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Master of Actuarial Science

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Course details

Master of Actuarial Science
NZQF Level 9

About the course

Kick start your career as an actuary with New Zealand's only Master’s-level actuarial science qualification.

Sustainable societies need actuaries

Actuaries will always be in demand to plan for the future. They predict and analyse financial risks and solve business problems in many industries, and can contribute to policy work on climate change, future health and retirement provision, and natural disaster planning.

Make an impact

Actuaries make recommendations and decisions that have an impact on people’s lives. You could work on investment programmes in the private or public sectors, design life insurance products, manage pension schemes, or advise government on retirement, education, and health planning.

During your studies, you will hone your professional skills and develop practical competence in problem-solving, negotiating, and influencing.

Download the latest prospectus

Find out more about your study options. Fill in a form to download our professional and postgraduate programme prospectus.

Get the prospectus

Scholarships for international students

We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme. Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.

Gain an edge in the job market

The Master of Actuarial Science is the only Master’s-level actuarial science qualification offered in New Zealand. Your skills will be in strong demand globally and in New Zealand.

Your studies will connect you with organisations in the public and private sectors that employ actuaries, giving you the opportunity to build a powerful network of contacts that will benefit you in your future career.

A fast track to professional accreditation

Qualified and accredited actuaries belong to professional bodies to show employers and clients that they have the expertise and knowledge needed to be a successful actuary. It is a profession that is highly regarded for its skills, ethics, and professionalism.

The Master of Actuarial Science will provide you with a fast track to Actuaries Institute of Australia accreditation, which is recognised in both New Zealand and Australia. Graduates will be exempt from all but two of the exams required for accreditation, allowing you to become an accredited actuary faster.

Build on your mathematics, statistics, and finance expertise

Mathematics, statistics, or finance graduates are among those ideally suited to study this programme. You’ll hone your abilities to:

  • analyse and interpret financial and stochastic information
  • solve complex problems in risk management
  • make accurate and methodical decisions under uncertainty
  • communicate complicated scenarios to relevant stakeholders.

Diploma and certificate options

Depending on your goals, you can opt for a shorter postgraduate Actuarial Science qualification by doing the Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma in Actuarial Science. Both programmes are a great way to experience some of the courses included in the Master of Actuarial Science programme.

As well as being valuable qualifications in their own right, courses completed as part of the Certificate and Diploma can count towards the full Master’s programme, if you decide to continue your studies.

Scholarships

You can look for scholarships based on your level of study, subject area, and background.

Learn about how and what you’ll study for the Master of Actuarial Science.

The following study plan allows you to avoid timetable clashes.

Trimester 1, 2026

Trimester 2, 2026

Trimester 3, 2026

  • 60 points of elective courses (usually four 15‑point courses).

Workload and duration

The workload is about 15 hours per course each week.

Full time

Full-time MActSc students can expect a workload of 60 hours per week. You can complete the MActSc in three trimesters of full-time study—12 months.

Part time

Part-time MActSc students can take between one and four courses per trimester.

You must complete all your courses within four years of enrolling in the programme.

Workload and duration

The workload is about 15 hours per course each week. Expect a workload of around 60 hours per week.

You will be able to complete the MActSc in three trimesters of full-time study—12 months.

Entry requirements

Domestic entry requirements

An appropriate Bachelor’s degree with a major in Actuarial Science, Finance, Statistics or a related field, with the equivalent of at least a B+ average standard in the relevant subject.

English language requirements

You may also be required to demonstrate your proficiency in English.

About the provider

Victoria University of Wellington, full name Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, was founded in 1897 and is one of New Zealand’s largest and most prestigious universities. The University is located in the heart of New Zealand’s vibrant capital city and its three city campuses are all within easy walking distance of one another, as well as local attractions, shopping districts, and cafés.

The University’s central location gives students access to a variety of national organisations in the areas of business, government, politics, culture and heritage, the arts and filmmaking industry, as well as the science and technology communities. Wellington is a compact city where students can easily explore nature trails, beaches, galleries, museums, and events. It is multicultural, safe, friendly, and has a reputation for great food and coffee—it regularly ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities.  

Victoria University of Wellington at a glance

  • Top 1% of the world's universities for research quality and teaching
  • 170+ subjects
  • 20 undergraduate programmes and 180 postgraduate programmes
  • 40+ research institutes and 4 libraries
  • 3,000 of our 17,000 students are international students, from 120+ countries
  • 130+ clubs and societies
  • 5+ stars from the latest QS Stars Rating of Excellence
  • #1 in New Zealand for research intensity (in the latest assessment of the Performance-Based Research Fund)
  • Wellington School of Business and Government is one of an elite group of commerce faculties worldwide that hold the Triple Crown of international accreditations of EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA
  • Top 2% of the world’s universities (QS World University Rankings 2026)
  • Top 100 in the world in 7 subjects (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)


Graduate outcomes*

  • Of the graduates who responded that they are currently working full time, 91% were employed prior to or within 6 months of degree completion.
  • 67% were in full-time employment.

*Based on those who completed the 2023–2024 Graduate Destinations Survey.


Entry requirements

To study at Victoria University of Wellington, international students need:

  • a good command of the English language
  • a good record of academic achievement.

Entry requirements are provided under each programme. The University considers each student’s academic and English-language background when assessing applications. If a student doesn’t meet entry requirements, our team can help them meet their study goals.


If a student doesn’t meet the entry requirements for:

  • English language - Students can apply for our English for Academic Purposes programme
  • Undergraduate study - Students can apply for our Foundation Studies programme
  • Postgraduate study - Students can talk to us to help build a pathway to their degree


Student support

The University offers complete support for students through a range of wellbeing and learning services. These include a specialised international team that is dedicated to supporting students during their studies, which helps international students meet new friends and settle into university and Wellington life.

Some of the support services include:

  • dedicated international student orientation and events
  • a free arrival meeting service at the airport
  • the International Buddy Programme, where you get paired with a ‘buddy’ from the get-go

Students can make the most of the many opportunities to get involved in different communities, embrace new experiences, and develop skills for their future careers. The university encourages all students to develop strong global citizenship skills through their studies and extracurricular programmes such as the Kitea Impact Programme, which is also free to join.

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External links

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