New Zealand’s only Actuarial Science qualifications
Get the skills and knowledge to set you on track to become a qualified actuary. If you get good enough grades in your coursework, you can be exempt from some of the Actuaries Institute of Australia exams.
Study at the only university in New Zealand to offer Actuarial Science qualifications and courses.
Actuarial Science is a good option if you love maths and the idea of finding solutions that benefit society.
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.
Why Wellington
Take advantage of Wellington School of Business and Government’s strong links with international academic and professional bodies. Our close ties with Wellington’s public and private sectors open up opportunities for research and networking.
Choose your study path
You can study Actuarial Science as your major subject in a Bachelor of Commerce or a Bachelor of Science.
This subject is co-taught by the School of Mathematics and Statistics and the School of Economics and Finance.
If you choose this major, you could pair it with a second major, such as:
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Economics
- Finance.
Degree 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.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
Study options
Find out how you can study Actuarial Science at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Professional accreditation
Actuarial Science is a fully accredited programme with the Actuaries Institute of Australia.
If you want to become an actuary, you can get exemptions from the Institute’s foundation subjects. To earn an exemption, you need a B+ or higher in the relevant courses.
Future careers
Professional actuaries are usually involved in:
- insurance
- banking
- superannuation.
There’s also growing demand for actuarial skills within government and in a range of business disciplines, including:
- education
- finance and stockbroking
- health
- investment
- management consultancy
- software development.
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
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
Two scholarships specifically for Actuarial Science students are:
We also have first-year and school-leaver scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Actuarial Science
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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.
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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$15,000 VUW Undergraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Bachelor’s degree.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Two scholarships specifically for Actuarial Science students are:
We also offer other scholarships for different groups and subject areas. We encourage you to apply—many scholarships don’t receive enough applications.
Scholarships for Actuarial Science
-
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.
Postgraduate study
If you choose to continue to postgraduate study with us after finishing your degree, you’ll join a talented team of internationally recognised researchers doing innovative work.
If you get good results in your undergraduate study, you could go on to an Honours or Master’s degree.
Find out more about postgraduate study in Actuarial Science.
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.
Wellington Global Exchange
If you're a current student at Victoria University of Wellington, you can complete part of your degree overseas. Choose from our 140 partner universities worldwide.
Study Abroad and Exchange Programme
If you're an overseas student, you can spend a trimester or a year at Victoria University of Wellington. You'll earn credits at your home university while you study here.