Bachelor of Actuarial Studies/Science

Become a powerhouse of analytical and scientific aptitude.

Students learning in the Science facilities at the UNSW Kensington campus

Learn to see beyond the numbers using advanced data and analytical techniques as you dive into an area of science you’re passionate about.

Faculty

UNSW Business School

Award

Bachelor of Actuarial Studies, Bachelor of Science

Commencing Terms

Term 1, Term 2, Term 3

Duration (Full Time)

4 Year(s)

Overview

Are you passionate about diving into data to power decision-making? In this four-year, full-time double degree, you’ll explore financial mathematics, data modelling and risk assessment while building expertise in your scientific field of choice.

Actuaries help businesses, governments, not-for-profit organisations and individuals make critical decisions for the future by evaluating risks and opportunities. Through the Bachelor of Actuarial Studies, you’ll learn to apply advanced analytical techniques and deliver highly valued data analytics and actionable insights. You’ll also develop a specialist quantitative skill set in actuarial models, financial mathematics, probability, machine learning / artificial intelligence analytics, and commerce.

As part of the Science degree, you’ll learn how to apply your expertise to real-world challenges across a wide range of industries. With 27 majors on offer, including biology and biodiversity, chemistry, genetics and advanced physics, you’ll build your degree around your passions.

Key features

Learn from experts in their field

Our courses are taught by world-leading academic staff and professionally qualified actuaries, with involvement from industry practitioners to ensure a balanced development of skills.

Build a degree around your passions and aspirations

This double degree allows you to carve out your own unique skill set across actuarial studies and science. Both are flexible programs that will enable you to shape your degree around your interests and goals. Science allows you to explore and choose from 27 majors, while Actuarial Studies offers actuarial and commerce specialisations as well as options for minors and electives.

Pathway to professional accreditation

Gain exemptions 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.

Put theory into practice

Take advantage of our Work Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities to explore potential career paths. These experiences give you the opportunity to apply your skills in a professional context and learn alongside world-leading academics.

The Bachelor of Actuarial Studies offers opportunities for internships, group consulting projects, and global practicums, while the Bachelor of Science includes employability courses including work placements, industry projects and Research Integrated Learning (RIL).

Why study this degree at UNSW?

As one of the world’s top 20 universities*, we’re guiding the future leaders of actuarial studies and science in Australia and overseas.

UNSW Science has eight study areas ranked in the top 50 globally**, including psychology (#25), environmental sciences (#31) and earth and marine sciences (#36).

UNSW Business School is the top business school in Australia.^ Our School of Risk and Actuarial ranks #1 worldwide in the UNL Global Research Rankings of Actuarial Science and Risk Management and Insurance.^^

^{*QS World University Rankings 2024}

^{**QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023}

^{^*AFR BOSS 2022 Best Business School Rankings}

^{^^UNL Global Research Rankings of Actuarial Science 2021}
At UNSW, we balance theoretical and hands-on learning to prepare students to hit the ground running after graduation. For that reason, UNSW was named the ‘AFR Most Employable University’ at the 2023 Top100 Future Leaders Awards.

No matter which specialisation or pathway you follow, you’ll have access to dozens of professional development opportunities and be able to leverage our 400+ industry connections and research partners to start building your own professional network.
At UNSW, you’ll join a cohort of passionate students, academics and professionals, all working together to shape a better future. From peer mentoring and student support services to the 300+ clubs and societies across UNSW, you’ll connect with open-minded students whose perspectives will expand your worldview.

You’ll be able to build up your professional identity through SciConnect – an innovative online system that is integrated into your Science degree to help you settle into university, track your professional development and showcase your skills to future employers. In addition, our Career Accelerator provides a portfolio of professional development opportunities that are exclusive to UNSW Business School students and embedded within our degrees.

Program Code

3154

CRICOS Code

080474C

Campus

Kensington

UAC Code

424350

Total Units of Credit (UOC)

192

Indicative Enrolments

120

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Entry requirements

Entry to this degree 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

2023 Lowest Selection Rank

2023 A levels

2023 IB Diploma

2023 Lowest ATAR

88.05*

The 2023 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2023.

The 2023 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subject. 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 2023 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2023. It is to be used as a guide only.

The 2023 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.
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.

See more

Assumed knowledge

Mathematics Extension 1. For Bachelor of Commerce, Economics, Information System, Science, Science (Advanced Mathematics)(Honours) and Science (Computer Science): Refer to the relevant non-actuarial degree entry

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 advisors to discuss your path to UNSW.

Gateway Admission Pathway
This scheme is open to students in Years 11 and 12 who attend Gateway schools. It significantly adjusts the ATAR requirements for your preferred UNSW degree and provides you with an early conditional offer 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:

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.

