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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.

Programmes

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

MActSc Master of Actuarial Science

  • Duration trimesters
  • Fees NZ$17,164for the full programme
  • Schedule Daytime lectures
  • Intensity Full time or part time
  • Starts 23 Feb 2026 (+ -2 more)
  • Type Coursework
  • Location Pipitea Campus
  • Complete 180 points (11 courses)
  • Entry 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.

PGDipActSc Postgraduate Diploma in Actuarial Science

  • Duration trimesters
  • Fees NZ$11,454for the full programme
  • Schedule Daytime lectures
  • Intensity Full time or part time
  • Starts 23 Feb 2026 (+ -2 more)
  • Type Coursework
  • Location Pipitea Campus
  • Complete 120 points (8 courses)
  • Entry An appropriate Bachelor’s degree in Actuarial Science, Finance, Statistics, or a related field, with the equivalent of at least a B+ average standard in the relevant subject.

PGCertActSc Postgraduate Certificate in Actuarial Science

  • Duration trimester
  • Fees NZ$5,742for the full programme
  • Schedule Daytime lectures
  • Intensity Full time or part time
  • Starts 23 Feb 2026 (+ -2 more)
  • Type Coursework
  • Location Pipitea Campus
  • Complete 60 points (4 courses)
  • Entry An appropriate Bachelor’s degree in Actuarial Science, Finance, Statistics, or a related field, with the equivalent of at least a B+ average standard in the relevant subject.

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 information
  • solve complex problems
  • make accurate and methodical decisions
  • communicate complicated scenarios.

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.