From faaa.au: To become a qualified financial adviser, individuals must complete an approved Bachelor or postgraduate degree and pass the Financial Adviser Exam, followed by a Professional Year with a licensed advice business.

Approved Bachelor degrees require 24 units over three years full-time, while the Graduate Diploma and Master of Financial Planning programs involve 8 to 16 units, costing between $16,000 and $32,000.

Those transitioning from related fields may receive credit for their prior qualifications towards their financial planning studies.