Postgraduate Diploma in

Financial Planning

KEEP DISCOVERING YOUR ABILITIES

TOWARDS BECOMING AN

EXPERT FINANCIAL PLANNER

[ 2 ] [ 3 ]

Contents

05

14

11

16

22

10

14

13

19

07

14

16

08

14

1212

17

[ 2 ] [ 3 ]

Message from the Director of USB

Application deadlines

Discover the competencies you will gain

Recognition of Prior Learning

Contact us

Overview of USB’s Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning

How to apply

Contents of modules

Dilshaad Samsodien’s story

Message from the Programme Manager

Fees

Facilities, resources and services

Discover USB’s advantages for you

Admission requirements

Programme overview

Who should enrol?

USB Alumni Association

Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning www.usb.ac.za/pgdfinplan

“If you want to empowerpeople with a sound financial

future, this qualification will give you the credentials

to do so.”Dr Lee-Ann Steenkamp,

Head: Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning

This PGDip will put the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®

designation within your reach.

Use this PGDip as a stepping stone to become a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®

Duration:1 year

Establish yourself as a financial expert

Gain access to an MBA

Obtain an FPI-accredited qualification

1 on-campus orientation day + 2 weekly real-time online or on-campus blocks

[ 5 ][ 4 ]

Thank you for your interest in the University of Stellenbosch Business School. You have come to the right place to discover and develop your leadership potential.

We are one of the few Triple Crown Business Schools in the world. These are schools with the three major international accreditations, namely AACSB (from the USA-based Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), EQUIS (from the Brussels-based European Foundation for Management Development) and AMBA (from the UK-based Association of MBAs). In addition, our executive education programmes, delivered via our private partner, USB-ED, is ranked among the Top 100 in the world by Financial Times.

You therefore know in advance that the standard of our academic programmes, infrastructure and learner support is benchmarked against the best. We would also like you to know the following about USB:

• We are deeply committed to Africa. At the same time, we educate you to function in a global business world.

• We will lead you to study the latest theories in a particular field while also providing you with opportunities for practical application in your business.

• We will walk the road to sharpen your critical thinking abilities while also igniting your passion for better business skills.

• We will widen your strategic vision while also equipping you with operational skills in fields like responsible leadership, finance and marketing.

• We will carefully select you to enter into one of our programmes, and then engage with you to leave us as a changed person.

USB is a values-driven school. We embed our values – like integrity, inclusivity, excellence and innovation – in everything we do.

We are part of Stellenbosch University – the top research university in Africa – and steer our research agenda to inform business and the content of our curricula. Via our Small Business Academy we create value for budding entrepreneurs to improve their businesses and create jobs in their communities.

Ultimately, USB aims to bring hope to Africa and to the world. Join us in turning this dream into a reality.

Prof Piet Naudé USB Director

Message from the Director of USB

[ 4 ] [ 5 ]

“From a business school perspective, social development

in South Africa happens through empowering students

to understand their role as responsible leaders when they go back into society.”

Prof Piet Naudé

USB Director

[ 7 ][ 6 ]

Dear prospective postgraduate student

In addition to the Triple Crown of accreditations held by USB, the Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning is an approved programme of the Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa (FPI). This means that USB complies with the strict accreditation criteria of the FPI and is an approved education provider.

We are proud of the fact that graduates from Stellenbosch University consistently achieve high pass rates in the FPI’s Professional Competency Examination (PCE).

I believe that our programme’s success can be attributed to two factors: We make use of highly qualified and experienced lectures (both from academia and practice) and we attract the best students. The Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning will open many doors for you, most notably to eventually qualify for the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) designation. The Postgraduate Diploma will also allow you entrance to our prestigious MBA, thereby offering you an even wider range of career opportunities.

In short, with our proven track record, it is clear that we set our students up for success!

I invite you to partner with USB and let us help you take your career to the next level.

Dr Lee-Ann SteenkampHead: Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning

Message from the Programme Head

[ 6 ] [ 7 ]

“Our programme’s success can be attributed to using

highly qualified lecturers and attracting the best students.”

Dr Lee-Ann Steenkamp,Head: Postgraduate Diploma

in Financial Planning

[ 9 ][ 8 ]

Discover USB’s advantages for you

[ 8 ] [ 9 ]

African contextualisation of business knowledge

USB has become known for its African-focused expertise in areas such as sustainable development, futures research, development finance, ethics and corporate governance, responsible leadership development, management coaching and emerging-country economics.

