Bachelor of Actuarial Studies
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1, 2 & 3
- Duration
- 3 Year(s)
- Delivery Mode
- Face-to-face (includes blended)
- Campus
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Kensington
- Codes
- UAC code 424300
- Program code 3586
- CRICOS code 077428B
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ATAR/2025 lowest selection rank
- 99.0 View all admission criteria
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2026 Indicative first year full fee
- $13,500*
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2026 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $40,500*
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2026 Indicative first year full fee
- $58,000*
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2026 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $183,000*
Entry Requirements
Fees
Fees
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Internship opportunities
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Industry aligned
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Globally accredited
Join us at Info Day
Thursday, 18 December | 12–4pm | Kensington campus
Join us on campus to get personalised advice on your study options before UAC preferences close. Info Day is the perfect opportunity to get all of your last minute questions answered, the day ATARs are released.
Application closures for 2026
Undergraduate programs for 2026 intakes are closed for New Overseas Student Commencement (NOSC) applications. Applications for postgraduate programs remain open. Find out if this closure applies to you.
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- Double degrees
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Actuarial studies at UNSW
Gain a Bachelor of Actuarial Studies degree at the university ranked #1 globally for Actuarial Studies Research (UNL Global Research Rankings of Actuarial Science and Risk Management & Insurance, 2024).
This three-year undergraduate degree is taught by UNSW Business School’s School of Risk & Actuarial Studies. Accredited by the Actuaries Institute, the program includes the option to choose a specialisation to diversify your future career as a business professional. Our actuarial studies degree is led by world-class academics and qualified actuaries, with input from industry professionals so you’ll graduate with well-rounded skills development and strong industry connections.
In the Bachelor of Actuarial Studies at UNSW, you’ll build specialist skills in actuarial models, financial mathematics, probability, machine learning and AI analytics – along with commercial expertise in data-driven decision-making, financial risk leadership and quantitative innovation. Deepen your knowledge in commerce with a double degree in another area, such as a Bachelor of Actuarial Studies and Commerce, a Bachelor of Actuarial Studies and Computer Science degree, or another UNSW Business School degree.
This degree puts you in high demand when you graduate, ready to take on quantitative roles in a range of industries including financial services, insurance and superannuation.
Why study a Bachelor of Actuarial Studies UNSW?
Top-ranked institution worldwide for actuarial studies
When you study a Bachelor of Actuarial Studies at UNSW, you’ll be gaining an actuarial studies degree ranked #1 globally for Actuarial Studies Research (UNL Global Research Rankings of Actuarial Science and Risk Management & Insurance, 2024). UNSW Business School is renowned for best-in-class teaching and student outcomes. We are ranked Australia's #1 school in Business & Management (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025). We're also ranked #2 in Australia and #40 globally for economics and econometrics (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025).
Pathway to professional accreditation in actuarial studies
Employers seek out our actuarial studies graduates, as we're known for nurturing the most employable students – we've been awarded the Most Employable students for six years in a row (Australian Financial Review (AFR) Top100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020–2025). With an actuarial studies degree from UNSW, you will also gain an exemption to the Actuaries Institute’s professional accreditation exams. Professional accreditation through the Actuaries Institute provides mutual recognition at major international actuarial bodies such as the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries in the UK and the Society of Actuaries in the US.
Double your impact with a double degree
When you combine your actuarial studies with another degree from UNSW Business School, you’re equipping yourself with a unique set of skills that will set you apart in the job market. Double degrees can help you become more of a specialist in a particular area or gain a breadth of skills that meet the demands of today’s organisations. See our double degrees tab for the full list of Actuarial Studies double degrees at UNSW.
Honours program in actuarial studies
Give yourself a competitive edge by adding honours study to your actuarial studies degree at UNSW. You’ll complete advanced coursework and an independent research thesis in a business area you’re passionate about – building high-level skills in research, problem-solving and communication. This specialised knowledge will set you apart and prepare you for leadership roles, research pathways and a standout career in actuarial studies.
Want to see more from UNSW Business School?
What are the entry requirements for the Bachelor of Actuarial Studies at UNSW?
Entry to this actuarial studies is based on your Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) or an equivalent rank derived from the following:
- Australian interstate Year 12 qualifications (e.g., OP rank)
- New Zealand NCEA Level 3
- Equivalent overseas qualifications e.g., International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, GCE A-Levels
- Post-secondary or tertiary qualifications
- An alternative entry qualification
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- The 2025 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2025.
- The 2025 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subjects. Entry scores are calculated from the best three or four A2 subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. At most one Applied A Level subject may be included in the best four subjects used to calculate the aggregate.
- The 2025 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2025. It is to be used as a guide only.
