Master of Statistics
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1, 2 & 3
- Duration
- 1.7 Year(s)
- Delivery Mode
- Face-to-face (includes blended)
- Campus
-
Kensington
- Codes
- Program code 8750
- CRICOS code 001008F
-
Commonwealth Supported Places are available for this program2025 Indicative first year full fee
- $6,000*
-
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $9,000*
-
2025 Indicative first year full fee
- $56,500*
-
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $87,500*
Fees
Fees
-
Research project
-
#3 in Australia
-
Transferable skills
UNSW is introducing a new academic calendar from 2028.
What does this mean for my studies? UNSW is moving to a new ‘flex-semester’ calendar.
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
Strengthen your knowledge of statistical science and develop your consulting and project writing skills. The UNSW Master of Statistics covers a wide range of statistical theory and practice and provides advanced training in the principles of mathematics and statistical analysis.
This program is also suitable for students who are currently or aspiring to become practicing statisticians, with the opportunity to learn in-depth applications of statistics in areas such as finance, engineering or medical and biological science. The program also provides the necessary preparation for further research in statistics.
Key features
Research project
You’ll complete a compulsory supervised research project, which gives you an opportunity to make practical use of the knowledge you gain through your master’s program. This project will prepare you for the problem-solving and report-writing aspects of future employment, or for progression to a research degree.
Wide range of career opportunities
The Master of Statistics opens up a variety of career opportunities in areas as diverse as:
- Banking
- Insurance and investment
- Environmental modelling
- Oceanography
- Meteorology
- Computing
- Information technology
- Government
- Education
- Research
Transferable skills
Studying mathematics improves your logical thinking, problem-solving and analytical skills. Solving mathematical and statistical problems also requires creativity and adaptability. These skills are highly valued by employers.
Why study at UNSW?
Learn with the best
We’re ranked #2 in Australia and in the global top 50 for mathematics (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025). At UNSW, we provide comprehensive coverage of modern mathematics, underpinned by leading teaching and research.
Leverage our industry connections
Tap into our network of industry and research partners to start building your own professional connections. The School of Mathematics and Statistics maintains and attracts strong links with industry, from ongoing research collaboration to industry involvement in our teaching activities.
Our researchers work in partnership with industry to solve real-world problems. This collaboration with industry includes Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage Grants held by members of staff. Our industry links extend to our learning and teaching activities, with industry partners sponsoring some of our courses and degrees. Other links with industry are maintained through visiting appointments, consulting services offered by our staff and ongoing connections with our alumni.
Want to see more from UNSW Science?
Entry requirements
For entry into this degree, students must have:
- a sufficient mathematical and/or statistical background, as indicated by a minimum weighted average mark (WAM) of 65 or above in level III mathematics and/or statistics university courses
And completed at least one of the following:
- a Bachelor of Mathematics
- a Bachelor of Science undergraduate degree with a major in mathematics and statistics
Advanced standing
Honours graduates in mathematics or statistics from UNSW (or equivalent) may receive advanced standing of up to a maximum of 24 units of credit. This means you can complete the program with a further 48 units of credit (one year of full-time study).
Students with a Graduate Diploma in Mathematics and Statistics from UNSW with a weighted average mark of 70 or more may receive advanced standing of up to a maximum of 48 units of credit. This means you can complete the program with a further 24 units of credit (0.5 year of full-time study).
The specific advanced standing to be awarded will be determined at the time of admission and will be based on your background and previous study.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.
For entry into this degree, students must have:
- a sufficient mathematical and/or statistical background, as indicated by a minimum weighted average mark (WAM) of 65 or above in level III mathematics and/or statistics university courses
And completed at least one of the following:
- a Bachelor of Mathematics
- a Bachelor of Science undergraduate degree with a major in mathematics and statistics
Prospective international students should note they will need to meet the University's English language requirements
Advanced standing
Honours graduates in mathematics or statistics from UNSW (or equivalent) may receive advanced standing of up to a maximum of 24 units of credit. This means you can complete the program with a further 48 units of credit (one year of full-time study).
