Master's Degree Risk Management Full Time

Master of Actuarial Studies

at Australian National University · Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

CRICOS course code

050802G

CRICOS provider code

00120C

This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. Verify it yourself at cricos.education.gov.au before paying any fee.

Duration

2 years

Tuition (whole course)

A$113,760 total

Per year

A$56,880/yr

Intake

Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul)

About this program

The Master of Actuarial Studies at the Australian National University (ANU), located in Canberra, is designed for students seeking advanced expertise in actuarial science and risk management. Over two years of full-time study, this coursework master's programme equips graduates with critical analytical and problem-solving skills to address financial uncertainty and inform decision-making in insurance, banking, superannuation, and risk sectors. Students will study foundational and advanced subjects such as financial mathematics, statistics, probability, and modern risk theory, alongside emerging areas relevant to the rapidly changing financial landscape.

The programme follows the typical Australian master's degree structure, consisting of individual units of study that accumulate credit points to satisfy course requirements. The curriculum offers core actuarial topics and electives that may be tailored to student interests or career goals. Some pathways also offer research components or capstone projects reflecting real-world challenges, and where appropriate, Australian institutions commonly provide opportunities for work-integrated learning or professional placements, valuable for connecting with employers and meeting professional experience requirements within Australia’s financial and insurance sectors.

Graduates develop advanced skills in data analysis, statistical modelling, financial risk assessment, and effective communication of complex information for business or policy purposes. The course suits numerically minded individuals from quantitative backgrounds, such as mathematics, statistics, economics, or finance, seeking a specialist career in the dynamic fields of actuarial science, banking, insurance, and financial regulation. As a pathway to professional actuarial accreditation, the programme has strong links to the Australian insurance, financial, and government sectors. International students must evidence English proficiency, with commonly accepted tests including IELTS, TOEFL iBT, and PTE Academic, aligning with the programme’s standards for coursework degrees.

Students on valid student visas can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during studies, and post-study work rights through the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) may apply. Prospective students should confirm programme details, English requirements, and up-to-date information on the official ANU or CRICOS course page.

Entry requirements

English: International applicants must evidence English proficiency. IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common undergraduate and coursework-postgraduate standard, rising to 7.0–7.5 for teaching, nursing, medicine, law and social work. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university’s own English programmes are accepted as equivalents; the Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself.

International students: Registered on CRICOS for international students. A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for this course supports a Student visa (subclass 500) application; Overseas Student Health Cover is required for the full duration.

Career outcomes

Actuary in insurance, superannuation, or banking sectors
Risk analyst or risk manager for financial institutions or consultancies
Financial modeller or analyst in investment and asset management
Superannuation fund manager
Quantitative analyst or credit analyst
Mathematical modeller in government or regulatory agencies
Researcher in financial and insurance mathematics

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Master of Actuarial Studies at Australian National University?

It typically takes 2 years, with intakes in Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul).

How much is the tuition?

Tuition is around A$113,760 total. Fees change yearly, confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Actuary in insurance, superannuation, or banking sectors Risk analyst or risk manager for financial institutions or consultancies Financial modeller or analyst in investment and asset management Superannuation fund manager Quantitative analyst or credit analyst Mathematical model...

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