The Financial Planning Association (FPA) has introduced an award for the country’s best financial student.

The university student of the year prize recognises excellence in studies and strong potential in the areas of accounting, banking and finance.

CEO Mark Rantall says the award builds on the association’s work with universities through the Financial Planning Education Council.

“Education is key to ensuring a strong future for financial planning,” he said. “Students who have demonstrated such achievement will be put forward by their accredited educational institution and the FPA will personally invite these candidates to apply for the new award.”

The winner will receive free entry to the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) program.

Submissions have opened for the FPA’s other awards this year, including CFP professional of the year, FPA associate financial planner of the year and the Future2 community service award. State winners and runners-up will be chosen in each category, with one state winner taking the national award.

National winners in these categories will receive free entry to the FPA Professionals Congress in Brisbane from November 18-20 and $5000 towards professional development.

The deadline for entries is September 11. Application forms can be downloaded here.