Connections with the business sector

USB’s close cooperation with industry ensures an academic offering aligned with the needs of the world of work. Areas of alliance and collaboration include representation by the local and international business community on the USB Advisory Board. Partnerships between USB and industry include societal initiatives such as the USB Small Business Academy and the Consulting Club.

Collaborative learning

Our students come from different industry backgrounds, cultures and geographies. This diversity enables them to learn from one another and to work with different perspectives. Our alumni regularly cite collaborative learning as one of the highlights of their learning journey.

Social impact

USB’s ultimate purpose is to develop responsible leaders who will be stewards of society. For USB, social impact means the societal orientation and impact of our curricula and research, our involvement in social dialogue and public policy making, the social impact of our engagement with stakeholders, our collaboration with partner schools and organisations, and our sustainability and responsibility practices. For USB’s students, this translates into engaged learning.

International stature and global perspective

USB is part of the 100-year-old Stellenbosch University, an international institution of distinction and the top research university in Africa. USB has partnerships with some 80 business schools representing all the continents and has a presence in various parts of the African continent. Joint research, faculty members serving on international boards, international memberships, jointly presented conferences and the exchange of faculty members and students contribute to USB’s global perspective of business knowledge.

Strong focus on responsible leadership development

USB’s mission is to develop responsible leaders through well-grounded business education and research. Responsible leadership development is ingrained into USB’s programmes – in particular the MBA.

Research and the sharing of business knowledge

USB creates business knowledge through its research centres, academic conferences, research fellowships, the research undertaken by its faculty members and students, and its partnerships with the business industry and other academic institutions. The school shares its research on various platforms, including its journals, USB Management Review and speaker events.

Study at a school with 3 international accreditations

USB was the first school from an African university to receive all three international accreditations: AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA. The school is well ranked in South Africa and Africa, and also globally.

[ 11 ][ 10 ]

Launched at Stellenbosch University in 2005, the Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning is a sought-after qualification which culminates in the internationally recognised CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) designation. With an excellent track record of consistently achieving high pass rates in the FPI’s Professional Competency Examination, USB’s Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning has established itself as a leading programme in its field in South Africa.

This qualification is presented at NQF Level 8, the same level as an Honours degree. It addresses the educational requirements for the designation of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, which is awarded by the Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa (FPI). This is the highest designation for financial planners in South Africa and it is also internationally recognised. On completion of USB’s Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning, students will be eligible to apply to the FPI to write its entrance exam, known as the Professional Competency Examination.

Consumers and clients have become more knowledgeable as a result of increased access to information and a stronger awareness of their rights which are protected by ongoing regulatory developments. They therefore require high-quality financial advice from advisors with the necessary qualifications, professional status and membership of a recognised professional body.

USB’s high success rate can be attributed to two factors: We use highly qualified and experienced lecturers (both from academia and practice) and we attract the best students. From 2020, USB offers even greater flexibility to students. All the sessions will be live-streamed. This means you can attend the lectures from anywhere in the country – indeed, from anywhere in the world! As long as you have an internet-linked device, you can participate in the lectures.

This programme is presented in a Blended Learning format, allowing you to study while you work. Classes are presented at the USB campus twice a week, on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, from 18:15 to 21:15. Online sessions are available via the glocal classroom where students are able to attend class via an internet-linked device in real time from anywhere in the world. All assignments and assessments will be done online except for the exams. Module exams must be written in either Sandton, Gauteng or Bellville, Cape Town. This is due to regulatory requirements from the FPI.

Obtain CFP® professional accreditation If you have obtained the Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning at USB, you become eligible to write the Professional Competency Examination (PCE) of the FPI and to obtain professional accreditation as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®). This designation will communicate your expertise and credibility not only in South Africa but also internationally as the CFP® designation is internationally recognised as the benchmark for professional advice.

Earn the trust of your clients The CFP® professional accreditation, which builds on this Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning, allows you to provide financial advice that complies with an increasing number of regulations in an environment in which clients are receiving increasing legal protection and are also becoming more aware of their rights. Therefore, as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® – or CFP® for short – you offer your clients peace of mind underpinned by an acknowledged qualification. For your clients this translates into high-quality financial advice from an advisor with the necessary qualifications, professional status and membership of a recognised professional body.

Invest in your career by establishing yourself as an expert This postgraduate programme is an investment in your career path as it allows you to establish yourself as an expert in the financial services industry. It therefore holds advantages for your career in a local and global world characterised by financial uncertainty and a changing regulatory landscape.

Study at an FPI-accredited education provider The FPI has approved USB as an education provider based on its stringent compliance criteria. USB consistently achieves high pass rates in the FPI’s national Professional Competency Examination – significantly higher than the national average pass rate.