International direct entry

I studied in:

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:

Check the specific English language requirements for this program

Select from the options below

Which applies to you?

Program structure

The Bachelor of Actuarial Studies/Bachelor of Science is a double degree that you can complete in four years with full-time study. You’ll complete 192 units of credit (UOC) through a combination of core courses, majors and electives.

Be empowered to lead your learning with SciConnect

SciConnect is an innovative online system that's integrated across your whole science degree. It will be there to help you settle into university, track your professional development and showcase your skills to future employers. The platform focuses on connecting you with four key areas to help you get the most out of your student experience including orientation, co-curricular opportunities and communities, career development and a graduate portfolio.

SciConnect enables you to shape your university experience and supports you in showcasing your talents to potential employers with a comprehensive impression of who you are, beyond your academic transcript.

Full program structure

Your double degree consists of:

96 units of credit from Actuarial Studies, including:

48 UOC of level one core courses
24 UOC of level two core courses
24 UOC of Actuarial electives
An optional specialisation

144 units of credit from Science, including:

Five core courses (orientation, graduate portfolio and three employability experience courses)
One Science major
An optional minor
Science elective courses (if required)

Study the structures of the human body. This major covers:

gross anatomy (form, arrangement and function of the bones, joints, muscles and internal organs)

histology (microscopic structure of tissues and cells)

embryology (development of the embryo and fetus from conception to birth)

neuroanatomy (organisation and functions of the brain and spinal cord)

biological anthropology (applying biological principles to the study of humans and non-human primates).

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Develop technologies for analysing and interpreting genetic information. You’ll learn how to design and implement software for activities such as identifying cancer genes. This major covers the foundational disciplines of bioinformatics: biology, computing algorithms and mathematics and statistics.

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Study the science of life. Biologists explore how living organisms function, grow, evolve and relate to one another and the environment in which they live. Your study will cover:

animal behaviour, morphology and physiology

plant morphology and physiology

cell biology, evolutionary studies and genetics

marine biology.

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Explore the various biological processes used to make products and perform services. Biotechnology is used for:

the production of food

industrial chemicals

the development of improved crops and livestock for farming

environmental clean-up

forensics

the production of pharmaceuticals.

Find out more

Study the world from the ground up - from the sub-atomic, atomic and molecular to the spectacular. This major is designed for students who wish to specialise in the chemical sciences.

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Gain a broad introduction to the science of the Earth's climate system. You’ll gain an understanding of the fundamentals of atmospheric science, oceanography and chemistry. You’ll also have the option of focusing your studies in areas such as climate and vegetation, hydrology, biology, biogeochemistry or environmental and resource management.

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Explore the science of nature and the evolution of our planet. This major covers everything from the structure of natural crystals and formation of fossils to the powerful forces that drive earthquakes and volcanoes.

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Explore how various organisms including mammals, invertebrates, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, plants and microbes interact with one another and with their environment.

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Explore the fundamental sciences involved in food processes, food commodities, food composition and food quality. In this major, you’ll study food production, handling, processing, preservation, distribution and marketing, right through to consumption and use by consumers.

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In humans and all other species, genes influence every characteristic, from appearance to behaviour to disease. This major offers a general introduction to the discipline before delving into more specialised areas including molecular genetics, human genetics, plant and microbial molecular biology and conservation biology.

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Study the Earth’s landscapes, peoples, places and environments. This major explores how natural and built environments function and change over time. Discover how these environments enhance or constrain human activity.

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This major provides an in-depth study of immunology, pathology and microbiology. It’ll prepare you to unlock better treatments and prevention strategies for immune-related illnesses. This major is particularly beneficial for students who want to pursue a career in the health sciences.

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Explore all aspects of the marine environment, from biology to geology and the many sciences in between. This major can be studied with an emphasis on biology, earth sciences, climatology or oceanography.

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Everything we use is made of materials, yet only a handful of these materials occur naturally. The rest have been microscopically engineered originally by nature, but increasingly by materials scientists and engineers. This major is the foundation for creating high-performance components and devices from metals, ceramics, polymers and composites for use in society.

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Mathematics underpins all corners of science and technology and is a vibrant and fascinating field of study. Mathematics specialisations can be broadly categorised into the following:

Pure mathematics is the study of concepts that transcend specific applications.

Applied mathematics develops models for the social, economic and natural sciences to make sense of scientific phenomena and solve technical/industrial problems.

Statistics can also be studied within a mathematics major or as a stand-alone major.

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Delve into the study of pure mathematics, applied mathematics, statistics and computing as you prepare for a career in education. This major is only open to students enrolled concurrently in both a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Education program. It meets all accreditation requirements with the NSW Institute of Teachers.

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Study the smallest forms of life: bacteria, viruses, archaea, fungi and protozoa. These fascinating organisms cause disease in humans, animals and plants and spoil our food. On the positive side, they also turn the biological wheels on Earth and are responsible for the sustainability of life.

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Explore molecular structures, the processes of cellular life and their roles in the function, reproduction and development of living organisms. Cell biology studies the basic unit of life, the cell, including:

cell anatomy

cell division

cell processes such as cell respiration and cell death.

Molecular biology is a marriage of biochemistry, microbiology and cell biology.

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Study the biological and behavioural aspects of the nervous system. The nervous system includes the:

central nervous system (brain and spinal cord)

peripheral nervous system (nerves in limbs, muscles and organs).

This major is based on the neuroscience courses offered by the School of Psychology and UNSW’s Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology Departments.

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Examine how and why diseases develop, what happens to our bodies when we’re ill and the effects of diseases. Pathology involves the study of diseases, such as infections and cancers, at the genetic, molecular, cellular and organ levels.

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Explore the effect that drugs have on living tissues and the normal body functions of humans and animals. This major looks at the efficacy of drugs, the ability of the body to metabolise them and the toxicology/side effects of drugs.

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Study the physical conditions and physical processes within the ocean such as waves, currents and tides, its interaction with the atmosphere and its role in climate. Through this major, you’ll gain an understanding of the mathematical equations that describe fluid flow and how these are used in the context of the ocean.

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Physics is the study of the laws of nature that govern the behaviour of the universe, from the smallest sub-atomic particles to the universe itself. It applies these laws to the solution of practical and theoretical problems and to the development of new technologies.

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This major is all about what makes human bodies work. Explore how the organs function, how humans grow and develop, how humans sustain bodily functions and what happens to these processes during disease and ageing.

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Study human behaviour and mental processes. Psychology is a broad field that includes:

brain-behaviour relationships

the processes of perceiving, learning, memory and thinking

the assessment of abilities and attitudes

the origins of personality and emotional states

the nature and effects of social interactions with other people.

This major is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) and when combined with honours, it satisfies the minimum requirement for provisional registration. It acts as the first step in the six-year pathway to becoming a registered psychologist.

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This major provides comprehensive training in:

probability and stochastic processes

statistical inference and modelling

modern statistical computing methods.

Third-year electives allow you to further develop your statistical capabilities according to your own interests.

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Study the sensory processes that underlie vision and vision-related technologies. This major covers:

optics

anatomy and functioning of the eye

eye disorders

clinical optometry

ocular therapy

sensation and perception

psychophysics

research design/methods.

Find out more

Download Sample Program

Go to the handbook

Future careers

Studying Actuarial and Science as a dual degree at UNSW will unlock a world of possibilities upon graduation. You’ll gain transferable skills that can be applied across a variety of industries and functions.

With a Bachelor of Science, you can work in areas as diverse as pharmaceutical and medical research, public policy, environmental research, oceanography, food manufacturing, science education and meteorology. With the combined expertise of an Actuarial Studies degree, you’ll unlock roles in a range of industries, including financial services, insurance and superannuation.

Explore our study areas below to discover the range of potential career paths available across the fields of science and business.

Science study areas

Business study areas

Potential careers

Actuarial/forecasting/data analyst
Business consultant
Clinical research associate
Quality assurance officer
Research scientist
Statistical research analyst
Statistician

Honours

Take your Actuarial Studies knowledge to the next level with an additional one-year Honours degree, where you'll gain advanced knowledge and research skills in your chosen area of business. You'll have the opportunity to be mentored by top-tier researchers and work on industry relevant projects while undertaking a significant research thesis. Graduate with advanced knowledge, analytical, problem-solving and research skills that are highly sought after in business and government. Learn more about Actuarial Studies Honours.

Accreditation

You can gain exemption from the Foundation Program of the Actuaries Institute professional examinations, the Core Principles courses of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (UK) professional examinations and the Validation by Educational Experience (VEE) credit for the Society of Actuaries (USA) and Casualty Actuarial Society (USA), by achieving the required academic standard in the professionally accredited courses in their Actuarial Studies program.

Similarly, some students (esp. Actuarial Studies (Co-op) students and double degree students) may also be eligible to gain exemption from the university accreditation components of the Associate Program of the Actuaries Institute professional examinations.

How to apply

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 start your application?

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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.

*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. Read more.

Ready to start your application?

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Fees & Scholarships

2023 Indicative First Year Full Fee

$15,140*

Commonwealth Supported Place multiple Student Contribution Bands may apply for this double degree. See single degrees for the applicable fee bands.*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.

2023 Indicative First Year Fee

$46,630*

2023 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree

$195,215*

*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.

Explore Scholarships