles may offer lower base...
How do financial planners get paid in Australia?
Financial planners in Australia are paid through client fees for advice, implementation, and ongoing service. Some also use asset‑based fees with clear consent. Commissions are banned for new investment and super advice, but regulated life insurance commissions are...
How much does a financial advisor make in Australia?
A fully licensed financial advisor in Australia commonly earns A$90,000 to A$130,000 base, plus bonuses. Entry‑level roles sit around A$70,000 to A$90,000. Senior advisers often earn A$130,000 to A$180,000 base with incentives, while practice owners can exceed...
Are financial planners worth it in Australia?
Financial planners are often worth it in Australia when you have complex goals like retirement planning, investing, tax-effective strategies, or insurance needs. A licensed planner can help structure superannuation, manage risk, and keep you accountable, potentially...
Is a financial planner better than a financial advisor?
In Australia, financial planner and financial advisor are effectively the same regulated role. Both must meet the same education, exam, Professional Year, ethics, and registration requirements before giving personal advice to retail clients. Title choice usually...
Is there a future for financial advisors?
Yes. Financial advisors in Australia have a strong future driven by retirement needs, intergenerational wealth transfer, and a large superannuation system. Technology will streamline compliance and portfolio management, while reforms aim to improve access to quality...
How do I become a financial planner in Australia?
To become a financial planner in Australia, complete an approved degree, pass the national Financial Adviser Exam, finish a 1600-hour Professional Year, and be listed on the ASIC Financial Adviser Register. You must meet annual CPD and the Code of Ethics....
How much do financial planners earn in Australia?
Financial planners in Australia typically earn A$90,000 to A$130,000 base once fully licensed, with bonuses lifting total pay. Entry roles start around A$70,000 to A$90,000. Senior and private wealth advisers often earn A$130,000 to A$180,000 base, with practice...
Can you make a lot of money as a financial planner?
Yes. Experienced financial planners in Australia can earn high incomes, especially those managing high-net-worth clients or owning equity in a practice. Senior advisers often exceed A$180,000 total remuneration, while principals with strong client books can surpass...
Is there a demand for financial planners?
Yes. Australia has strong demand for financial planners due to adviser shortages, growing superannuation balances, and complex retirement needs. Employers are hiring across advice, paraplanning, and compliance. Demand is evident in major cities and regional areas,...
Is a financial planner better than an accountant?
Neither is better; they do different jobs. Financial planners give personal advice on investments, superannuation, insurance, and retirement strategies. Accountants focus on tax compliance, business structures, and financial statements. Many Australians use both, and...
Are financial planners in demand in Australia?
Yes. Financial planners are in demand in Australia due to adviser shortages, an ageing population, and complex superannuation needs. Adviser numbers fell significantly after reforms, increasing unmet demand. Employers report strong hiring for licensed advisers,...
How much do financial planners charge in Australia?
In Australia, many financial planners charge A$2,000 to A$5,000 for an initial plan, more for complex strategies. Ongoing service often ranges from A$3,000 to A$6,000 per year. Hourly rates are typically A$150 to A$400. Asset‑based fees around 0.5 to 1 percent are...
What is the job outlook for a financial planner in Australia?
The job outlook for financial planners in Australia is positive. Adviser numbers remain below pre‑reform levels while demand grows from an ageing population and large superannuation balances. Firms are hiring licensed advisers, paraplanners, and compliance staff, with...
What is the difference between a financial advisor and an accountant?
A financial advisor provides regulated personal advice on investments, superannuation, insurance, and retirement strategies. An accountant focuses on tax returns, compliance, and business structures. In Australia, only licensed advisers can provide personal financial...
What degree is best for financial planning?
The best degree for financial planning in Australia is an approved Bachelor of Financial Planning or a Bachelor of Commerce or Business with a financial planning major that meets Financial Adviser Standards. Approved Graduate Diplomas are suitable for career changers....
How do financial planners make money in Australia?
Financial planners in Australia primarily earn through client-paid advice fees, including initial planning fees, implementation fees, and ongoing service fees. Asset-based fees are used by some practices. Life insurance commissions are permitted within caps. Product...
Is a financial planner a stressful job?
Being a financial planner can be stressful due to regulatory compliance, market volatility, and responsibility for client outcomes. It also offers strong purpose and client relationships. Stress levels are manageable with good processes, mentoring, and clear client...
Do I need a degree to be a financial planner in Australia?
Yes. New entrants must complete an approved degree or Graduate Diploma that meets Financial Adviser Standards, pass the exam, and complete the Professional Year before giving personal advice. The government’s experience pathway applies only to existing advisers, not...
Do financial planners make more than financial advisors?
No. In Australia, financial planner and financial advisor are the same regulated profession. Pay depends on experience, client segment, and business model, not the title. Senior advisers and practice owners generally earn more due to higher responsibility and revenue...
What is the difference between a financial advisor and a financial planner in Australia?
In Australia, financial advisor and financial planner mean the same thing in law. Both must meet Financial Adviser Standards, pass the national exam, complete a Professional Year, follow the Code of Ethics, and be on the ASIC Financial Adviser Register before giving...
What is the difference between a financial planner and advisor in Australia?
There is no regulatory difference between a financial planner and advisor in Australia. Both must hold approved qualifications, pass the exam, complete the Professional Year, follow the Code of Ethics, and be listed on the ASIC Financial Adviser Register to provide...
What are the cons of being a financial planner?