Overview of the programme Discover what you will gain from this qualification

[ 10 ] [ 11 ]

Information sessions: USB hosts information sessions – usually in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban and Windhoek. This is where students can obtain first-hand information on USB’s programmes and meet faculty members, alumni and support staff. See www.usb.ac.za/events for dates, venues and booking details. Or e-mail finplan@usb.ac.za or call +27 (0)21 918 4246.

Place of delivery: Classes are presented at the USB campus in the Tyger Valley business district in northern Cape Town. Simultaneously, the online classes are presented via the glocal classroom where students are able to join the class from anywhere in the world.

8Programme at a glance

Convenient format: 1 on-campus orientation day + 2 weekly blended learning sessions over 1 year: 13 sessions for Modules 1, 2 and 3. Module 4 includes 7 sessions.

NQF level: 8 (120 credits)

FPI accreditation: The Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa has approved USB as an education provider for this programme.

Language: English, although students may answer assessments in Afrikaans

[ 13 ][ 12 ]

Who should enrol?The Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning is a specialised programme aimed at helping you obtain CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) professional accreditation. It is therefore aimed at professionals already employed in the financial services industry but who would like to further their career paths.

Programme overviewThe programme consists of four compulsory modules, each worth 30 credits. Modules 1, 2 and 3 have to be successfully completed in order to gain entrance to Module 4, the Case Study. Modules 1 and 3 are presented in the first semester of the academic calendar, and Modules 2 and 4 in the second semester. You have the option to complete the modules in one year.

Contents of modules

[ 12 ] [ 13 ]

Financial Planning Environment This module provides an overview of the field of financial planning. The principles and practices of financial planning and personal financial management are first addressed. This includes a review of the regulatory environment for financial planners. Students will also be familiarised with financial calculations and the concepts of the time value of money. The remainder of the module is devoted to tax planning and offers a detailed look at the Income Tax consequences for an individual.

Corporate Financial Planning This module focuses more on the corporate aspects of the employer-employee relationship. The first focus area is on business planning, which includes the taxation of different business entities. Next, the focus shifts to employee benefits and specifically retirement funds. The module concludes with an overview of medical schemes’ requirements and regulations, including developments that affect healthcare cover.

Personal Financial Planning This module equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to conduct a financial planning exercise for a client. It comprises four units: In the first unit, the student will acquire in-depth knowledge of the structure, nature and tax of estate planning tools, including the law and taxation of trusts. The second unit comprises retirement planning, which also includes the tax implications of retirement, death and divorce. The third unit is designed to address the investment needs of the client. The last unit incorporates risk management and differentiates between short-term and long-term insurance as part of the insurance planning exercise.

Case Study The programme culminates in a Case Study, where students are expected to integrate the knowledge acquired in the first three modules in order to prepare a comprehensive financial plan for a client. This module prepares students for the FPI’s Professional Competency Examination.

Module name Status Credits Dates

Financial Planning Environment Compulsory 30 Term 1

Corporate Financial Planning Compulsory 30 Term 2

Personal Financial Planning Compulsory 30 Term 3

Case Study Compulsory 30 Term 4

120

[ 15 ][ 14 ]

Application deadlines• South African students: 30 November

• RPL applicants: 31 October

Programme feesThe programme fees for 2020 are published on USB’s website once this information becomes available. See www.usb.ac.za/finplan for details.

Important

• Deposit: All students pay a deposit on acceptance of admission. International students need to pay a deposit of 50% of the annual programme fees on acceptance to the programme and the balance prior to, or upon registration. The deposit is deducted from the programme fee. The deposit payable is non-refundable.

• Application fee: The application fee must accompany the application. The application fee is not refundable.

• Travelling, accommodation and meals are for students’ own accounts.

• USB reserves the right to change the fees at any time.

Admission requirementsThe entry requirements into the Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning are as follows:

• Regular applicants: Bachelor’s degree at NQF level 6 (old) or 7 (new) or equivalent

• RPL candidates: An Advanced Certificate in Financial Planning at NQF level 6 from an FPI-accredited education provider, with at least five years’ work experience (please refer to USB’s RPL policy for this option). Applicants are requested to submit details of employment for the previous five years.

How to applyBefore you start • You will be able to complete the form in steps without losing information.

• The online application form consists of various sections. In order to process to the next section, all the information in the current section must be completed and accepted by the information management system.

• The application process is the same for South African and international students.

