Graduate Certificate in Self Managed Superannuation Funds

Stay on top of the fastest growing sector in financial planning and wealth management

Investment in superannuation in Australia is building at an astonishing rate, now totalling over $1.3 trillion. Most rapidly increasing is the self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) industry. There are over 2,500 new accounts opening each month, taking the total to over 410,000 SMSFs. Because of this, the SMSF industry is under great scrutiny and seeing all kinds of legislative changes.

Our Graduate Certificate in Self-Managed Superannuation Funds has been designed in conjunction with the SMSF Association. It provides the knowledge, skills and financial literacy that SMSF practitioners need to thrive in a changing landscape. This extends to financial planners, accountants, lawyers and auditors.

What will you do?

This degree is designed to link up with industry requirements. You will:

  • study foundational SMSF concepts, theories and operations
  • consolidate and extend your current knowledge and skills base
  • gain insights into psychological influences on investment decision-making
  • learn complex advising strategies
  • explore relevant taxes and regulations
  • advance your critical thinking, practical and communication skills.

  • Designed in conjuction with SMSF Association
  • ISO 9001 Certification
  • AACSB accredited

Entry Requirements

Please note: For programs including placements and/or study-related activities in settings where COVID-19 vaccination is mandatory, it is an inherent requirement that all students be fully vaccinated prior to undertaking the placement and/or study-related activity.
For our students who are studying offshore in 2022, the University will continue to offer high-quality access to the learning resources remotely for most programs. This includes all lectures, tutorials and other support material. Students will be advised in advance if there are course components that cannot be provided in remote mode and, wherever possible, offered alternative courses.
Please refer to the COVID-19 FAQ page for further information and a list of programs where in-person attendance is required.

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.
I am a:

Domestic applicants

Deferment Yes - 2 year
Selection Criteria
Graduate entry

Higher Education Study
  1. A completed Bachelors degree from the University of Adelaide (or equivalent), AND
  2. currently employed or have been employed, on a full-time equivalent basis, within the last two years in a related professional capacity in the Superannuation or SMSF sector. OR
  3. for applicants without a Bachelors degree, a minimum of five years work experience in a related professional capacity in the Superannuation or Self Managed Superannuation Funds sector approved by the Faculty.
How to Apply

Fees and Scholarships

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant fees and scholarships information for this program.
I am a:

Domestic applicants

Indicative annual tuition fees
Australian Full-fee place: $17,500

Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

Scholarships

These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.

Find a Scholarship.

Careers

Career Readiness

Any professional aiming to give comprehensive advice of the highest quality to investors in self managed superannuation funds, including financial planners, accountants, lawyers and auditors.

The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Graduate Attributes

The objective of this program is to produce graduates with specific attributes as outlined in University of Adelaide Graduate Attributes.
  1. Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
  2. Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
  3. Teamwork and communication skills
  4. Professionalism and leadership readiness
  5. Intercultural and ethical competency
  6. Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency
  7. Digital capabilities
  8. Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

Professional Accreditation

This course has been designed in conjunction with the SMSF Association and provides students with ASIC RG146 compliance in the specialist area of self-managed superannuation funds.

Please Note: In order to provide advice in self-managed superannuation funds, students must also hold an RG146 compliance in the areas of Superannuation, Generic Knowledge and Skills.

This course will be assessed for CPD points with the SMSFA Association (SMSFA) and the Financial Planning Association (FPA).

Potential careers

Accountant, Auditor, Financial Planner

Degree Structure

This program consists of four courses:

CORPFIN 6009 - SMSF Best Practice
CORPFIN 6010 - Understanding SMSF Trustees
CORPFIN 6011 - SMSF Strategic Advice
CORPFIN 6012 - SIS Regulation and Taxation

Students must study the courses in the order listed above and must have successfully completed a course before being able to undertake a subsequent course.

Areas of Specialisation

Self Managed Superannuation Funds

Example Study Plan

Core courses

Courses must be studied in order.

Assessment

The assessment for each course involves assignments, case studies and a final exam.

Related Degrees

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Last updated: Monday, 28 Mar 2022