Bachelor of Actuarial Studies/Bachelor of Laws (082787C)

Course overview

Bachelor of Actuarial Studies/Bachelor of Laws (CRICOS course code 082787C) is a Bachelor Degree (AQF Level 7) delivered by The University of New South Wales (UNSW) over 5 years (260 weeks). The course falls under the field of education '08 - Management and Commerce', specifically '0811 - Banking, Finance and Related Fields', with a focus on '081103 - Insurance and Actuarial Studies'. This dual qualification means you graduate with two bachelor's degrees simultaneously: a Bachelor of Actuarial Studies and a Bachelor of Laws. UNSW is a government-owned university (CRICOS 00098G) consistently ranked among the world's top universities. International students choose UNSW for its strong industry connections, research output, and location in Sydney—Australia's largest city with over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses. The course is taught in English at UNSW's Kensington campus. As with all CRICOS-registered courses, this program is protected under the ESOS Act, ensuring quality education and student rights. HeadStart Academy is a free resource with no referral fees; data is sourced directly from the CRICOS register (April 2026).

What you'll study

This combined degree covers the core disciplines of actuarial studies and law. In the actuarial component, you will develop skills in mathematical modelling, statistics, financial mathematics, and risk assessment—essential for careers in insurance, superannuation, and investment. The law component provides a foundational understanding of the Australian legal system, contract law, torts, criminal law, and constitutional law. At this level (AQF Level 7, Bachelor Degree), graduates are expected to demonstrate broad theoretical and technical knowledge, as well as cognitive and communication skills to analyse and evaluate information. Dual qualifications like this are designed for students seeking interdisciplinary expertise; you will learn to apply quantitative reasoning to legal contexts. Note that this is general guidance; for a specific syllabus, refer to UNSW's course handbook. UNSW's business school and law school are both highly regarded, and the course leverages Sydney's position as a financial and legal hub. The field of Insurance and Actuarial Studies is growing globally, and Australia offers strong employment prospects for graduates.

Duration and study mode

The course duration is 5 years (260 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. It is delivered in English, and as a dual qualification, you complete both the Bachelor of Actuarial Studies and the Bachelor of Laws concurrently. This means you study a combination of actuarial science and law subjects each year, rather than completing one degree after the other. Dual degrees are popular in Australia as they allow students to gain two qualifications in a shorter time than studying them separately. The study mode is likely full-time on-campus; check with UNSW for any online or part-time options. The Kensington campus in Sydney provides access to libraries, study spaces, and student support services. International students should note that the course duration meets the requirements for a Student visa (Subclass 500), which typically allows a stay matching the course length. The 260-week duration includes scheduled breaks. As with all CRICOS-registered courses, the provider must deliver the course as approved, protecting your enrolment.

Fees (indicative)

The indicative fees for Bachelor of Actuarial Studies/Bachelor of Laws at UNSW are as follows: tuition fee A$297,000, non-tuition fee A$5,000 (which may cover materials, uniforms, or other costs), and an estimated total of A$302,000. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change by UNSW. Importantly, these figures do NOT include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the visa application charge. For a single international student, annual living costs in Sydney are approximately A$20,000 to A$25,000, including rent (around A$250–A$400 per week for shared housing), groceries (A$80–A$150 per week), and transport (A$30–A$50 per week). OSHC costs vary by provider and coverage level. Always confirm the latest fees directly with UNSW at their official website (www.unsw.edu.au) before applying. HeadStart Academy provides indicative data only; we do not guarantee fees. The ESOS Act ensures that fee information is transparent, but providers can adjust tuition each year.

Entry requirements (general guidance)

The English language requirement for this course is an IELTS overall score of 6.0–6.5, with no band below 5.5–6.0 (depending on the band). Equivalent scores from other tests like TOEFL or PTE are likely accepted—check with UNSW. For academic entry, you typically need completion of Australian Year 12 (or equivalent) with a high ATAR or equivalent academic record. Prerequisites may include mathematics and/or law-related subjects. International qualifications are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Foundation or pathway programs may be available if you do not meet direct entry requirements; these are offered by UNSW Global or other providers. Note that entry requirements are set by UNSW and can change; always verify on the provider's website. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission due to competition. The CRICOS register entry for this course does not list specific prerequisites, so contact UNSW for precise details. As with all courses, we recommend consulting the provider directly.

Work component

This course does not include a mandatory work component. You are not required to complete an internship, placement, or work experience as part of the degree. However, you may choose to undertake voluntary work or internships during your studies to gain practical experience. International students studying in Australia on a Student visa (Subclass 500) are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during academic sessions and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. This gives you the opportunity to earn income and gain Australian work experience. Ensure you comply with your visa work limitations and tax obligations. Work rights are automatically granted with a valid student visa, but always check the Department of Home Affairs for current conditions.

Delivery locations

This course is delivered at The University of New South Wales — Kensington, NSW. Kensington is a suburb in Sydney's eastern suburbs, approximately 6 km from the city centre. Sydney is Australia's largest city, home to over 5 million people and more than 500 CRICOS-registered providers offering thousands of courses. The campus is well-served by public transport, including buses and light rail, making it accessible from most parts of Sydney. The cost of living in Sydney is higher than the national average, with indicative weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment around A$500–A$700, though shared accommodation can be cheaper. Groceries and transport add another A$150–A$300 per week. UNSW's Kensington campus offers state-of-the-art facilities, including libraries, labs, and student centres. As a CRICOS-registered provider, UNSW must adhere to ESOS standards, ensuring a quality learning environment. For students considering Sydney, the city's diverse culture, job market, and lifestyle are major draws.

Student visa requirements

International students need a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course in Australia. Key requirements include: a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from UNSW, genuine temporary entrant (GTE) evidence, sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, OSHC, and living costs, and meeting English proficiency requirements. With a Student visa, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited during scheduled breaks. You must maintain OSHC for the duration of your stay. The visa application charge is currently A$710 (subject to change). All courses on HeadStart Academy are CRICOS-registered, which means they meet Australian government standards for international students. Under the ESOS Act, you have protections including tuition fee refunds in certain circumstances. For detailed visa advice, consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent (MARA). HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.

How to apply

Follow these 3 steps to apply for Bachelor of Actuarial Studies/Bachelor of Laws at The University of New South Wales (UNSW):

1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Bachelor Degree), field (Insurance and Actuarial Studies), and location (NSW or Sydney). Compare UNSW with other providers offering similar courses. All providers listed are CRICOS-registered, ensuring quality and government oversight.

2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit UNSW’s international admissions page to review specific entry requirements, including your academic transcripts, English test results (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.), and application deadlines. Submit your application online through UNSW’s portal or via an authorised agent. Ensure you meet all requirements before applying.

3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once UNSW offers you a place, accept it and pay the tuition deposit to receive your CoE. Then apply for a Student visa through the Department of Home Affairs, providing your CoE, OSHC evidence, financial documents, and GTE statement. Wait for visa approval before travelling to Australia.

Explore more CRICOS-registered courses on HeadStart Academy or read our student visa guide for the Student visa (Subclass 500) process.

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