• International qualifications require a South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) evaluation certificate to evaluate your degree according to South African standards. Please contact SAQA at saqainfo@saqa.org.za in this regard.

• It is best to use Google Chrome as web browser when completing your application.

The application process

Go to www.usb.ac.za/pgdfinplan and complete the online Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning application form by completing each of the following sections:

Section 1: Personal details

Section 2: Address details

Section 3: Work and studies

Section 4: Documentation

Here you need to upload the following supporting documentation:

• Completed and signed application form

• Certified copies of all academic records and degree/diploma certificates

• Proof of application fee payment

• Detailed CV

• A copy of your ID (or passport for non-South African students)

• A marriage certificate (where the applicant’s new surname does not match that on the degree certificates)

Section 5: Payment of application fee

• Which bank details to use: Bank: Standard Bank; Type of account: cheque account; Account name: US Business School; Account number: 073003069; Branch name: Stellenbosch; Branch code: 050610; Beneficiary name: Stellenbosch University; SWIFT code: SBZAZAJJ.

• Where to send proof of payment: Please send proof of payment of your application fee to the cashier at payments@usb.ac.za.

Section 6: Status

What happens next? Your application can only be assessed by the selection panel if it is accompanied by your completed online application form, all the supporting documents and proof of your application fee payment. The outcome of the selection process will be made known within 30 days or as soon as possible thereafter.

[ 15 ]

Bachelor’s degree (NQF 7) OR Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning (NQF 6)

+ work experience

Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning (NQF 8) at USB

Pass the FPI’s Professional Competency Exam

Obtain the CFP® designation

Take your career to the next level:Enrol for an MBA (NQF 9) at USB

Career path options with a Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning from USB:

Career path options

[ 17 ][ 16 ][ 16 ] [ 17 ]

Recognition of prior learningWhat if you do not have the necessary admission requirements?USB provides wider access to its programmes through its Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process. In line with the requirements of the Council for Higher Education (CHE), USB may admit up to 10% of its student body under RPL. In order to be admitted to a Postgraduate Diploma at USB, candidates should be in possession of a relevant degree or National Diploma at NQF level 7. Candidates who wish to be admitted under the RPL policy will firstly have to submit all the documentation and tests as required for all prospective students. In addition, prospective students applying for a Postgraduate Diploma at USB have to adhere to the following:

• Have at least an Advanced Certificate in Financial Planning at NQF level 6 from an FPI-accredited education provider.

• Have at least five years of relevant working experience after obtaining a school leaving certificate. • Submit a comprehensive CV, indicating detailed areas of responsibility as well as information of activities

outside the work environment. • Provide USB with at least two references (typically current or former line heads) who can testify about

the candidate’s managerial or related professional abilities. These references will be required to give a detailed personal reference about the candidate on forms provided by USB.

The RPL selection process entails the following:• The programme head and another academic will conduct an in-depth interview with the candidate and

make a recommendation about admission. • USB’s Admissions Committee will consider the full application including the interview recommendation

and the inputs received from the references for admission. • A notice of admission is sent via USB’s Academic Planning Committee to the Board of the Faculty of

Economic and Management Sciences for notification. • Important: RPL candidates need to apply by 31 October each year to allow sufficient time for the

assessment process.

USB faculty Besides its full-time and part-time academic staff, many of whom have distinguished themselves as organisational leaders, USB welcomes international academics and experts to lecture on its programmes. This gives students exposure to academic learning and real-world experience from across the globe. Find out more about USB’s faculty at www.usb.ac.za/usb-people/.

Facilities, resources and services • ICT facilities: These include free wireless broadband internet access campus-wide, an e-learning

platform, break-away rooms, network connections for notebooks and access to soft-ware packages and databases.

• Library: The Stellenbosch University Bellville Park Campus Library (USBL) provides access to printed and online local and international publications, books, journals and databases (includ-ing SA-ePublications, Scopus, Ebscohost, Gartner and Emerald), as well as a repository of mas-ter’s and doctoral theses (SUNScholar). See http://library.sun.ac.za.

• Support services: Support to students is offered via touch points such as the Admissions Of-fice, Academic Administration, Careers Office, International Affairs Office, Alumni Relations Of-fice and USBL (library).

• Accommodation and restaurants: The Bellvista Lodge (www.usb.ac.za/bellvista) on the cam-pus provides accommodation and a restaurant. Two other cafeterias offer meals and refresh-ments.

