Course overview
Combine mathematics, statistics, finance and data analysis to help organisations make considered decisions and manage uncertainty and risk.
In this course, you’ll develop advanced skills in probability, financial mathematics, data analytics, demographics, economics and risk modelling. You’ll learn to analyse complex information, assess the potential consequences of decisions and communicate your findings clearly.
With our Accelerated Bachelor-Master pathway, you can complete your Master of Actuarial Science in just one additional year of study. Based on your performance, you may earn up to eight exemptions towards your professional actuarial qualification from the Actuaries Institute.
As an actuarial scientist, you could apply your skills in established areas such as financial services, insurance and government, as well as in emerging fields such as AI, sustainability and energy. Your career could even take you to influential executive roles such as CEO, Head of Risk, Lead Partner and Chief Actuary.
See the Course structure tab to learn more.
Career outcomes
Actuaries work around the world, solving complex financial and business challenges.
These in-demand skills can lead to a rewarding and well-paid career. Graduate actuaries earn an average starting salary of $85,000, while Fellows and senior actuaries can earn more than $320,000 per year.¹
Careers
- Actuary
- Risk manager
- Business analyst
- Quantitative and investment analyst
- Data scientist
Industries
- Banking and finance
- Insurance
- Superannuation
- Energy
- Mining and resources
- Public sector finance and infrastructure
- Education
- Health
¹ Source:
Professional accreditation and recognition
This course is accredited in Australia by the , and it's the only accredited actuary course offered by a Western Australian university.
Through the Accelerated Bachelor Master pathway, you can progress to the Master of Actuarial Science. Based on your performance, you may then receive up to eight exemptions towards your professional actuarial qualification from the Actuaries Institute.
Why study at Curtin?
WA’s only accredited actuarial program
Graduate from the only actuarial program in Western Australia accredited by the Actuaries Institute.
Bachelor Master pathway
Get your bachelor and master degrees in just four years and earn up to eight exemptions towards professional actuarial qualification.
Build practical actuarial skills
Develop the skills to model uncertainty, evaluate financial consequences, develop sustainable solutions and explain complex ideas clearly.
Your student experience
Work-integrated learning at Curtin: explore a Universe of opportunity
Develop real-world experience before you graduate. Learn how work-integrated learning helps you build career skills and connect with industry early.
How Curtin can help me get career-ready
At Curtin, we’re here to support you in boosting your employability and achieving your professional goals.
Discover why international students love Western Australia
Choosing where to study for your degree is a major decision. You want to enjoy your university years in a place that is welcoming, offers unique experiences, and will give you a globally recognised degree.
Course structure
In this course, you’ll learn to become an expert in understanding and managing medium- and long-term risk in financial decisions and planning.
In your first year, you’ll build foundations in probability, statistics, calculus and linear algebra, while exploring how actuaries work in insurance, finance and investment.
In your second year, you’ll move into advanced topics such as financial engineering, dealing with uncertainty, corporate finance and statistical modelling.
In your third year, you can continue to our Accelerated Bachelor Master pathway – the recommended option for this degree. This allows you to complete an additional fourth year of study and graduate with a Master of Actuarial Science.
If you don’t meet the entry requirements or prefer a different career path, you can complete a Bachelor pathway and graduate after three years.
Accelerated Bachelor Master pathway
This pathway is recommended if you want to become a professional actuary.
You’ll study the Actuarial Science Pre-Masters stream, designed to prepare you for master degree-level study, with advanced actuarial units.
You’ll then enrol into the final year of the Master of Actuarial Science. Based on your performance, you may earn up to eight exemptions towards your professional actuarial qualification from the Actuaries Institute.
Notes:
- This pathway requires a Course Weighted Average (CWA) of at least 70% at the end of your second year.
- This pathway requires an additional year of study in the Master of Actuarial Science, and so additional tuition fees apply. Visit the course page for tuition fee information.
- Starting mid-year may extend your course duration.
Bachelor pathways
These pathways are ideal if you don’t meet the Accelerated Bachelor Master pathway requirements, want a different career path, or prefer to complete a three-year degree.
In your third year, you’ll choose from the following majors:
- Actuarial Science: This is recommended if you intend to complete further studies and qualify as an actuary. This major can give you the opportunity, based on performance, to obtain up to six exemptions from the Foundation Program.
- Actuarial and Applied Statistics: This is best if you want to broaden your expertise in data analysis and statistics without pursuing an actuarial career. (This major does not cover all Foundation Program subjects.)
