Please select a field which you have completed your bachelor.
We noticed you have an international phone number
Please note that students studying UNSW Online programs are not eligible for an Australian Student Visa or Temporary Graduate Visa. You are welcome to study online from your home country
Unlock your value.
Leave your details and we will call you back with information on your preferred program.
Financial systems are central to everything, with the Australian financial market growing 13.2 per cent to $10.9 trillion during 2021* alone. Strong financial skills are an invaluable mechanism to drive change and create success. The professionals who have upskilled will thrive.
The 100% online Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance at UNSW is designed for professionals who want to build on fundamental financial knowledge to tailor their learning through relevant courses and real-world applications.
Whether you’re looking to upskill and advance your career, or build on a strong foundation to pursue the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, you can accrue a wealth of financial knowledge through this 100% online program from one of Australia’s most respected universities.
*Roy Morgan Banking & Finance Currency Report, 2021
As little as 16 months
8 courses
March, May, July, September, October, January
100% Online
5436
Completion time dependent on individual study path, RPL, leave and course availability. Please speak to a Student Advisor for more information.
UNSW’s Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance is designed to ensure you can confidently apply, manage and lead financial functions at all business levels – both in Australia and around the world – and be an asset to any forward-thinking financial organisation.
Tailor your studies to align with your professional ambitions and unlock your career goals. Learn to confidently apply financial practices to overcome market challenges and enhance your professional performance, giving you the competitive edge to thrive in the modern financial world.
Courses at a glance
With the online Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance from UNSW, you will gain specialist knowledge and the ability to apply contemporary financial theories to overcome challenges and enhance performance in your organisation.
Download your program guide to find out more about how the Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance will prepare you for a successful career in domestic and global contexts.
We are here to support you, every step of the way, to graduate from one of the world’s leading universities. Our online learning environment has been designed to seamlessly fit into your already busy schedule and you’ll be able to access course resources on any device, at any time.
We offer six study blocks, or hexamesters per year. Each hexamester runs for seven weeks with some orientation time beforehand. You study one course per block, offering balance and flexibility with life's other commitments.
Our academics are some of the best in the world and even though you’re studying online, you can expect your learning experience to be the same high standard as that of our on-campus students.
Throughout your study journey, you will be able to turn to your Student Success Advisor, who is committed to assisting you from enrolment through to graduation. They are on-hand for all non-academic queries by phone or email.
You will also have access to Career Success – a curated, self-paced module that provides a framework for thinking about and taking action to implement an effective career plan. Through Career Success, you will have access to tools like Career AI (powered by VMock) and CaseCoach, and guides on crafting the perfect LinkedIn profile, resume and cover letter.
“Well-structured and set out course content. It was easy to navigate the online portal and access the readings, lectures and assessment items. Excellent content delivery as well and the feedback from the lecturer was swift and helpful.”
- Master of Applied Finance student
To be eligible for the Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance, you must have:
If you successfully complete the Graduate Certificate in Applied Finance with a credit average (65% or higher), you can progress to the Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance.
Available elective courses will vary per program and study period. *Course designed in line with the CFA examination curriculum. The CFA-aligned Master of Applied Finance pathway provides students with a strong grounding to pursue the CFA designation. ^Prerequisite: Technical Tools for Fintech.
"The Applied Finance program is designed for ambitious individuals looking not only for advanced financial knowledge, but also for hands-on and relevant applications of such knowledge. It’s designed for professionals who want to gain the specialised skills for a career in the finance industry. The program is aligned with the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) curriculum, allowing graduates to position themselves well to pursue the CFA designation – a globally respected and recognised investment credential."
- Key Academic, Associate Professor Luis Filipe Goncalves-Pinto
Are you interested in studying the full master’s program or learning how technology is disrupting the world of finance? Perhaps the Master of Applied Finance or the Master of Financial Technology is suited for you.
We offer six study blocks, or hexamesters per year. Each hexamester runs for seven weeks with some orientation time beforehand. You study one course per block, offering balance and flexibility with life's other commitments. The Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance consists of eight courses and can be completed in as little as 16 months, depending on your individual study path, recognition of prior learning (RPL) and course availability.
