Program Overview

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Master of Actuarial Studies (Extension)

The Master of Actuarial Studies (Extension) equips students with the data analytics and quantitative risk management training for success in an actuarial career, or a career in finance. The extension program adds four courses to the Master of Actuarial Studies, allowing students to complete professionally accredited courses to become an actuary, as well as broaden their knowledge through electives in actuarial studies, risk management, business, or options in mathematics and computer science.

Overview

The program is accredited by the Actuaries Institute and has earned the University-Earned Credit (UEC) program status for Financial Mathematics (FM) exam and Statistics for Risk Modelling (SRM) exam. This UEC program facilitates the pathway for students who pursue the Society of Actuaries (SOA) profession by providing opportunities to earn credit for SOA exams.

Key Features

• Learn from industry leaders: Courses are taught by world-leading academic staff and professionally qualified actuaries, with involvement from industry partners.
• A pathway to professional accreditation: Through this degree, students can gain exemptions to the Actuaries Institutes professional accreditation exams. Professional accreditation through the Actuaries Institute provides mutual recognition at major international actuarial bodies.

Why Study at UNSW?

Students will study at UNSW Business School, which has been ranked Australia's #1 school in Business & Management. The school's industry connections and world-leading research are embedded into its programs, ensuring knowledge, skills, and experience are relevant, forward-looking, and in-demand.

Program Details

• Program Code: 8416
• CRICOS Code: K
• Campus: Kensington
• Total Units of Credit (UOC): 96

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for this program, students must have a recognised bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) with a substantial component of mathematics, statistics, econometrics, or actuarial studies, with a credit average, as determined by the UNSW Business School. Applicants are expected to have a mathematics background equivalent to a full year of calculus and linear algebra at first-year university undergraduate level.

English Language Requirements

Students may be asked to provide evidence of their English proficiency to study at UNSW, depending on their educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments, and examinations.

Program Structure

The Master of Actuarial Studies is a two-year program consisting of 16 courses, tailored to suit students' goals. The program includes:

• Six core courses
• Nine electives to match career goals
• One capstone project

What Will I Study?

In the core courses, students will study probability, statistics, financial mathematics, data visualisation and communication, statistical machine learning, finance, financial reporting, and business economics. In the capstone, students will study actuarial theory and practice and/or actuarial data analytic applications.

Future Careers

With highly transferable skills in actuarial studies, business, analytics, and statistics, graduates can move across and succeed in the private sector, financial institutions, and government departments. Potential careers include:

• Actuarial Analyst
• Asset Management Trainee
• Business Consultant
• Credit Analyst
• Data Analyst
• Insurance Analyst
• Investment Banker
• Management Consultant
• Risk Assessment Officer
• Superannuation Adviser
• Wealth Management Analyst
• Derivatives Trader

Accreditation

The Master of Actuarial Studies provides a strong foundation for becoming an actuary or working within a related field. Students can earn exemptions from courses in the Actuaries Institutes Foundation and Actuary Program in Australia, or VEE credit from the Society of Actuaries (USA).

Fees & Scholarships

• 2026 Indicative First Year Full Fee: $42,000*
• 2026 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree: $86,000*
• 2026 Indicative First Year Fee (International): $62,000*
• 2026 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree (International): $129,000*

*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually.