Bachelor of Actuarial Studies/Science

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Students learning in the Science facilities at the UNSW Kensington campus

Learn to apply advanced data and analytical techniques as you dive into an area of science you’re passionate about.

Faculty

UNSW Business School

Delivery Mode

Face-to-face (includes blended)

Award

Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Actuarial Studies

Commencing Terms

Term 1, Term 2, Term 3

Duration (Full Time)

4 Year(s)

Overview

Studying this unique double degree, you’ll graduate with a distinct combination of quantitative and modelling skills from Actuarial Studies with methodological insights from your specialisation in Science.

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, 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.

The Bachelor of Science allows you to choose from 26 majors across the physical, natural and human sciences. It gives you the flexibility to explore the areas of science you’re passionate in and design a degree that suits your goals.

Both courses equip you with highly transferable skills in analytical, logical and critical thinking that can be applied across diverse industries and sectors around the world, combined with unique expertise your distinct disciplines.

Key features

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

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
Both programs incorporate practical experience. The Bachelor of Actuarial Studies offers opportunities for internships, group consulting projects, and global practicums, while the Bachelor of Science includes for-credit work placements and research internships.

Tailor your degree
Both are flexible programs that allow you to shape your degree around your interests and goals. Science allows you to explore and choose from 26 majors, while Actuarial Studies offers actuarial and commerce specialisations as well as options for minors and electives.

Why study this degree at UNSW?

UNSW Business School is ranked the #1 business school in Australia by AFR BOSS*. That means our business education leads the way in career impact, quality and reputation.

UNSW’s School of Risk and Actuarial ranks #1 worldwide in the UNL Global Research Rankings of Actuarial Science and Risk Management and Insurance^#.

We also rank #1 worldwide in risk management, insurance, and actuarial research, and has strong ties with industry leaders and major graduate employers. The UNSW School of Risk and Actuarial Studies is closely linked with major employers via collaborative projects and we are accredited by the Australian Actuaries Institute.

UNSW Science is at the forefront of many new scientific developments, teaching and innovation. Our world-class laboratories, clinics and simulators give you the tools to explore new frontiers and make meaningful scientific discoveries to benefit society.

We’re one of the top 50 universities in the world for Environmental Sciences (#31), Psychology (#25), Mathematics (#48), Geology (#38), Geophysics (#39), Materials Science (#38), Earth & Marine Science (#36) and Anatomy & Physiology (#49)^**.
We’re ranked 1st in Australia for research output in Chemistry and Physical Sciences and 2nd in Australia for research output in Earth & Environmental Sciences.^***

^{*AFR BOSS 2022 Best Business School Rankings}

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

^{***Nature Index Institution Outputs 1 Dec 2019 – 30 Nov 2020}

^{# UNL Global Research Rankings of Actuarial Science 2021}

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

2022 Lowest Selection Rank

2022 A levels

2022 IB Diploma

2022 Lowest ATAR

90.8

The 2022 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2022.

The 2022 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 2022 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2022. It is to be used as a guide only.

The 2022 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 Science: Chemistry, Mathematics Advanced or Mathematics Extension 1 (depending on area of study) plus one or more Biology, Earth and Environmental Science, Physics.

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/Science is a four-year (full-time) double degree program usually consisting of 32 courses.

The program includes:

Level 1 and 2 Actuarial Studies core courses
Level 3 Actuarial Studies electives
Optional Actuarial Studies or Commerce major
Electives courses offered by the Business School or outside of Business
General education courses from other faculties
A Science major
Science electives

Professional experiences:

In Actuarial Studies you’ll have exclusive access with work-experience and mentoring opportunities through the Business School’s Career Accelerator program
The SCIF3199 Science Work Placement course gives you the opportunity to gain work experience through an internship.
The SCIF2041 Research Internship course gives you the opportunity to complete a short theoretical or experimental research project in a world-leading research team supervised by a member of academic staff.

For further information you can visit the Bachelor of Actuarial Studies or Bachelor of Science single degree pages.

Study areas

Go to the handbook

Future careers

STEM jobs are highly skilled with 75% of people employed in the STEM workforce working in a skill level occupation equivalent to a bachelor’s degree or higher. This has made a science degree one of the most valuable degrees in Australia and abroad.

Graduates of actuarial studies are in high demand. Upon graduation you’ll be ready for a quantitative role in a range of industries including financial services, insurance, and superannuation, and be equipped help businesses, governments, not-for-profit organisations, and individuals make critical decisions for the future.

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.

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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.