USB Alumni Association USB’s Alumni Association has strong roots and a wide reach. We are extremely proud of our more than 30 000 alumni who have excelled in managerial and leadership roles all over the world – many of them at the highest level. Various channels are used to create ongoing conversations between USB and its alumni, opportunities for continued learning and ways to give back to USB. Together, USB and its alumni create a powerful network that contribute to the common good of society. See www.usb.ac.za/alumni.

This PGDip is presented at the same level as

an honours degree. You can even gain access

to an MBA.

[ 19 ][ 18 ]

I am an admitted attorney and I have practiced as such before moving to Sanlam Life Insurance as a legal advisor in the Dispute Resolution Department. During 2017, I was interested in furthering my studies but I wasn’t sure which path to pursue. As I was feeling new to the financial services industry, I wanted to find something that would cover various fields,

including the insurance industry. A colleague referred me to the PGDip in Financial Planning offered at USB. After doing research,

and with great courage after being warned that it would not be an easy ride, I applied and was accepted.

What set aside USB for me was the interactive classes presented by brilliant lecturers who went over and

above to assist you to get through the programme. I was quite surprised in what the programme

brought out in me personally. Everything – tax, investment and anything related – scared me at first because I had no experience or background in these fields. I had a mental block but I soon came to realise that it wasn’t so bad and we (financial planning and I) actually became friends!

I was quite surprised in what the programme brought out in me personally. Everything scared me at first … but

soon financial planning and I actually became

friends!

Dilshaad Samsodien Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning alumnus

As an attorney who started working at a big financial services company, Dilshaad Samsodien wanted to broaden her knowledge of this industry. She applied for the PGDip in Financial Planning and graduated as the top student in her class. She is now preparing for the intense CFP® Professional Competency Examination. Here she shares her story:

It started out with the need to know more

[ 18 ]

[ 21 ][ 20 ]

Alumnus

[ 20 ] [ 21 ]

The best feeling was the light bulb moment when I started to realise why and how everything fits in together. I began to appreciate the importance and need for proper and sound financial planning for every individual.

How can I describe the year? Whoa, it was quite challenging having to balance my work life, studies and family time. It required a good amount of diligence, sacrifice and hard work. But through prayers and the support of my husband and family, I got through it. I even passed cum laude and was the top student in my class! It was a gratifying experience and made it all worthwhile.

While I am not currently practising as a financial planner, I am applying the knowledge that I have attained to matters that come before me as a legal advisor as well as in my personal life. Next, I will be writing my CFP® Professional Competency Examination and thereafter, in due course, I would like to apply to become a professional member of the Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa.

It required a good amount of diligence, sacrifice and hard work … and I was even the top student

in my class! It made it all worthwhile.

Dilshaad Samsodien

Seeing the bigger picture

[ 22 ]

Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning enquiries Telephone: +27 (0)21 918 4246 | finplan@usb.ac.za | www.usb.ac.za/pgdfinplanCarl Cronjé Drive, Bellville 7530, Cape Town, South Africa

Information sessions Telephone: +27 (0)21 918 4246 | mba@usb.ac.za | www.usb.ac.za/events

USB Careers Office Telephone: +27 (0)21 918 4187 | usb.Careers@usb.ac.za

International Affairs OfficeTelephone: +27 (0)21 918 4196 | international@usb.ac.za

Campus accommodation Telephone: +27 (0)21 918 4444 | www.usb.ac.za/bellvista

USB Alumni Office Telephone: +27 (0)21 918 4212 | usbalumni@usb.ac.za

West African Office Prospective students from West Africa can contact USB’s representative in the region for assistance with applications, transcripts and visas: Contact person: Gilbert GrantTelephone: +230 698 8576E-mail: gilbert@globalnatives.com

East African Office Prospective students from East Africa can contact USB’s representative in the region directly for assistance with applications, transcripts and visas: Contact person: Alex Matheri Telephone: +254 (734) 606000 (office) | +254 722 251638 (mobile) E-mail: alex.matheri@usb.ac.za Physical address: 1st Floor Suite 108, Nanak House, Kimathi Street, Nairobi Postal address: PO Box 3285-00506, Nairobi, Kenya

Mauritian OfficeProspective students from Mauritius can contact USB’s representative in the region directly for assistance with applications, transcripts and visas: Contact person: Marietjie van der MerweTelephone: +230 52 91 85 84E-mail: marie@globalnatives.com

Start your discovery here

[ 22 ]

Start today

University of Stellenbosch Business School

+27 (0)21 918 4246 | usbcom@usb.ac.za | Carl Cronjé Drive, Bellville 7530, Cape Town, South Africa

finplan@usb.ac.za

www.usb.ac.za/finplan