Sustainable societies need actuaries
Actuaries will always be in high demand to plan for the future. They predict and analyse financial risks and solve business problems in many industries. They also contribute to policy work on climate change, future health and retirement needs, and natural disaster planning.
In this field, you’ll make decisions that directly affect people’s lives. You could work on investment programmes, design insurance products, manage pension schemes, or advise governments on long-term planning. Along the way, you’ll build strong professional skills, including problem-solving, negotiation, and influencing.
Actuarial Science is well suited to graduates in mathematics, statistics, or finance. You’ll strengthen your ability to analyse uncertain financial data, tackle complex risk problems, make sound decisions under uncertainty, and clearly communicate technical ideas to a range of stakeholders.
Actuaries are among the most sought-after professionals in the business world. Our programme provides a pathway to actuarial accreditation, as well as giving you the financial and analytical skills that you'll need to succeed in your career.
Choose your study path
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.
Qualification support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser through our enquiry form.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
For the research portion of your study, you’ll need a supervisor to help guide your research. Your programme coordinator will work with you to find the right person.
Study options
Find out how you can study Postgraduate Actuarial Science at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Why Wellington
Wellington is the administrative and financial centre of New Zealand. Take advantage of the University's connections with government agencies such as the Treasury and the Reserve Bank, and many other private sector institutions and professional bodies.
International recognition
Wellington School of Business and Government is among the top 1% of business schools worldwide that hold the ‘Triple Crown’ of international business education accreditations. By studying here, you can be confident your qualification will be recognised globally for its quality.
Future careers
Gain an edge in the job market. Your skills will be in strong demand globally and in New Zealand—with the only Master’s level actuarial sciences qualification offered in the country.
You’ll connect with organisations in the public and private sectors that employ actuaries. This will give you the chance to build a strong network of contacts that will benefit 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 can provide you with a fast track to Actuaries Institute of Australia qualifications, which are recognised in New Zealand, Australia, and many other countries.
More career information
Find out more about careers in actuarial science on our 'What can I do with my degree' page for this subject.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships for Business and Government
-
In honour of Jonathan Nicholls (ACC's Head of Actuarial Services who passed away in early 2015), ACC wishes to promote the actuarial profession in much the same way that Jonathan did. ACC is dedicated to supporting Actuarial Science students and others looking to pursue a career in the actuarial profession.
-
The fund, which was established at the time of the renovation of the C3 lecture theatre, is to assist a second-year student from any faculty in their studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
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.
Other scholarships
We also have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas.
Scholarships for Business and Government
-
In honour of Jonathan Nicholls (ACC's Head of Actuarial Services who passed away in early 2015), ACC wishes to promote the actuarial profession in much the same way that Jonathan did. ACC is dedicated to supporting Actuarial Science students and others looking to pursue a career in the actuarial profession.
Join our postgraduate community
The Postgraduate Students’ Association provides a voice for you on campus and information on studying at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Postgraduate Students’ Association
MAI ki Pōneke
MAI ki Pōneke are part of an international network of Māori and Indigenous postgraduate students. They provide advice, support, and information to Indigenous postgraduate students of all levels, as well as those thinking about enrolling.
Eric Ulm
Associate Professor of Actuarial Science
Toby Daglish
Head of School
Hai Lin
Professor of Finance
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you’re facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Apply for a New Zealand study visa
You’ll need to apply for a study visa if you plan to study with us as an international student.
You should apply for your visa after you’ve received your Offer of Place, and before you come to New Zealand.