- The 2025 Lowest ATAR is the lowest ATAR (before adjustment factors were applied) to which an offer was made. Where <5 is listed, this indicates that less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made and so the score has not been published. N/A indicates no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
*The Lowest ATAR to which an offer was made, for this program, is based on a UNSW Gateway Early Conditional Offer.
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At UNSW, we are committed to ensuring prospective students have all the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their study options.
To assist you in gaining a better understanding of how Admissions works at UNSW, we have provided you with a summary of ATAR offers and the student profile.
We hope this information will help you identify the degree that is right for you.
Assumed knowledge
Mathematics Extension 1
Adjustment Factors
We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies.
HSC Plus
This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred UNSW degree. You may be awarded up to five points.
Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL)
This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level. You may be eligible for up to five points.
Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.
Admission pathways
Your ATAR is not the only measure of your potential to succeed, which is why we offer a range of pathways into university. Explore your options below and get in touch with our Future Student Advisers to discuss your path to UNSW.
Gateway Admission Pathway
This scheme is open to students who attend Gateway schools, live in a low-socioeconomic area based on IRSAD and IEO indexes of SEIFA criteria, or are an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person. It adjusts the ATAR requirements for your preferred UNSW degree and provides early offers and early conditional offers to UNSW.
Entry programs for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
We offer entry programs for Indigenous Australians, including the Indigenous Preparatory Programs and the Indigenous Admission Scheme (IAS). The entry pathway program you apply for will depend on the degree you want to 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.
International direct entry
Information for applicants with CBSE, HKDSE or Singapore A Levels Qualification
Calculating your CBSE Score:
Awarded by CBSE, average percentage marks across English or Hindi, and your best four remaining subjects. Where marks are given as a range, the mid-point for that range is used e.g. 75 to 80 = 77.5.
Calculating your HKDSE Score:
Entry requirements are based on the aggregate of the best 5 achieved category A subjects (category B and C subjects are not considered).
For subjects other than Citizenship and Social Development: level 5**=7 points, level 5*=6 points, level 5=5 points, level 4=4 points, level 3=3 points, level 2=2 points, level 1=1 point, Level U=0 point.
For subject Citizenship and Social Development: Attained=2 points, Unattained=0 point. Citizenship and Social Development will only be counted towards the aggregate if the 2 points awarded for Attained ranks among the student’s best five scoring subjects.
If Mathematics Compulsory Part and Extended Part (Module 1 or 2) are both presented, both scores can be counted.
Calculating your Singapore A Levels:
Due to significant changes to the GCE A-Level Curriculum and University Admissions Score (UAS) calculation effective 2026, UNSW assessment is currently under review.
Note: Entry requirements published on this page are correct as of the day of publication and may change without notice.
We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please contact us for more information.
Please contact us for direct entry requirements.
Admission pathways
If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with UNSW College. UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence.
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 in the Bachelor of Actuarial Studies?
During your Bachelor of Actuarial Studies at UNSW, you’ll build the mathematical, statistical and analytical skills needed to assess risk and make data-driven financial decisions. You’ll study areas such as probability modelling, stochastic processes, financial mathematics and predictive analytics, while exploring real-world applications in insurance, superannuation, banking and investment.
Study areas and specialisations
Core topics include actuarial modelling, risk analysis, big data, and the design of financial and retirement systems. Alongside your technical training, you’ll also develop essential business and communication skills to prepare you for professional success across a range of industries.
Actuarial studies majors
Commerce majors
- AI in Business and Society
- Accounting
- Behavioural Economics
- Business Analytics
- Business Economics
- Finance
You may also choose to study a second commerce major that is on the above list, however this may result in more UOC required for degree completion. For more information, please visit the UNSW handbook.
Bachelor of Actuarial Studies program structure
The Bachelor of Actuarial Studies is a three-year degree program consisting of 24 courses. Along with core courses, you can choose to specialise in an optional actuarial studies major or an optional business major. As a major usually consists of eight courses, you also choose interesting elective courses to complete a Bachelor of Actuarial Studies degree. It’s possible to use an elective course to do an internship or other Work Integrated Learning experience (WIL).
Students must complete 144 UOC when the Bachelor of Actuarial Studies is taken as a standalone program.
These UOC are made up of:
- Level 1 Actuarial Studies Core Courses (48 UOC)
- Level 2 Actuarial Studies Core Courses (24 UOC) (Please note: ACTL2131 may be substituted by MATH2901 and MATH2931, please see below)
- Level 3 Actuarial Studies Core Courses (6 UOC)
- Level 3 Actuarial Studies Electives (18 UOC)
- Free electives (36 UOC)
- General Education (12 UOC)
Careers in actuarial studies
Actuaries are experts in financial risk and predictive analytics, using advanced data techniques to inform high-stakes decisions across business, government and society. Graduates of the UNSW Bachelor of Actuarial Studies will have the skills to analyse data, evaluate risk and develop strategies that drive long-term value.