Students with a Graduate Diploma in Mathematics and Statistics from UNSW with a weighted average mark of 70 or more may receive advanced standing of up to a maximum of 48 units of credit. This means you can complete the program with a further 24 units of credit (0.5 year of full-time study).
The specific advanced standing to be awarded will be determined at the time of admission and will be based on your background and previous study.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
What will I study?
Program structure
This degree covers a range of statistical theory and practice and provides advanced training in the principles of mathematics and statistical analysis. In addition, the program provides the necessary preparation for further research in statistics.
Full program structure
The Master of Statistics can be completed in 1.7 years of full-time study. The program is made up of the following courses, including:
- 2 core courses (12 UOC)
- 8 electives (48 UOC)
- 1 supervised research project (12 UOC)
-
Students must complete the following two core courses (12 UOC):
- Advanced Stochastic Processes (6 UOC)
- Statistical Inference (6 UOC)
-
Students must take 8 elective courses (48 UOC) listed in the Handbook.
From the list of Electives, students are allowed to take up to 3 courses (18 UOC) external to the School of Mathematics and Statistics (that is, courses that do not have a MATH or DATA prefix).
*Please refer to the handbook for rules regarding enrolment in electives.
-
Students must take 12 UOC of the following courses:
- MATH5925 Project (12 UOC) in one Term or
- MATH5005 Project (6 UOC) and MATH5006 Project (6 UOC) over two consecutive terms (with approval of supervisor).
Please note:
A WAM of greater than 65 is recommended for MATH5925.
A WAM of greater than 85 is recommended for MATH5005/5006.
Students seeking to enrol into a MATH5005/5006 project are required to have the approval of the Director of Postgraduate Studies.
Enrolment into these courses is subject to appropriate research and supervision resources being available.
-
The graduate certificate and graduate diploma provide an articulation pathway into the Master of Statistics.
Students who have completed the Graduate Certificate (7659) and have a WAM of 65 may apply to transfer into this Masters program and will receive up to 24 UOC of Advanced Standing.
Students who have completed the full 48 UOC of the Graduate Diploma (5659), and have a WAM of 65, may apply to transfer into this Masters program and will receive up to 48 UOC of Advanced Standing.
Students who have completed 24 UOC of the Graduate Diploma (5659), and have a WAM of 65, may apply to transfer into this Masters program and will receive up to 24 UOC of Advanced Standing.
Future careers
Statisticians are trained to think logically and to approach problems in analytical and creative ways. Studying statistics prepares you for a wide variety of careers because it provides you with the problem-solving, computing and communication skills that employers want.
This degree opens up career opportunities in areas as diverse as banking, insurance and investment, environmental modelling, oceanography, meteorology, computing, information technology, government or education.
Academic and research positions within universities, the CSIRO and the Defence Science and Technology Organisation are available for those with the drive to discover new knowledge in mathematics and statistics.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted through our Apply Online portal. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term. Some high-demand programs and Faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date. Find out more.
Ready to start your application?
For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
$6,000*
$9,000*
There are limited Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) available for this degree. Domestic students who receive a CSP will have a substantial proportion of their fees subsidised by the Australian government. Your eligibility to receive a CSP will be automatically assessed when you apply. Start your postgraduate application today with our guide on how to apply.
Commonwealth Study Assistance such as Austudy, and Youth Allowance is available for some master’s degrees. For the most up-to-date information and list of degrees visit UNSW Current Student Financial Support.
There are a limited number of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) available for this degree/program. Your eligibility to receive a CSP will be automatically assessed when you apply. To find out more about Commonwealth Supported Places visit Postgraduate Commonwealth Support.
*Fees are subject to annual review (or when required) by the University and may vary accordingly.
Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the degree/program. The indicative fees listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year)
You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed when required and may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.
Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
QS World University Rankings, 2025
AFR Top100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020-2025
#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders
UNSW has a strong focus on industry collaborations with opportunities for students to network.
