The Financial Planning Association is launching a body to build awareness of financial planning among students and graduates.

Colonial First State GM Distribution Paul Barrett will chair the Future Financial Planners Council, which will feature FPA members, financial planning students and educational providers.

The Council will spruik financial planning as an "exciting, rewarding and diverse career option", says FPA CEO Jo-Anne Bloch.

It will develop awareness programs for universities, career marketing material for FPA members and student mentoring programs.