Whether you’re working in insurance, superannuation, banking, energy or policy, your ability to apply statistical models and business insights will be in demand. With job growth for actuaries and actuarial analysts projected to rise by 11% over the next five years and average salaries around $100,000 (Seek, 2025), your expertise will be highly sought after in a data-driven world.
Actuarial studies career pathways by specialisation
| Specialisation | Example career roles | Key sectors & opportunities |
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| Risk and insurance |
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| Investments and wealth management |
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| Data science and business intelligence |
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| Financial strategy |
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What career support is available during an actuarial studies degree?
During your Bachelor of Actuarial Studies degree you’ll unlock access to opportunities through UNSW Business School’s industry and alumni networks. As one of Australia’s leading business schools, we have strong connections to industry and more than 90,000 alumni worldwide who could be connections to your future career.
UNSW Business School's Career Accelerator provides work experiences and professional development opportunities to help get you started. UNSW also supports start-ups, with more founders than any other Australian university and 350+ clubs to help you find like-minded people with complementary and diverse skillsets.
Accreditation
The Bachelor of Actuarial Studies provides a strong foundation for becoming an actuary or working within a related field. You can earn exemptions from the Actuaries Institute’s Foundation Program in Australia or VEE credit from the Society of Actuaries (US). Mutual recognition arrangements between major actuarial associations also mean that your professional qualifications are internationally transferrable.
Bachelor of Actuarial Studies double degree options
By combining actuarial studies with another degree from UNSW Business School, or another UNSW faculty, you can strengthen your career opportunities and set yourself apart.
- Advanced Mathematics (Hons): This Bachelor of Actuarial Studies / Science (Advanced Mathematics) degree equips you with advanced mathematical techniques and specialist statistical skills, preparing you to solve complex problems and make informed decisions in key areas of business.
- Commerce: The Bachelor of Actuarial Studies and Commerce degree combines core business knowledge in areas like finance and business analytics with advanced statistical analysis – equipping you to make data-driven decisions in a business environment with confidence.
- Computer Science: Explore areas like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, programming and game design – while developing strong mathematical and analytical skills with the Bachelor of Actuarial Studies and Computer Science degree.
- Economics: Combine financial mathematics with econometric analysis to make informed decisions in business, government policy or as an actuary with the Bachelor of Actuarial Studies and Economics degree.
- Information Systems: Build the analytical skills to drive smarter business decisions with a Bachelor of Actuarial Studies and Information Systems degree. Combine your mathematical analysis skills with expertise in analytics, programming and digital transformation.
- Law: The Bachelor of Actuarial Studies and Law degree is ideal for students passionate about both law and business, and keen to explore how legal and financial systems intersect.
- Science: Explore financial mathematics, data modelling and risk assessment while developing deep expertise in your chosen scientific field with a Bachelor of Actuarial Studies and Science degree.
How to apply for the Bachelor of Actuarial Studies at UNSW
Applications for undergraduate study from domestic students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens) are processed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
Visit the Apply section of the UAC website and you can nominate up to five degrees in order of preference, with the first being your most desired degree and university.
On-time applications for admission usually close at the end of September each year for Term 1 admission. Late applications can be submitted, but a late fee will apply. For study starting in Term 1, the majority of offers are made in December and January. Visit the UAC website for key dates for admission outside of Term 1.
Ready to apply?
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 details, visit the international admissions information page.
*If you are an international student studying an Australian qualification, go to the Universities Admission Centre (UAC) for application and UAC key dates. Note: If you are under 18 years of age, you need to make special arrangements. For details, visit the under 18 international students page.
Ready to apply?
Fees & scholarships for UNSW's Bachelor of Actuarial Studies
Commonwealth Supported Place: Student Contribution Band 4
*The student contribution for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 based on a standard full-time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The actual student contribution you will be liable for depends on your individual program of study and the calendar year in which you enrol. Actual fees are calculated upon enrolment. Student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the university and may increase each year during your studies (subject to caps determined by the Australian Government), effective at 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.
*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.
Progress starts here – at a world-leading university
Top 20 Worldwide
Ranked in the global top 20 for three consecutive years
QS World University Rankings, 2024–2026
Winner of the AFR Most Employable University Award six years in a row
AFR Top100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020–2025
Australia's #1 for Innovation
Highest number of startups and spinouts from university-developed tech
SCOPR report, 2024
I'm able to translate knowledge into real life practice, make an impact and truly add value at work.
