Course overview
Combine mathematics, statistics, finance and data analysis to help organisations make considered decisions and manage uncertainty and risk.
In this course, you’ll develop advanced skills in probability, financial mathematics, data analytics, demographics, economics and risk modelling. You’ll learn to analyse complex information, assess the potential consequences of decisions and communicate your findings clearly.
With our Accelerated Bachelor-Master pathway, you can complete your Master of Actuarial Science in just one additional year of study. Based on your performance, you may earn up to eight exemptions towards your professional actuarial qualification from the Actuaries Institute.
As an actuarial scientist, you could apply your skills in established areas such as financial services, insurance and government, as well as in emerging fields such as AI, sustainability and energy. Your career could even take you to influential executive roles such as CEO, Head of Risk, Lead Partner and Chief Actuary.
See the Course structure tab to learn more.
Career outcomes
Actuaries work around the world, solving complex financial and business challenges.
These in-demand skills can lead to a rewarding and well-paid career. Graduate actuaries earn an average starting salary of $85,000, while Fellows and senior actuaries can earn more than $320,000 per year.¹
Careers
- Actuary
- Risk manager
- Business analyst
- Quantitative and investment analyst
- Data scientist
Industries
- Banking and finance
- Insurance
- Superannuation
- Energy
- Mining and resources
- Public sector finance and infrastructure
- Education
- Health
¹ Source: Actuaries Institute – Why become an actuary. (Accessed July 2026)
Professional accreditation and recognition
This course is accredited in Australia by the Actuaries Institute, and it's the only accredited actuary course offered by a Western Australian university.
Through the Accelerated Bachelor Master pathway, you can progress to the Master of Actuarial Science. Based on your performance, you may then receive up to eight exemptions towards your professional actuarial qualification from the Actuaries Institute.
Why study at Curtin?
WA’s only accredited actuarial program
Graduate from the only actuarial program in Western Australia accredited by the Actuaries Institute.
Bachelor Master pathway
Get your bachelor and master degrees in just four years and earn up to eight exemptions towards professional actuarial qualification.
Build practical actuarial skills
Develop the skills to model uncertainty, evaluate financial consequences, develop sustainable solutions and explain complex ideas clearly.
Your student experience
Work-integrated learning at Curtin: explore a Universe of opportunity
Develop real-world experience before you graduate. Learn how work-integrated learning helps you build career skills and connect with industry early.
Thinking about uni? Five reasons Curtin could be your best move
Not sure if uni is for you? Explore five clear reasons students choose Curtin – from flexible pathways and support to real-world skills and outcomes.
Find your entry pathway to Curtin
You may be finishing high school, coming from TAFE, or just thinking of a career change; but whatever your background, there’s an entry pathway to Curtin for you.
Course structure
In this course, you’ll learn to become an expert in understanding and managing medium- and long-term risk in financial decisions and planning.
In your first year, you’ll build foundations in probability, statistics, calculus and linear algebra, while exploring how actuaries work in insurance, finance and investment.
In your second year, you’ll move into advanced topics such as financial engineering, dealing with uncertainty, corporate finance and statistical modelling.
In your third year, you can continue to our Accelerated Bachelor Master pathway – the recommended option for this degree. This allows you to complete an additional fourth year of study and graduate with a Master of Actuarial Science.
If you don’t meet the entry requirements or prefer a different career path, you can complete a Bachelor pathway and graduate after three years.
Accelerated Bachelor Master pathway
This pathway is recommended if you want to become a professional actuary.
You’ll study the Actuarial Science Pre-Masters stream, designed to prepare you for master degree-level study, with advanced actuarial units.
You’ll then enrol into the final year of the Master of Actuarial Science. Based on your performance, you may earn up to eight exemptions towards your professional actuarial qualification from the Actuaries Institute.
Notes:
- This pathway requires a Course Weighted Average (CWA) of at least 70% at the end of your second year.
- This pathway requires an additional year of study in the Master of Actuarial Science, and so additional tuition fees apply. Visit the course page for tuition fee information.
- Starting mid-year may extend your course duration.
Bachelor pathways
These pathways are ideal if you don’t meet the Accelerated Bachelor Master pathway requirements, want a different career path, or prefer to complete a three-year degree.
In your third year, you’ll choose from the following majors:
- Actuarial Science: This is recommended if you intend to complete further studies and qualify as an actuary. This major can give you the opportunity, based on performance, to obtain up to six exemptions from the Actuaries Institute Foundation Program.
- Actuarial and Applied Statistics: This is best if you want to broaden your expertise in data analysis and statistics without pursuing an actuarial career. (This major does not cover all Foundation Program subjects.)
After completing three years of study, you’ll graduate with a Bachelor of Actuarial Science.
Note: To study the Actuarial Science major, you’ll need a minimum CWA of 70% at the end of your second year.
Detailed course structure and unit information
For detailed information and course structure, visit our Handbook.
Entry requirements
To study this course, you must meet the entry criteria:
- any course-specific requirements
- course ATAR, or equivalent, demonstrated via an accepted entry pathway
- English language requirement.
I am an international student
Studying on an Australian student visa? See entry requirement details for international students.
Minimum ATAR entry required
This course requires you to achieve a minimum ATAR/selection rank to be considered for entry, but does not guarantee selection.
Course-specific requirements
You’ll also need to meet any specific requirements to be eligible to apply for this course.
Entry pathways
There are different ways to meet our academic entry requirements. Choose the option that best suits the highest level of education that you’ve achieved.
Curious how students entered this course? See the entry pathways other students have taken.
Study credit and support
You may be able to receive study credit or support based on your previous experience or personal circumstances.
Get credit towards your degree
You may be able to receive credit for recognised learning (CRL) from past study or professional experience, which could reduce the time it takes to finish your course.
Find specific details about CRL for this course on the Handbook.
Special consideration
If your studies were affected by circumstances beyond your control, you may be eligible for special consideration when applying to Curtin. This process is available to new applicants only and allows your application to be assessed in light of those circumstances.
Additional information
Notes about this course
Make sure you check the course notes for any other important information.
Fees
Scholarships
Get the support you need to succeed with our diverse range of scholarships. Whether it’s financial support, assistance with relocation, or recognition for your academic achievements, we have scholarships tailored to your unique needs.
How to apply
Follow these steps to make sure you’re eligible, prepared and ready to apply for your course.
Check entry requirements
Entry requirements differ by course and your previous work and study experience.
Prepare your documents
The documents you need may vary depending on your course and application pathway.
Check application deadlines
Deadlines vary by course and whether you’re applying as a domestic or international student.
Choose your application pathway
I’m in year 12 or applying for Medicine
If you’re in year 12 or recently finished high school, you’ll need to apply through TISC.
You’ll apply through TISC no matter what you studied in high school, whether that was:
- ATAR
- General subjects
- Certificate IV
- or completing UniReady in Schools program.
TISC has different application dates to Curtin. Visit the TISC website for all important dates, including application deadlines.
I have finished high school
If you’re not a current year 12 student or recent graduate, you’re considered a non school leaver and you’ll apply directly to Curtin.
The only exception is Medicine, which must be applied for through TISC.
You’ll apply directly to Curtin if you are:
- a high school graduate who finished school last year or earlier
- transferring from another university
- returning to study or using your professional experience to qualify
- progressing from a VET or TAFE qualification or bridging program
- a current Curtin student changing courses or campuses.
Application deadlines can vary by course. Make sure to check application deadlines before you apply.
ApplyLocation and delivery
Thinking about starting soon? Course availability can vary by location and study period. Check the course handbook for details on when and where you can start your studies.
For full entry requirements, fees and information for international students, visit the course page.
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