After completing three years of study, you’ll graduate with a Bachelor of Actuarial Science.
Note: To study the Actuarial Science major, you’ll need a minimum CWA of 70% at the end of your second year.
Detailed course structure and unit information
For detailed information and course structure, visit our .
Entry requirements
To apply for entry into this course, you must have met:
- the course ATAR (Australian Tertiary Academic Rank) or equivalent recognised overseas qualification
- any course-specific requirements
- the English language requirement.
You’re viewing international entry requirements
Applying as a domestic student? See entry requirement details for domestic students.
Course-specific requirements
You’ll also need to meet any specific requirements to be eligible to apply for this course.
Academic equivalences
You’ll need to demonstrate ATAR equivalence using a recognised qualification. The table below shows common qualifications recognised by Curtin and their indicative equivalent cut-off scores for this course.
Admission cut-off scores by qualification
Australian qualification
Score
ATAR
92
Equivalent qualification
GCE A Level / STPM (best of 3)
13
HKDSE
24
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
37
Canadian Provincial High School Diploma %
84%
WAUFP (CPS)
71
India (CBSE and ISC) %
85%
India (HSC) %
88%
Sri Lanka GCE A level
13
Qualification not listed?
Find your qualification by searching for your home country to find the score you’ll require to demonstrate ATAR equivalence.
Select country:
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Australia
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Bangladesh
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Botswana
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Brazil
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Brunei
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Canada
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China
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Germany
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Hong Kong
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India
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Indonesia
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Iran
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Japan
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Kenya
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Korea
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Malaysia
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Mauritius
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Myanmar
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Nepal
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Norway
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Oman
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Pakistan
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Philippines
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Russia
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Saudi Arabia
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Singapore
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South Africa
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Spain
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Sri Lanka
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Taiwan
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Tanzania
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Thailand
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US
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United Arab Emirates
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United Kingdom
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Vietnam
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Zambia
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Zimbabwe
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Other
Get credit towards your degree
You may be able to receive credit for recognised learning (CRL) from past study or professional experience, which could reduce the time it takes to finish your course.
Check the for course-specific details about credits.
Additional information
Notes about this course
Make sure you check the course notes for any other important information.
Fees
2027 International indicative fees
Indicative year 1 fee
$42,272*
Total indicative course fee
$126,816*
Important information about fees
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Fees are indicative only.
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*First-year fees are based on a first-year full-time study load of 200 credits. Your fees will vary depending on the units you choose.
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Tuition fees are reviewed annually and may increase each year.
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This indicative fee does not include other fees like administrative and incidental fees (such as lab coats or art supplies) or the cost of your textbooks. Visit fees and charges for more information.
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These fees apply to international students enrolled at one of Curtin’s Australian campuses. For information about fees at Curtin’s global locations, visit the relevant campus website.
Scholarships
Get the support you need to succeed with our diverse range of scholarships. Whether it’s financial support, assistance with relocation, or recognition for your academic achievements, we have scholarships tailored to your unique needs.
John Curtin Excellence Scholarship
Through the John Curtin Global Excellence Scholarship, eligible students will receive 40% off the tuition fee.
Merit Scholarship
Rewarding academic performance and empowering students to continue their education in their chosen field. Eligible students will receive 20% off the tuition fee.
Global Future Leaders Scholarship
Giving international students the opportunity to pursue their ambitions and receive a world-class education. Eligible students will receive a one-off tuition fee credit of A$10,000 to help support their studies.
How to apply
Follow these steps to make sure you’re eligible, prepared and ready to apply for your course.
Check entry requirements
Entry requirements differ by course and your previous work and study experience.
Prepare your documents
The documents you need may vary depending on your course and application pathway.
Check application deadlines
Deadlines vary by course and whether you’re applying as a domestic or international student.
Choose your application pathway
Apply through an agent
A registered Curtin agent will lodge your application to Curtin on your behalf. They can also answer any questions you may have about applying, courses, student visas and scholarships.
Apply directly to Curtin
Depending on your country’s requirements, you may be able to apply directly to Curtin without using an agent.
Application deadlines can vary by course. Make sure to check application deadlines before you apply.
Apply nowLocation and delivery
Thinking about starting soon? Course availability can vary by location and study period. for details on when and where you can start your studies.
For full entry requirements, fees and information for international students, visit the course page.
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