Cons include heavy compliance workload, ongoing education and licensing costs, client acquisition pressure, and responsibility during market downturns. Building a client book takes time. Practice owners also face business risk, professional indemnity insurance costs,...
Why study international business in Australia?
Australia offers industry-connected courses, strong global rankings, and access to Asia Pacific markets. International students can work during study, gain internships, and use post-study visas to build local experience. Cities like Melbourne and Sydney rank among the...
How much money do I need to go to Australia for study?
As an international student, you should have at least $29,710 as proof of financial capacity. Plan for first-year tuition, AUD 29,710 for 12 months living costs as the current financial capacity requirement, Overseas Student Health Cover, the student visa fee, and...
Is Australia worth it for international students?
We’d say go for it! Australia is worth it for many students due to strong education quality, work rights during study, and post-study visa options. Graduates gain recognised qualifications, English proficiency in a workplace setting, and contacts across Asia Pacific...
Can I study in Australia for cheap?
It’s very possible. You can lower costs by choosing regional universities, using pathway diplomas, applying for scholarships, and sharing accommodation. Vocational courses and shorter programs also reduce fees. Working part-time within visa limits helps with living...
Can I work while studying in Australia?
Yes, you can. International students on a Student visa can work in Australia, but there are important restrictions. Working while studying is a popular way to gain experience and can help with your monthly living expenses. Most international students can work up to 48...
How much can a student earn in Australia per month?
From July 2024, the national minimum wage is AUD 24.10 per hour. A student can earn per month can range from AUD 20 to AUD $100 per hour. If you work the typical 48 hours per fortnight limit, that is about 96 hours per month and roughly AUD 2,314 before tax. Casual...
What is the cost of living in Australia per month?
Expect monthly living costs of about AUD 2,000 to 2,800 for a single student. This includes shared rent, food, transport, phone, and incidentals. Sydney and Melbourne sit at the higher end, while regional cities and smaller capitals are generally cheaper for housing...
What visa do I need to study in Australia?
You need the Student visa subclass 500 to study full-time in a CRICOS-registered course in Australia. For school-age students, the same subclass applies. A Student Guardian visa subclass 590 supports eligible guardians of under 18 students. Visitor visas allow short...
Is Australia expensive for students?
Australia can feel expensive due to rent and daily costs in major cities. Many students manage effectively by sharing housing, using concessions, and working part-time within visa limits. Regional study can lower total costs without sacrificing course quality or...
How much does it cost to live in Australia for a year?
A single student typically needs AUD 24,000 to 34,000 for a year of living costs, depending on city and lifestyle. The current visa financial capacity benchmark is AUD 29,710 for 12 months. This excludes tuition, OSHC, and flights, which you must budget for...
Is Australia an expensive place to study?
Australia can be expensive compared to many countries, especially in major cities. Tuition for international students is full fee, and rent is a large monthly cost. However, degrees are often shorter, and legal work rights help offset living expenses during study....
Is it worth it to study abroad in Australia?
We say --- go for it! Studying abroad in Australia is worth it for many students seeking quality education, more opportunities to learn and grow, industry-relevant course options, safe and secure cities, and work rights during and after study. Employers value...
Where do most international students study in Australia?
International students have the option to study anywhere in Australia, but these are some of the great cities to live in: Adelaide, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, Sunshine Coast, Darwin, and Hobart. Most international students study in New South Wales...
Do international students pay more in Australia?
Yes. International students consider more factors when it comes to their expenses when studying in Australia. Tuition fees are paid in full, add to that the miscellaneous fees, and the cost of living depend on the location. Meanwhile, the local students’ tuition fees...
Which country is best for international students?
Australia is a country that cultivates top-tier education honing international students into academic excellence and guiding them towards global success. The country provides strong safety standards, part-time work rights and multicultural campuses. Australian...
How much money does an international student need in Australia?
The visa application requires that an international student have at least $29,710 as proof of financial capacity. Consider the tuition for your first year, travel expenses, and budget. Build your finances with these in mind: Student Visa Application (AUD 2,000)...
Do Australian universities give scholarships to international students?
Yes. Universities offer international bursaries and merit scholarships that often reduce tuition by 10 to 30 percent. National programs include Australia Awards, Destination Australia for regional study, and the Research Training Program for higher degrees....
How can I pay for university in Australia?
Universities accept international payments by card, bank transfer, or secure platforms like Flywire. Many students pay per semester. Funding sources include: university scholarships, family support, savings, and loans from your home country. Having a part-time job...
How much does an international student spend a month in Australia?
Most international students monthly budget ranges around 1,200 to 1,900 AUD per month. This covers shared rent, food, transport, phone and internet, and personal expenses. Popular cities usually have higher costs of living. Smaller capitals and regional cities have...
Has Australia doubled visa fees for international students?
Yes. From 1 July 2025, the Student visa subclass 500 application charge increased from AUD 1,600 to AUD 2,000. Other costs such as OSHC and tuition are separate and unchanged by this fee adjustment. Always check current fees before you apply. The higher charge applies...
How much do tourism courses cost in Australia?
Tourism courses in Australia can range from AUD 8,000 to AUD 30,000 per year, depending on the level and institution. Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses are generally more affordable, while university degrees tend to cost more. Scholarships and financial...
Which country is best for travel and tourism studies?
Australia is considered one of the best countries for travel and tourism studies due to its renowned institutions, diverse landscapes, and vibrant tourism industry. The country's focus on practical training and multicultural environment provides an enriching...