To be eligible for the Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance, applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
Additionally, if you have successfully completed the Graduate Certificate in Applied Finance with a credit average (65% or higher), you can progress directly into the Graduate Diploma program. These flexible entry pathways ensure accessibility for both academically qualified individuals and experienced professionals looking to advance their careers in finance.
The Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance includes eight courses, combining core courses covering topics like Portfolio Management, International Finance, Corporate Finance, Equity Valuation and Derivatives, ensuring a strong foundation in applied finance. Elective options allow you to specialise in emerging areas like FinTech, Data Management, Decentralized Finance and Introductory Data Analysis. Designed to align with the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) curriculum, the program equips you with both traditional finance expertise and insights into innovative financial technologies, making it highly relevant for advancing your career in the modern financial landscape.
Yes, the Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance is closely aligned with the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) curriculum, making it an excellent choice for those pursuing the CFA charter. Many of the core and elective courses, such as Portfolio Management, Corporate Finance, Equity Valuation, Fixed Income and Derivatives, are specifically designed to cover key topics included in the CFA exams. This alignment ensures that you not only gain practical, real-world financial knowledge, but also build a strong foundation to succeed in the CFA program. By integrating CFA-relevant content, the diploma prepares you to meet the rigorous standards of the CFA designation while enhancing your expertise in applied finance.
Graduating with a Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance opens the door to a wide range of advanced career opportunities in the financial sector. The program equips you with the skills and knowledge to excel in roles such as portfolio management, corporate finance, investment analysis and financial consulting. You’ll also be well-prepared to work with debt instruments, derivatives, and in emerging fields like FinTech and data-driven financial strategies.
Our program is designed with flexibility in mind, making it ideal for busy professionals. It's delivered 100% online, allowing you to study from anywhere and fit your learning around work and personal commitments. Courses are structured into 7-week intensive blocks, enabling you to focus on one subject at a time for deeper engagement. With six hexamesters per year (January, March, May, July, September, and October), you have the flexibility to start your studies at a time that suits you best.
Yes, upon successful completion of the Graduate Diploma, and achieving a WAM of 65 or higher, you can transition into the Master of Applied Finance program. This nested qualification structure provides a flexible and accessible way to build your expertise step-by-step, allowing you to deepen your knowledge and skills in applied finance while working towards a prestigious master’s degree from UNSW.
Online students at UNSW benefit from comprehensive support. You get access to research and study resources and drop-in sessions with course convenors or facilitators for academic guidance. Student Success Advisors provide help with study planning and non-academic support, ensuring you stay on track, while wellness and mental health services are also available to support your overall wellbeing. For more information, check out studyonline.unsw.edu.au/study-online.
Previous finance experience isn't required to enrol in the Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance. The program is designed to accommodate professionals from diverse backgrounds, making it accessible even if you don’t have prior finance qualifications. However, for those without a financial background, it is recommended to first complete the Graduate Certificate in Applied Finance as an entry pathway. This allows you to build foundational knowledge and confidence in key financial concepts before progressing to the more advanced content in the Graduate Diploma. This flexible approach ensures that all students, regardless of their prior experience, are well-prepared to succeed in the program and advance their careers in finance.
UNSW is highly regarded for its excellence in finance education, consistently achieving top rankings both nationally and globally. It is ranked #1 in Australia for Accounting and Finance subjects and is recognised among the top 20 universities worldwide in the QS World University Rankings by Subject. These accolades reflect UNSW’s commitment to delivering world-class education and its strong reputation among employers and industry leaders in the financial sector. By studying at UNSW, you’ll benefit from a program that is not only academically rigorous but also highly respected on a global scale.
Investing in the right program for you is important to us and we’re here to help. Simply send us an email or schedule a call-back at a time that works for you.
We will assist you with:
For more detailed and up-to-date information about your degree, including:
Privacy Policy | Copyright & Disclaimers | Accessibility
Authorised by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Division of External Relations, UNSW CRICOS Provider Code 00098G, ABN 57 195 873 179
people downloaded a program guide in the last 24 hours.
