Business & Finance
Financial Advisor
You help people plan their money, savings, insurance and retirement.
- Starting salary
- R15 000 – R30 000 + commission
- Job demand
- Steady demand
- Key subjects
- Mathematics or Maths Literacy, Accounting
What do they do?
You help people plan their money, savings, insurance and retirement.
A day in the life
You meet clients, understand their goals, build financial plans and review them each year.
Skills you need
- Trust building
- Numbers
- Listening
- Ethics
School subjects that help
- Mathematics or Maths Literacy
- Accounting
- Business Studies
- English
How long does it take?
3 main steps after school, usually 3–6 years of study, plus practical experience.
Study path
- 1High school
- 2BCom or financial planning diploma
- 3RE exams + registration
- 4Advisor / CFP
Ways in: University degree · Professional certification · Work-based training · Entrepreneurship. University is not the only route.
Where can I study?
- University of Pretoria
- Stellenbosch University
- University of the Free State
- University of South Africa
- University of Johannesburg
- North-West University
Admission requirements differ by institution, always check the official website.
What can I earn?
Entry level
R15 000 – R30 000 + commission
per month (estimate)
Mid career
R35 000 – R70 000
per month (estimate)
Experienced / senior
R80 000 – R180 000+
per month (estimate)
Estimated salary ranges only. Salaries vary based on experience, qualification, industry, location and employer.
How to start preparing now
- • Learn how compound interest works
- • Start a savings goal
- • Explain budgeting to a friend
Try this career
Show a friend how R200 a month grows over 10 years with interest.
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This tool is designed to help you explore career possibilities. It does not replace professional career counselling, school guidance or official university admission requirements.